Senator Michael W. Morrissey had proposed a casino referendum as an amendment to a bill that would move up the state's presidential primary by almost one month, from March 4th to February 5th. The amendment would have asked voters if they support the governor's plan to license up to three new casinos in Massachusetts.
Senator Susan Tucker had objected to the amendment, and Senate President Therese Murray ruled that the amendment was 'wholly unrelated' to the presidential primary bill, so voters will not be asked to voice their opinion on the plan as part of the presidential primary ballot.
Massachusetts voters will not get a chance to voice their opinion on the governor's casino plan after legislative leaders refused yesterday to allow a non-binding question on the presidential primary ballot.
Originally, Murray had promised to allow debate on the referendum, but she changed her mind after several far-flung amendments were proposed – including the privatization of the lottery, and one that would authorize slot machines at state racetracks.
If the casino amendment were debated, then the sponsors of the other amendments would expect an equal amount of time devoted to their discussion.
Morissey said "It was a simple effort to allow people to express an interest in non-binding fashion [...] It became a much more complicated issue and died under its own weight."
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