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by ahumbleman from Essex County

Last Post 5 days, 3 hours Ago


Patricks zealous support for casino's
Dec 26, 2007 | 4:13 PM
Category: News
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In addition to the many posts on the myfox community site, I also read fairly regularly a few of the local political blogs as well. Many times I have found them to be ahead of what the main stream news reports. If you fancy left-leaning blogs, then Blue Mass Group and Ryan's Take are two of the more premier blogs in Massachusetts. If of course you prefer to read more right-leaning material then Red Mass Group and Hub Politics are two of the better conservative blogs in this state.

The reason I told you that was because ever since the issue of casinos came to the forefront of Massachusetts politics (before Patrick came out with his three-casino proposal), it was pretty evident that many on the left, including Patrick's most ardent supporters during his campaign for Governor, were steadfastly opposed to the notion of casinos coming to the Common wealth. Which is why I was a little surprised when Patrick put forward his plan to bring not one, but three(!) casinos to the state. The anger among Patrick's supporters has been so severe that it sapped a lot of enthusiasm from his base, helping to contribute to what could generously be called a very lackluster first year as  Governor.

 What has puzzled me over the last couple weeks (since the Casino  hearing to be precise) is why the  Governor would be so zealously pushing this Casino plan despite it being so overwhelmingly unpopular amongst his supporters and that fact that if faces an uncertain future in the Massachusetts legislature. Indeed I think that this casino bill will almost certainly define Gov. Patrick's first term in office, if the legislature kills it he will most likely be completely irrelevant in his last 2 to 2 1/2 years as Governor. Which leads to the question, why is Gov. Patrick "rolling the dice"  on an issue that could cost him his base and threaten what little relevance he has to the Massachusetts political system?

The answer may have much to do with a law firm called Ropes and Gray. Roper and Gray is the only national law firm that is a member of the American Gaming Association, and being the member of such an association it shouldn't surprise anyone that they would be very much in favor of bringing casinos to the state of Massachusetts.
  What is very, very, interesting about the whole matter is that Diane Patrick, the wife of Gov. Deval Patrick is a partner at that firm.

I think fox25 should investigate what would appear to be an enormous conflict on interest.
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Member Comments Total Comments: 5
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Chip read my blog view my photos
Dec 26, 2007 | 7:01 PM

man....you are starting to think like a conservative....no seriusly...well done chris!!! Bravo.
Chip read my blog view my photos
Dec 27, 2007 | 9:08 AM

Here is the question that really matters in this (from the "conflict of interest" slant):

Does Ropes and Gray directly represent either the American Gaming Assn. or any of the casino's under its auspices? If so, Deval Patrick should be indicted....
ahumbleman read my blog view my photos
Dec 27, 2007 | 12:17 PM

They state on their website that the AGA is a client of them on "many matter".
Valintyne read my blog view my photos
Dec 27, 2007 | 4:25 PM

Another hard-hitting expose and thoughtful analysis by Chris! If Battenfeld's job is ever available, you should be standing in line! Well done, and thanks for the info. It certainly smells fishy, although I think Patrick is clinging to this casino thing more because he sees it as the magic cure to budget woes. Like all our financial problems are going to disappear not by balancing the budget, but by keeping all the casino revenue that flows into Connecticut right here in the Commonwealth. But good eyes on this - I'll be paying closer attention to this story now.
Chip read my blog view my photos
Dec 28, 2007 | 8:30 AM

AND, Valintyne, Battenfeld's job SHOULD be open if he's not reporting on this....as well as Mike Beaudet's.

This is scandalous....
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ahumbleman

Men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference.

Member Since: 2/16/2007


 

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