Last modified: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 12:53 AM EDT Lawmakers make pitch for slots at Plainridge BY STEPHEN PETERSON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF Area legislators met with Gov. Deval Patrick Tuesday to push the case for slot machines at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville and at other Massachusetts tracks, arguing gambling has expanded significantly in nearby Rhode Island with the former Lincoln Park's transformation into Twin River. State Sen. Scott Brown and state Rep. Richard Ross, both R-Wrentham, and state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, met with the governor for almost an hour at the Statehouse. "We discussed what is going on at Twin River," Ross said of the Lincoln, R.I., facility that now boasts many more slot machines than the former Lincoln Park. "I don't think he recognized the close proximity we have to other players unfolding with slot machines. "I think it adds a whole new thought to economically what can happen to the region based on what other things are going on. That kind of captured his imagination," Ross said. "He realized it is very important." However, Ross admitted the governor "was noncommital at this point" about slot machines. "What a boon slot machines would be to our area. With Gillette Stadium, the Wrentham mall, one has to realize the potential for great economic stimulation from some of these things we are talking of as initiatives for job growth," Ross said. "These are sides of the story we wanted to make sure he was getting." "I think it is imperative we act quickly," Ross said. "We have to take advantage of the facilities we have to be able to compete in a marketplace to capture some of those dollars. "I think we made out very well," Ross said. He added of the governor, "I am sure it will have some weight in his decision as he moves forward. It was everything I hoped it would be. I thought he was very willing and giving during the talks." Brown termed the meeting a "fair and frank discussion." "We conveyed our thoughts and gave him some information, and he is going to look at it and pass it on to the task force he is developing," he said. Brown acknowledged there was no sign of the governor indicating support for slot machines. "We wanted to convey thoughts about the town of Plainville and Plainridge employees and the people employed by the track in the area," Brown said. The senator said he requested to be on the gambling task force. The local legislators pushed for the special session after being left out of a meeting last month between the governor and Democratic legislators representing both sides of the gambling issue. "He regretted the meeting took place without us," Ross said. "We appreciated the opportunity, and him taking the time."