Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney Demonstrates Slots Opposition
According to a recent report, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney indicated that he would oppose any attempt to expand gambling across the state. The governor's change of mind is rather surprising, since in 1994, when he unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy for re-election, he did support slots and casino operation. Today, Gov. Romney says the state budget is no longer in need of revenues generated by gambling.
Senator Joan M. Manard, who proposed legalizing the construction of two in-the state casinos, was reported as saying that she does not believe that the governor is really sincere in his intentions regarding slots. Manard reportedly maintained that the Governor's new standing on the matter is an inseparable part of his newly established political strategy, as Massachusetts still needs extra money in order to cover its yearly deficits.
Studies conducted by slots advocates and several independent groups regarding the gambling expansion issue in general, and slots operation in particular, have predicted that Massachusetts is expected to collect as much as hundreds of millions of dollars in annual gaming revenues. However, if Romney decides to veto a bill proposing to expand gambling, in order to invalidate the Governor's veto, it would require two thirds of state legislators to vote in favor of slots.
