R.I. casino question shifts odds in Mass.
Gambling and antigambling interests in Massachusetts, along with Bay State politicians, are eyeing Tuesday's Rhode Island referendum on a proposed casino in West Warwick less than 20 miles from the Massachusetts border.
If the measure passes and the $1 billion Harrah's- Narragansett casino gets built, a formidable new competitor would face struggling racetracks in Massachusetts, including the Raynham Park dog track. On the plus side for track operators, if Rhode Island approves a casino, pressure could build on Beacon Hill to allow slot machines at Massachusetts tracks.
Recent polls have shown the Rhode Island casino trailing, but Harrah's Entertainment is pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into advertising in the final days of the campaign. The opposition is well organized and includes two Ocean State venues that already have slot machines -- the Lincoln Park dog track and Newport Grand -- which, like the Massachusetts tracks, are worried about a nearby casino.
The debate in Massachusetts over expanded gambling has been going on for well over a decade. The issue comes up almost every year in the Legislature. Some on Beacon Hill think it's time to adopt the Rhode Island approach.
"We should just put it on the ballot," said Quincy state Senator Michael W. Morrissey, a Democrat. "It would settle the issue."
Bridgewater Representative David L. Flynn, also a Democrat and a supporter of slots, agrees. "We're looking into it at the present time," he said. "It seems the only route to go."
If the racetrack owners or others involved in the controversy take this approach, matters could get complicated. The animal welfare groups that tried and failed to get a greyhound racing ban on the ballot this year say they may try again in two years.
"It sure would be interesting if there were two referendums in 2008 -- one to give the race tracks slots and the other to outlaw greyhound racing," said Carey Theil, executive director of Grey2K USA, which is leading the fight to outlaw dog racing.
Theil stressed, though, that the coalition of groups opposing dog racing has not decided whether to undertake what would be a difficult and costly referendum bid. The state Supreme Judicial Court invalidated the groups' referendum question this year. A 2000 measure to ban dog racing was narrowly defeated at the polls.
Two contests for
Governor's Council
While many offices on the ballot are uncontested this year in Massachusetts, voters do have choices for Governor's Council, the panel that reviews the governor's judicial appointments.
In the First District, which includes Cape Cod and the southern part of Southeastern Massachusetts, incumbent Democrat Carole A. Fiola of Fall River is facing Republican Philip C. Paleologos, owner of the Shawmut Diner in New Bedford and a former syndicated radio host, and independent Paul R. Viveros of Fall River, a real estate manager and investor.
In the Second District, which is made up of Boston and suburbs to the south and west, incumbent Democrat Kelly A. Timilty of Boston is facing Republican Michael W. McCue, a Mansfield selectman.
GOP post open
in state Senate
The Massachusetts Senate minority leader, Brian Lees, is not seeking reelection this year, which means the Republican Party in the Senate will get new leadership in January. With Lees's departure, only five GOP senators will return -- assuming they are reelected -- plus any others who might get elected Tuesday.
Senator Robert L. Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican and one of only two GOP senators in the Globe South suburbs, said he's not interested in the minority leader's post now. "It would involve lifestyle changes," he said. "You practically have to live in the building if you are minority leader."
Hedlund is now the assistant minority whip, or number four in the Senate GOP hierarchy. He said he expects to move up a notch to whip if he is reelected. The seven-term incumbent faces Marshfield Democratic activist Stephen A. Lynch in Tuesday's election.
Signs for Patrick
pop up in Milton
Milton's longstanding, informal prohibition against campaign lawn signs has been overwhelmed by enthusiasm for hometown candidate Deval Patrick. Scattered across town are Patrick signs, including a cluster in front of homes in his Columbine neighborhood.
Southeast Mass.
is battleground
As the campaign for governor and lieutenant governor winds down, the candidates continue to criss-cross Southeastern Massachusetts, which has become a battleground for the parties. Republican Kerry Healey was scheduled to attend several South Shore events yesterday. Her running mate, Reed Hillman, made three trips to the area recently, visiting Weymouth, Cohasset, Marshfield, and Plymouth. Democrat Patrick was in Plymouth and Brockton last week, while his running mate, Tim Murray, was in Foxborough.
Robert Preer can be reached at preer@globe.com. 
