Deval Patrick

The Massachusetts state House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, an opponent of gambling, has resisted efforts by Gov. Deval Patrick to ask voters to legalize casino gambling in the Bay State. But DiMasi appears to have relented, saying he would support referring an advisory question to voters this November. DiMasi is bowing to public and legislative support for Patrick's plan, and to his own political weakness, according to the Boston Globe.

Interest groups and politicians often get what they want simply by threatening an initiative or referendum. They never bother to go through with the campaign.

In Massachusetts, a supporter of Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to license three casinos in the state is threatening to take the idea to the people if it fails to get through the legislature. Massachusetts has the referendum and the initiative, but the power is weak in the state constitution. Such a vote might likely be advisory.