By Associated Press - Thursday, August 1, 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The private contractor that operates the Rhode Island state lottery has donated $150,000 to the Democratic Governors Association in the last six months, while Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo chaired the group.

The Providence Journal reports that the contributions came while Raimondo’s administration was negotiating a proposed 20-year, no-bid lottery contract extension with the company, IGT.

A spokesman for Raimondo referred questions to the governors’ association.

David Turner, a spokesman for that organization, said Raimondo had no role in securing the $150,000, noting that IGT has been a contributor to the governors’ association for 20 years.

Twin River, which has led opposition to the proposed contract extension, donated $100,000 to the Democratic Governors Association in February.

State Republican Party Chairwoman Sue Cienki said there is an “appearance of impropriety.”

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com

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