The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians are in talks with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) about renegotiating their compacts.

The Agua Calientes are sponsoring a ballot initiative in opposition to compacts Schwarzenegger has signed with other tribes. The Morongos had previously made an offer to the state that was rejected.

But now both tribes have met with representatives of the governor's office. However, Schwarzenegger doesn't plan on face-to-face negotiations.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has endorsed Proposition 70, sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band. It is competing with the compacts and Proposition 68, which would break the tribal monopoly on slot machines and allow them at race tracks and card clubs.

Schwarzenegger is opposed to both. His lawyers are arguing that if they are approved in a certain way, gaming could explode without any revenues going to the state. His compacts require tribes to share a portion of slot machine revenues.

Get the Story:
Local tribes in talks with governor (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 9/15)
Foes Say Gambling Vote Could Foil State (The Los Angeles Times 9/15)
pwlat