Off-reservation casino bills inspire big fight

Friday, February 15, 2008  

Disgraced Republican lobbyists Jack Abramoff is in prison but his name is being thrown around a lot as the House considers legislation to authorize two off-reservation casinos.

Abramoff lobbied against casinos sought by tribes in Louisiana and Michigan. One of his former clients was the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, which spent $14 million in hopes of defeating rival gaming projects.

The Saginaw Chippewas dumped Abramoff but the tribe is opposing legislation to allow the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians to open casinos hundreds of miles from existing reservation. Other opponents include members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Las Vegas gaming interests.

"I'm somewhat optimistic that we can get this through Congress, which is not to say it isn't going to be a battle," Bay Mills Chairman Jeff Parker told The Port Huron Times Herald. "Those opposed to this for financial reasons will continue to throw money at it."

Get the Story:
Casino fight grows into big-time brawl (The Port Huron Times Herald 2/15)