Casino As Stealth Issue

Lincoln Chafee got some attention in recent days for pooh-poohing talk of an Indian casino in Rhode Island.

Chafee, gearing up for an independent gubernatorial run, would seem to be on safe ground. As he noted on Channel 12's "Newsmakers" show, Rhode Island voters rejected the notion in 2006.

But the idea, which House Speaker William J. Murphy revived of late, could have some life. New legislative leadership in Massachusetts has jumpstarted Governor Deval Patrick's stalled attempt to bring casino gambling to the Bay State. That means pressure to protect - and potentially expand upon - a faltering Twin River slot parlor in Rhode Island.

And with the state's economy showing few signs of life and the budget mess expanding, the idea could become more and more attractive as campaign season heats up. And a split among the gubernatorial candidates would, likely, become the dominant issue in the campaign - a readymade controversy for the media.