Harrah's keeps pumping money into R.I. campaign

RHODE ISLAND – As reported by the Providence Journal: "Harrah's Entertainment continues to pump millions of dollars into its push for a Rhode Island casino -- spending $3.2 million last month alone.

"That's about $106,000 a day.

"In the last four months, the Las Vegas-based company has spent nearly $8.4 million trying to persuade voters to amend the state Constitution to allow it and the Narragansett Indian Tribe to build a casino in West Warwick.

"Save Our State, the group fighting the casino, has spent $1.4 million to date. Most of its money has come from Lincoln Park and Newport Grand.

"This is now the most expensive ballot race in Rhode Island history, according to Brown University political science Prof. Darrell M. West.

"…But even after spending millions of dollars, it appears that Harrah's has not won over Rhode Islanders. Two recent independent polls show people leaning against the casino.

"…The bulk of both sides' money -- as in any race -- went to buy time on local television stations, according to reports with the state Board of Elections. There were also newspaper and radio ads, polls and consultants, meals, hotels and airfare…"