Florida lawmakers say they can negotiate compact

Wednesday, December 12, 2007  

Florida lawmakers say they can negotiate a Class III gaming compact directly with the Seminole Tribe.

The Senate's legal counsel says nothing in federal law authorizes Gov. Charlie Crist (R) as the sole negotiator. Crist has signed a 25-year deal for slot machines and some table games but Republican lawmakers are seeking a role in the process.

The Florida Supreme Court is due to hear a lawsuit over the compact in January 2008.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers, Tribe Can Deal, Lawyer Says (The Tampa Tribune 12/12)
Senate is poised to redo tribe deal (The Miami Herald 12/12)