State House Dynamics

Despite tough talk in recent weeks over casino gambling in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick says reports of tension with House Speaker Sal Dimasi are greatly overblown.

But some lawmakers and lobbyists at the State House aren't so sure. They worry that even the perception of leaders bickering about casinos will further erode public confidence and interfere with work on scores of unresolved bills.

WBUR'S Martha Bebinger works out of the State House, and joins us now to talk about the politics playing out there this year.