Politics

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Although the state doesn't own Twin River, it gets 60 percent of the money gambled there - about 270 million dollars each year.

Robert Walsh of the National Education Association Rhode Island says that revenue stream could be sold to a private bidder for billions of dollars.

Under Walsh's concept, those billions would be applied to the state's estimated seven billion to nine billion dollars in unfunded pension liability.

By IAN DONNIS

Providence, RI – Providence's top two Democrats are non-committal about whether they'll back the reelection next year of Congressman David Cicilline.

In separate interviews, Mayor Angel Taveras and City Council President Michael Solomon say they remain undecided about backing Cicilline.

Taveras says he usually supports fellow Democrats, but has also backed Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, a Republican. When asked about the possibility of Cicilline winning another term in office, Taveras said the elections are too far off.

By IAN DONNIS

Providence, RI – More than 200 people were on hand yesterday, when former State Police Superintendent Brendan Doherty launched his campaign for the Congressional seat held by Democrat David Cicilline.

By IAN DONNIS & FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox says same-sex marriage legislation is dead for the year.

Fox, who is openly gay and a strong backer of same-sex marriage, says there is insuperable opposition in the Senate. He's sponsoring civil union legislation instead.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, a powerful opponent of gay marriage legislation, says she will support the civil union bill and predicts it will pass.