Khazei opposes casinos, urges opponents to do the same.

At this morning's Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce candidate's forum, Alan Khazei announced his strong opposition to casino gaming in Massachusetts.

Khazei followed that up later this morning with a press release reinforcing that statement, and calling on his rivals in the Democratic primary to join him in opposition to the proposal.

Khazei said in the release:

“I am strongly opposed to gambling in Massachusetts. I understand that people are hurting and need work, but we can create good, high-paying jobs in green industries and clean energy, supporting small business and emphasizing health care, education, bio-tech, tourism, and other industries where Massachusetts has a competitive advantage.  New gambling machines prey especially on primarily low-income families and people suffering from addiction—the very people who are struggling the most in this terrible economy.

I am deeply concerned about the lobbyists and special interests behind this idea and their pursuit of personal gain.  Bringing casinos to Massachusetts would irrevocably change the nature of our Commonwealth, the very birthplace of American democracy.  Once we bring casinos to Massachusetts we will never be able to reverse that monumental decision.  I'm the father of two young children, and I don't want them to grow up in a state with casinos.  Lobbyists and big corporate PACs are pushing this. Citizens can stop this. We have to fight the special interests. I urge Attorney General Martha Coakley and Congressman Michael Capuano to take a stand against casinos in Massachusetts.”

It's a strong statement by Khazei, and an interesting gambit to both a) capture press attention, and b) try to rally those voters who passionately oppose casino gaming in the Commonwealth.

At the same time, I am inclined to agree with Capuano, who told the Globe, "he was not actively involved in the casino gambling issue because it is not a matter that will be addressed by the US Senate."  Casino gaming is a state issue, and as such should be left to the Gubernatorial debate next year.  I understand Khazei's desire/need to differentiate himself among the field, and I respect his passion for this issue.

However, I personally don't like when levels and roles of government get clouded.  Let's keep state issues at the state level, city issues at city level, federal issues at the federal level, etc.