"Lumbee Chairman Purnell Swett says he's confident that the tribe will win federal recognition this year. We hope he's right.

If it happens, it will be a dramatic rebound from one of the tribe's worst blunders in the more than 50 years it has sought full tribal status. Last winter, the tribe abruptly dumped its longtime Washington lawyer and lobbyist in favor of a Las Vegas gaming consultant. While the tribe denied interest in gambling - the recognition bill in Congress forbids casino operations - the contract was written so the consultant could lead the tribe into gaming.

When the impact of that strategy became clear, tribe and consultant parted company. The tribe is making a furious damage-control effort and has raised more than $170,000 for a final lobbying effort.

The Lumbees have hired a veteran American Indian law firm in Washington to lobby for the bill, which has strong Obama administration support and has already passed the House and a key Senate committee."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Deadline - Lumbees hopeful as congressional clock ticks (The Fayetteville Observer 9/14)

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

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