"The governor's casino idea is promising. But it seems unripe for legislative discussion, and it seems premature to assume that the state will actually collect a $200 million casino licensing fee the governor is counting on. The three tribes involved -- Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth -- have not yet agreed with the state on fundamental features of such an enterprise, such as how proceeds would be shared or what an appropriate license fee might be.

Pawlenty said he remains open to conversations with other tribes that might lead to new compacts that would guarantee revenue for the state and exclusivity for the tribes. Those conversations ought to be pursued now in earnest, by both parties."

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Editorial: A shifty budget/Pawlenty pushes costs elsewhere (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/26)
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