Democratic hopeful opposes Tohono O'odham Nation casino

Friday, August 24, 2012  

Ann Kirkpatrick, a Democratic candidate for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, opposes the proposed Tohono O'odham Nation casino.

Kirkpatrick says the West Valley Resort could open the doors to non-Indian gaming. She claims Proposition 202, which voters approved in 2000, limits casinos to "tribal lands" and "tribal reservations."

"I support the historic, unified effort of tribes to pass Prop. 202 and therefore support the tribes having the exclusive right to gaming on tribal reservations," Kirkpatrick's campaign told The Arizona Daily Star.

Kirkpatrick's campaign did not object when the paper asked whether she would support H.R.2938, a bill that blocks the Tohono O'odham casino. However, she opposes amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which would not be affected by H.R.2938.

Kirkpatrick is vying with Wenona Benally Baldenegro, a member of the Navajo Nation, for the Democratic nomination. The Daily Star did not report Baldenegro's stance on Indian gaming.

The newly redrawn 1st Congressional District covers 12 reservations. Kirkpatrick represented the district under its old boundaries before she was defeated in 2010.

Get the Story:
Paton, Kirpatrick share opposition to Glendale casino (The Arizona Daily Star 8/24)

Republican candidate wants to amend IGRA to limit casinos (8/23)