Convention delegates vote to oppose slot machines

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Democrats at the party's state convention passed a resolution to oppose the legalization of slot machines in Massachusetts.

Saturday's resolution, which also called for opposing other efforts to raise more revue through "addictive and predatory" gambling, was championed by Kathleen Norbut of Monson, a member of the Democratic State Committee.

She says it was designed to send a message to state lawmakers, who are expected to decide in the fall whether to legalize casinos, something favored by Gov. Deval Patrick.

John Walsh, the state party chairman, says the resolution shouldn't be viewed as a blow to the Democratic governor, but shows there are member of the party on both sides of the issue.

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