Last modified: Sunday, June 15, 2008 2:18 AM EDT Gambling plan supported by city candidates BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - All three candidates for state representative in Attleboro support the legalization of casino gambling in Massachusetts. The House has overwhelmingly voted against a plan by Gov. Deval Patrick to allow three casinos in the state, but the local candidates said Massachusetts is missing out on money being spent in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Democrats Kate Jackson and William Bowles and Republican George Ross said they would like some of that gambling money to stay in Massachusetts to create jobs and tax revenue for cities and towns. Bowles and Ross - both city councilors - said they also support allowing slot machines at race tracks such as Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville. Jackson, a former city councilor, said she has doubts about the slot machine idea because she questions whether it would create many jobs. "But casinos, I'm all for them," she said, although she added she is not sure the state needs three casinos, as Patrick proposed. She said with cities and towns having financial problems, the added tax revenue from a casino or two would be a help. Jackson, like Bowles and Ross, said Massachusetts residents are driving to gambling venues in Rhode Island and Connecticut to spend their money because they cannot gamble here. Bowles, who will oppose Jackson in a September primary, said he was disappointed that the Legislature cut off a debate on casinos so soon without fully exploring the issue, and the matter should be reconsidered. He said he would put three conditions on support for casinos: The state lottery must be protected against a loss of revenue because the lottery funds city and town governments, communities that become home to casinos have to be compensated for additional services and programs have to be expanded to handle any health or social problems that result from gambling. Bowles said slot machines at tracks is probably the fastest way to increase revenue to cities and towns. Ross, who will square off against the winner of the Jackson-Bowles primary, said he occasionally gambles in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and sees nothing wrong with it. "I think we're missing the boat without slots or casinos," he said. He said one way to proceed may be to allow slot machines at the race tracks and see how that does before approving casinos. Although the House firmly rejected casinos, Speaker Sal DiMasi has said he is open to holding a non-binding referendum on the issue and reconsidering it in the Legislature next year. Some lawmakers, such as Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, have said they believe casinos would be approved if their tax revenue was earmarked for cities and towns, rather than the state. Jackson, Bowles and Ross are running for the seat being vacated by Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro. JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.