Casino Campaign Spending Oversight Sought

        The state's top elections official wants a stronger system of monitoring the hefty sums of cash likely to be spent on influencing future local casino votes in Massachusetts.  WAMC’S Paul Tuthill reports.

        Secretary of State William Galvin urged a legislative panel on Wednesday to support a bill that would require all campaign expenditures made on casino referendums to be reported to the state office of Campaign and Political Finance.

       Currently, spending on local ballot issues must only be reported to the clerk's office in that community.

       Galvin argued that millions could potentially be poured into casino campaigns, warranting enhanced disclosure of the source of that money.

       He noted the bill would not place limits on spending for or against casinos.

        It was unclear if the measure would be acted on before the legislative session ends July 31