Indian Gaming > Jeb Bush claims eight-year talks were in 'good faith'

April 1, 2008

Jeb Bush claims eight-year talks were in 'good faith'

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush (R) claims he negotiated in "good faith" with the Seminole Tribe -- for eight years.

In an interview with The Florida Baptist Witness, Bush says he started talking with the tribe after he took office. But he never finalized a Class III compact -- “which I didn’t lose any sleep over, frankly," he told the paper.

“I’m opposed to the expansion of gambling, either geographically or through additional games. Period,” he said.

Bush said the deal negotiated by his successor, Gov. Charlie Crist (R), paves the way for more gaming. "Our intent was to limit gambling, not to expand the number of games and so we never made a proposal that did what Gov. Crist has done," he told the paper.

Bush also said the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act should be amended. "I think it’s absurd that the Indian nations get this status that undermines state policy. It’s a vestige of a bygone era, frankly," he said.

State policy, however, was changed by state voters -- not the tribe. Voters legalized slot machines, paving the way for the tribe to offer them.

The tribe also won the right to offer card games and is going around the country to hire 3,650 card dealers.

Get the Story:
Jeb Bush: Gambling expansion to fix deficit ‘grave mistake’ (The Florida Baptist Witness 3/31)
Florida tribe recruits casino dealers (GateHouse News Service 3/31)