Harrah's apologizes for e-mail

RHODE ISLAND – As reported by the Providence Journal: "The Harrah's Entertainment group pushing for a Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick said yesterday that it has disciplined an 'overzealous' staffer for sending an 'unauthorized' e-mail on Saturday criticizing Republican candidates opposed to the casino and endorsing Democratic candidates in tomorrow's election.

"The e-mail, attacking casino foes as 'rich and privileged elitists,' criticized Governor Carcieri and U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee and urged voters to support their opponents — Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty and Sheldon Whitehouse. (Fogarty and Whitehouse also oppose the casino, though Chafee has criticized Whitehouse for saying that federal legislation requiring voter approval of a Narragansett casino on tribal land was unfair.)

"The e-mail was sent from an address associated with keepitinri.com, the Web site of the Harrah's casino group Rhode Islanders for Jobs and Tax Relief. Hundreds of people are on the list of recipients, including journalists.

"About three hours later, another e-mail went out, disavowing the earlier message. The second e-mail apologized, saying that Rhode Islanders for Jobs and Tax Relief is a 'nonpartisan' organization with 'strict rules' against advocacy for or against individual candidates…"