The Democratic candidates for governor of Alabama support a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians while some Republican candidate oppose the idea.
The tribe has requested negotiations for over a decade. Rep. Artur Davis (D) and state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks say they would come to the table. "I would favor negotiating a fair compact that balances our revenue needs with the unique position of the Poarch Creeks as a separate and sovereign entity," Davis told The Mobile Press-Register in an e-mail. But Republican Roy Moore, a former state Supreme Court judge, is against a compact. He says there is no reason to treat the Poarch Creeks any different from non-Indians. "The Indians, quote unquote, aren't wearing feathers in their cap anymore. Maybe I shouldn't quote that. Indian tribes consist of people just like you and I," Moore told the paper. Another GOP candidate, Tim James, said he opposes all forms of gaming even though a tribal lobbyist serves as his campaign chairman. Three other GOP hopefuls didn't respond to a query about the issue. Get the Story: