In a surprise move, the Connecticut state House started debating a controversial proposal that could bring an MGM casino to Bridgeport.

The House speaker basically declared the proposal dead last week, but it came up as a surprise bill Thursday evening.

Lawmakers from Bridgeport and New Haven threatened to filibuster on the House floor unless the measure was brought up for a vote Thursday night.

Before midnight, Rep. Matt Ritter, the House Democratic leader, abruptly ended the session for the night, cutting off all debate on the casino bill. He gave no explanation.