Following the collapse of the expanded gaming bill roughly two months prior, observers both inside and outside political circles suggested tension existed between the governor and the speaker – claiming a deeply personal divide had formed between them. The appearance of conflict seemed evident when the speaker took a firm stance and refused to compromise after the governor announced he would veto any expanded gaming bill containing slots designated for the state’s struggling racing tracks. Yet in the time since, through both private discussions and public statements, the speaker has made his position unmistakable. “The governor and I are good friends. He has done a lot for me and we had a great legislative session. I am 100% with the governor in his re-election bid – and all of us should be with him,” DeLeo stated Saturday during a Patrick campaign event at the Bagel Bin on Shirley Avenue in Revere. “We’ve worked together for pension reform, job creation, health care, and ethics. He’s been there for me and I am there for him,” he continued. When DeLeo arrived at the Revere deli on Saturday, the crowd responded with applause. His standing in Revere appears to have reached new heights. The governor experienced similar enthusiasm – and both democrats seemed energized by the positive atmosphere inside the establishment. The governor subsequently expressed satisfaction with the speaker’s backing – and emphasized that he recognized DeLeo’s support to be genuine. “I don’t think the speaker could fake the speech he made inside the Bagel Bin. It was as real as his support for me and I thank him for it,” the governor remarked. Any disagreement that had surfaced now appears to have transformed into authentic solidarity. “We all have to work hard for the governor to be re-elected. It is important,” the speaker stated.
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