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: