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Joe Mathieu Talks To The Candidates: Charlie Baker

BOSTON (CBS) –In an interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Joe Mathieu, Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker talked about a number of issues, including the proposed Springfield casino.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will meet Thursday to discuss several topics, including a progress report on the MGM Casino construction in Springfield.

Baker explained why he likes the Springfield plan, but also doesn't see casinos as a panacea for job growth overall in the state.

"I've always said that I thought one casino would make sense because there are a lot of people who travel outside of Massachusetts to other places and because I support one casino I'm going to vote against the (ballot) question," Baker told Mathieu.

"But if the question does pass and we do repeal the existing casino law, which basically means the voters vote against three casinos and a slot parlor, what I would like to do at that point is at least engage a conversation about the Springfield proposal."

Baker said he likes a casino in Springfield because it's in a part of the state that's not doing as well as the rest of the Commonwealth and it's a major investment in the city.

"It's worth a debate and a discussion," he said.

The Baker interview is the first in a series of interviews Joe Mathieu and WBZ NewsRadio 1030 will be conducting with the candidates running for office in November.

Listen to Joe's interview with Baker:

Baker on Casinos

Baker on Ballot Questions

Baker on Being a Republican In Mass. and the Economy

Baker on Jobs and Business Regulations

Baker on Casinos and Medical Marijuana

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