The power and popularity of Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the Massachusetts House, and the state’s urgent need for money, was made even more apparent yesterday

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DeLeo's proposal for slots at state tracks along with approval of two casinos breezed through by a veto-proof vote of 120 to 37.

An ecstatic DeLeo told a packed House chamber: “We all did ourselves very proud. I think what we can say is that we are the envy of every other state in the country.”

DeLeo’s point man on the legislation, Rep. Brian Dempsey, said the bill will create more than 15,000 jobs and bring the state $100 million a year, and said the positive impact of the bill will clearly outweigh the negatives raised by opponents.

The measure now goes to the Senate, where it faces a tougher vote, particularly on the slots portion of the bill.

(Harness Tracks of America)