Asked in a live webcast last week whether he supports legalization of slot casinos in New Hampshire, Senator Judd Gregg responded with an unambiguous NO, explaining,

"I don't see that as a legitimate way to get revenue for us as a state. I don't think we are a big enough state with a strong enough infrastructure to defend ourselves against people who would come in here to run that type of operation. Those folks are high-funded people who know how to influence legislative activity. I would be very concerned about the influence ... I think it undermines the basic character of the state to go that route."

 

Senator Gregg is the highest ranking elected New Hampshire Republican, ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, former New Hampshire Governor, and former Executive Councilor.

 

Grass roots Republicans have been frustrated with the party for its having become untethered from its fundamental moorings.

 

The NH GOP platform is in unambiguous opposition:  "Oppose casino and video-lottery gambling because of the negative social consequences."

 

Legalizing casinos is thin cover for a large tax increase on consumer disposable income, would cannibalize revenues from existing New Hampshire business, would damage the fundamental unit of social organization - families - and, as Senator Gregg warns, would corrupt state government.