R.I. campaigns spending rises

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Providence Journal: "Harrah's Entertainment is spending nearly $140,000 a day trying to convince voters to amend the state Constitution for its proposed West Warwick casino.

"In the first three weeks of October, the Las Vegas-based company spent $3.3 million, bringing its total spending in the campaign so far to $11.7 million, according to a filing yesterday with the state Board of Elections.

"Anti-casino group Save Our State spent $1.4 million in the same period, bringing its total spending to $2.8 million.

"Harrah's has accelerated its spending recently as polls have shown voters leaning away from the casino question. With less than a week to go before the election, it seems that almost everywhere one turns Harrah's has an ad. There are billboards, mailings, newspaper and television.

"Save Our State, which started its campaign much later than Harrah's, has also picked its spending recently, focusing on television ads. Most of the group's money continues to come from the state's two existing slot halls: Lincoln Park and Newport Grand. Lincoln Park has contributed $1.6 million to the campaign to date and Newport Grand has donated $976,000…"