$stalker The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians donated $5,000 to the re-election campaign of Gov. Haley Barbour (R), who has the power to approve the tribe's proposed off-reservation casino.

Barbour has said he opposes expanding gaming. But opponents of the casino -- including pastors and environmental groups -- are suspicious about his acceptance of gaming money.

The tribe wants to build a casino in Ocean Springs, more than 200 miles from the reservation. The 100-acre site is located near a major interstate.

The tribe already has 40 acres in trust there, but it was not acquired for gaming purposes. The tribe submitted an application to under the two-part determination process of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

As part of the process, the state governor has to give his approval before the casino can be built.

Get the Story:
Choctaws gave $5,000 to Barbour's re-election fund (The Mississippi Press 1/24)
Pastors Prepare For Jackson County Casino Debate (WLOX 1/23)
Pastor group plans to oppose Choctaw casino (The Biloxi Sun-Herald 1/23)