A lobbying firm sought to end its relationship with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as early as May 19, The Fayetteville Observer reports.

Lewin International said negative publicity about the deal would harm its efforts to lobby for the tribe's federal recognition bill. The firm also was bothered by the manner in which a small group of tribal leaders handled the contract, according to documents obtained by the paper.

"I have come to believe strongly in the justice of the tribe's efforts to achieve federal recognition," Larry Lewin, the firm's owner, wrote told the tribe, the paper reported. "However, . it is apparent that Lewin International's continued association with the tribe will not facilitate this goal."

The contract was negotiated by former chairman Jimmy Goins and three tribal council members late last year. When tribal members learned about it in March, they said it would derail the recognition bill because Lewin intended to push for gaming.

The House passed a bill to recognize the tribe in June 2009. The bill bars the tribe from engaging in gaming under any state or federal law.

The Senate has yet to take action on the bill.

Get the Story:
Letter shows consultant sought to end Lumbee deal (The Fayetteville Observer 6/8)

An Opinion:
Editorial: On Account - Lumbee leaders jeopardized tribe's prospects (The Fayetteville Observer 6/8)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

Related Stories:
Lumbee Tribe kills controversial contract with lobbying firm (6/7)
Lumbee lobbying contract was negotiated by last chairman (6/4)
Lumbee Tribe won't give up controversial lobbying contract (5/21)
Editorial: Lumbee Tribe should reconsider lobbying contract (5/20)
Lumbee lobbying contract calls for no gambling restrictions (5/18)
Lumbee leaders host meeting to explain lobbying contract (5/11)
Opinion: Lumbee Tribe lobbying contract makes no sense (5/10)
Lumbee Tribe holds meeting to discuss lobbying contract (5/7)
Lumbee group urges chairman to kill recognition contract (4/27)
Editorial: Lumbee leaders gambling with recognition bid (4/19)
Lumbee council fails in vote to rescind lobbying contract (4/16)
Lumbee leaders threatened with recall over lobbying deal (4/13)
Lumbee group plans to discuss contract for recognition bid (4/8)
Editorial: Hope fading fast for Lumbee Tribe's recognition (03/22)
Lumbee Tribe ends relationship with longtime attorney (3/19)
New Lumbee chairman promises to push for recognition (1/15)
Lumbee Tribe chairman aims to boost credibility (11/18)
Lumbee Tribe moves closer to federal recognition (10/23)