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Casinos a Key Issue in Connecticut Governor's Race

"Many thought the state's gambling industry would always be limited to Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. It was something only southeastern Connecticut had to worry about.

"Four years later, the two candidates for governor are talking a lot about casinos and the myriad related issues, including traffic congestion and sprawl. Both candidates understand that more voters, from more parts of Connecticut, are now nervous that another tribe could receive federal acknowledgment and subsequently the right to open a casino.

"…Republican Gov. John G. Rowland has long taken a hands-off approach to tribal recognition and tribal gambling issues, pointing out that as governor he could have to negotiate a gambling compact with any tribe that obtained federal recognition. But he is supporting an appeal of the Eastern Pequot decision, saying he believes there were flaws in the recognition process, and he is endorsing a proposed moratorium on federal recognitions backed by the state's two Democratic senators.

"…That has prompted his Democratic rival, Bill Curry, to accuse Rowland of flip-flopping on the issue. Curry, a longtime opponent of casino development, claims Rowland has a history of supporting gambling, from a failed 1995 proposal to build a casino in Bridgeport to accepting thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from casino interests.

"…Rowland accuses Curry of trying to distort his record.

"Rep. Jefferson B. Davis, D-Pomfret, whose constituents in Windham County are worried about the Nipmuc Tribe in nearby Massachusetts possibly opening a casino, called Rowland's latest position `a hollow statement.' Davis said he hopes that voters will be skeptical of the governor's words.

"…Yet state Sen. William Nickerson, R-Greenwich, who opposes casino development, said he and his Fairfield County constituents are pleased Rowland has taken a more public stance against casinos. He believes it nullifies the issue for Curry…"

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