The 12th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference wrapped up on Thursday as California tribes discuss the state of affairs in Washington, D.C.

In the 109th Congress, tribes had to fight a slew of anti-gaming proposals. California was singled out as a hotbed of "reservation shopping," with tribes in the state on both sides of the controversial issue.

But with Democrats in control, tribes are in a much better position, one lobbyist said. "We are immensely powerful right now," Tom Rogers said, The North County Times reported.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association sponsored the conference, which took place at the casino owned by the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. CNIGA holds its membership meeting today.

Get the Story:
Area tribes discuss political '07 outlook (The North County Times 1/19)
Gambling tribes courting labor's political friends (Copley News Service 1/18)