Casino Vote Day: Salem Reps, Residents Come Out in Support

Salem supporters of New Hampshire's expanded gambling bill made sure their presence was known this morning amongst a throng of folks outside of the statehouse in Concord.

Standing near the front steps were Reps. Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) and Robert Elliott (R-Salem). Elliott urged the four Salem representatives who have been rumored to be against Senate Bill 152 to change their minds as a House vote looms.

Sweeney, a freshman representative, said that he feels the pendulum has been swinging in Concord.

Holding a "Salem 81% 'Strong'" sign was Casino Advisory Committee member Gary Boutin. The sign is in reference to Salem's 81 percent non-binding referendum vote in March in favor of a casino at Rockingham Park.

Boutin shared the story of his wife, who died on May 2 at the age of 57 after battling through 42 surgeries for a rare condition she contracted in 2004.

But just weeks before her death, Boutin said that she mustered up the strength to get out to the Salem polls and vote in favor of the non-binding referendum.

"She would have wanted to be standing here next to me today," he said.

Senate Bill 152 calls for up to 150 table games and no more than 5,000 video lottery/slot machines at one highly regulated location in the state.