Legislators At Odds Over Casino Bill

Massachusetts legislative leaders with opposing viewpoints on slot machines at racetracks are digging in their heels.

Gov. Deval Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray oppose adding slot machines at the state's four racetracks, in part because sanctioning expanded gambling would be comparable to awarding the racetracks a lucrative no-bid contract, Patrick said.

Murray agreed, also calling the slots a "non-bid, non-competitive contract," and added that the Senate does not want to go in that direction.

Murray's remarks came just hours after House Speaker Robert DeLeo reiterated his desire for slots, insisting that the plan would be bring immediate economic benefits to the state.

"If someone else can come up with a better plan that's going to bring $100 million to local aid next year, I'm willing to discuss it," DeLeo said. "But my top priority is jobs and local aid."

The renewed stances come as a House-Senate conference committee begins work on a compromise casino bill.