Several political observers point out that DiMasi has opposed two previous ideas for new revenue — closing corporate tax loopholes and allowing cities and towns to tax meals and hotel rooms.
A third “no” vote, on a plan that could bring as much as $500 million of revenue to the state each year, could get DiMasi painted as a steadfast opponent of plans that could lower property taxes.
Obververs say odds are good that DiMasi would give up his staunch opposition, in favor of negotiating how the state will control gaming. If so, Patrick will have shifted the entire casino debate in Massachusetts from “whether” to “how.”
Related:
It's a reasonable bet that gaming could once again gridlock Beacon Hill, Cheap jokes R us, Let's get serious, More 
- It's a reasonable bet that gaming could once again gridlock Beacon Hill
Gaming bills have plagued the last two legislative sessions on Beacon Hill.
- Cheap jokes R us
Phillipe and Jorge's esteemed columnist friends from the Urinal, Bob Kerr and Edward Fitzpatrick, both picked up last week on the new bright orange "P" that is now meant to be the symbol of Providence to the outside world
- Let's get serious
The odds are that casino gambling is coming to Massachusetts. The state’s big three — Governor Deval Patrick, State Senate President Therese Murray, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo — are all in favor.
- No side bets
Opponents of legalized gaming in Massachusetts are celebrating the death this past week of Governor Deval Patrick’s bill to license casinos, which was crushed by a seemingly decisive margin of more than two-to-one.
- Ménage-à-trashed?
In the hothouse of this past month’s same-sex-marriage battle, the State House’s top three leaders emerged as surprisingly cozy bedfellows.
- State of flux
A few weeks ago, the state legislature headed into its winter break with what might be called a flurry of inactivity.
- The Third Annual Phoenix Memorial Day look at the laughable state of Massachusetts politics
Hey, thanks for having me back for the Third Annual Boston Phoenix Memorial Day Political Roast! Good to see so many of you here — the last time I saw this many Beacon Hill insiders in one place was on the prospective witness list for the Sal DiMasi trial!
- Deval Patrick is on a second-term winning streak, and casinos might be the next payoff
Last summer, when Deval Patrick's veto killed a gaming bill in the final days of the legislative session, many thought he had badly damaged himself politically. He was, after all, the one who had pushed for casinos in Massachusetts almost from the day he entered office.
- Power hungry?
It’s remarkable how dramatically the state’s political leadership has changed since the most recent Constitutional Convention.
- Reader reactions to the Portland Phoenix endorsements
I don't mind you endorsing the Oxford casino but I would have expected a more informed decision.
- Man with a load of mischief
According to the Maine Sunday Telegram, gambling is OK in Biddeford or Washington County, but if it happens in Lewiston, it's pure evil.
- Less
Topics:
Talking Politics
, Doug Rubin, Deval Patrick, Dan O'Connell, More
, Doug Rubin, Deval Patrick, Dan O'Connell, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native American Issues, casino, gaming, Deval Patrick, Michael Dukakis, Less
