As reported by the Newport Daily: “Barring a successful legal challenge,
casino proponents will be spinning the electoral roulette wheel this
November to see if voters will approve an amendment to the constitution
allowing a privately run casino in the state. “The Senate approved the
constitutional referendum, 23-13. Unlike all other legislation, the governor
does not have veto power over constitutional questions, so the issue will
head to the ballot unless it is challenged in court. “The vote came after 90
minutes of debate and after supporters narrowly defeated a proposed
amendment to open the casino license to competitive bidding. As worded, the
resolution would, if approved, put into the constitution a provision
granting one casino license to ‘the Narragansett Indian tribe and its chosen
partner.’ The tribe has a partnership with Harrah’s Entertainment to run the
casino. The referendum also stipulates that all state revenue from the
casino be dedicated to property tax relief.

“Tribe Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas was surprisingly subdued following the
vote. Addressing reporters, Thomas said he was pleased with the Senate vote.

“.Rep. Timothy A. Williamson, D-West Warwick, the bill’s sponsor, said he
was ‘happy’ that the issue appeared to be heading for the ballot, but said
he expected some group would mount a legal challenge.

“.Gov. Donald L. Carcieri quickly issued a statement blasting the vote and
said his legal team would be reviewing the legislation to determine if a
court challenge is justified.”