House Blocks Casino Plan

After months of wrangling, house lawmakers have shot down the governor's proposal to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts.

The house vote was overwhelming. 108 to 46 to send the three casino proposal to a study committee, effectively killing the legislation for the year.

Lawmakers debated the merits of the plan for six hours before the final vote.

The outcome disappointed AFL-CIO President Robert Haynes, who said the legislature has to find revenue and jobs.

"My challenge to this legislature is to go back in there and get to work and find out how we can restore some economic security to the people who live in this commonwealth." Haynes said.

House Speaker Sal DiMasi, who has opposed the casino plan, issued a written statement praising the vote.

He said big money special interests lost, and the people of Massachusetts won.

A spokesman for Governor Deval Patrick issued a statement yesterday.

It read, "the Governor looks forward to continuing to work with House and Senate leadership and members to push our comprehensive jobs creation and economic development agenda."