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Where NH gov candidates stand on casinos

319 days ago

By The Associated Press

New Hampshire's gubernatorial candidates have offered varying degrees of qualified support for casino gambling. Supporters say New Hampshire stands to lose its edge if it doesn't act to bring gaming to the Granite State before casinos open in Massachusetts, while opponents say casinos would bring societal ills and siphon money from established businesses.

Here's where the candidates stand:

Republican Ovide Lamontagne said in a statement he is "personally opposed to expanded gaming." However, he would be open to legislation authorizing a single casino at Rockingham Park, which he views as a key economic development opportunity for southern New Hampshire.

Kevin Smith, also a Republican, is critical of what he calls Lamontagne's "one-site" casino approach, saying the state should not be "choosing winners and losers." Smith supports two competitively bid casinos with strong regulatory oversight.

Both Republicans insist casino revenues should only go toward lowering taxes or existing programs, but not for any new state spending.

Democrat Jackie Cilley said she'd be open to casinos in places where residents were supportive, but also had "serious questions of how much it adds to the quality of life, the revenue base and all that." She said recent trends in the gambling industry nationwide cast doubt about casinos as a sustainable revenue source.

Democrat Maggie Hassan would consider a "well regulated, high-end casino," that would stem the flow of revenue to other states, but was also concerned about social ills associated with gambling, according to a campaign spokesman.

A third Democrat, Bill Kennedy, opposes casinos because of potential crime and corruption, but would be open to discussion of facilities outside of urban areas, according to his website.

Republican Robert Tarr could not be located for comment.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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