Patrick wants in on casino negotiations
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says he wants to be dealt into the negotiations over a final version of a casino bill.
Patrick says there's not much time left in the Legislature's formal session, which ends July 31, for what he called "backing and forthing."
Patrick says he wants to be active in those talks as a special six-member House and Senate conference committee hammers out a final compromise.
Senate President Therese Murray says the conference members will be named on Tuesday. She says she's confident they'll reach a deal in time.
One of the biggest challenges is the question of racetrack slots.
The House bill allows two casinos and 750 slots at each of the state's four racetracks. The Senate calls for three casinos and maintains the existing ban on racetrack slots.
