"The Spokane Tribe's proposal to build its third casino at an off-reservation site a few miles outside of Washington's second-largest city has generated a lot of attention across the state recently, and for good reason. The precedent that will be established by the decision on this proposal holds tremendous importance for Washington state and will reverberate nationally.

While all of the potential consequences of this situation aren't clear, we don't think the expansion is good -- for tribes, for our communities or for our state.

As longtime advocates for tribal sovereignty, self-determination and economic development, we know it's vital for tribes to continue their momentum and progress in these areas, but not at any price. This off-reservation casino proposal concerns us because of the implications it holds for the expansion of gambling in Washington."

Get the Story:
Mike Lowry and Ralph Munro: Don't let Spokane Tribe build a casino off reservation (The Seattle Times 8/8)

Related Stories:
It's tribe against tribe for some off-reservation gaming projects (07/10)