Newport Backs Private Lawsuit On Casino Referendum

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Newport's City Council has voted unanimously to support a lawsuit of three city residents who insist the Nov. 4 referendum on gambling expansion at Newport Grand is unconstitutional.

The Newport Daily News reports that Councilman Michael T. Farley said Wednesday it's Newport's last chance to try fixing what he says was handled poorly by the legislature.

The lawsuit filed in September seeks a halt to the referendum because the General Assembly passed a law calling for one statewide referendum on the proposed addition of table games at Newport Grand. Lawmakers did not require a separate referendum in Newport.

Local votes on the statewide referendum will instead be tabulated separately to determine approval in Newport. Question 1 must pass both statewide and locally to take effect.