Keller @ Large: Berwick, Coakley, Grossman In WBZ-TV Discussion
BOSTON (CBS) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Grossman opened up a new line of attack against frontrunner Martha Coakley today during a debate at the WBZ-TV studios, saying he "couldn't believe" Coakley's statement that she'd be open to allowing a casino in Springfield even if voters repeal the casino law this November.
Both Grossman and Coakley advocate a "no" vote on Question 3, the ballot question that, if approved, would once again make casinos illegal in Massachusetts. Candidate Don Berwick is a staunch supporter of repeal, saying in today's debate that "Governor Patrick made a bad call when he decided to support the casinos in this state and I oppose them."
But it was Grossman who aggressively pushed back on Coakley's remarks, which were made earlier this week during a debate in Springfield.
"I really couldn't believe it, she said if the law's repealed [she is] open to the idea that [GOP gubernatorial candidate] Charlie Baker laid out, which is to actually go back to the legislature and see if we might be able to overturn the will of the people and maybe create a casino in Springfield," said Grossman. "The idea that a governor would support overturning the will of the people, undermining the democracy…if the people of this state vote to repeal the casinos, I will not support a law and will not sign it because that would be wrong."
Coakley's response: "What I actually said was let's see what happens in November, I'm fully prepared to see this robust debate on casinos, pros and cons. And if it is repealed I said look, the voters in Springfield actually voted to have it, and I would keep an open mind…. The voters in Springfield voted for it under the statute, that's also democracy."
You can watch the debate in its entirety this Sunday, August 31 at 8:30am on WBZ, or on-demand thereafter at CBSBoston.com.
You can also watch a recent debate here between the two GOP candidates for governor, Charlie Baker and Mark Fisher.
You can watch the entire discussion this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on WBZ-TV or anytime thereafter on CBSBoston.com.
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
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