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Hearings on Rejection of Wisconsin Indian Casino Project Continue

WASHINGTON -- The rejection of a proposal for a Wisconsin Indian casino was based on facts and not improper political pressure, according to George Skibune, head of the Indian gaming for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Michael Anderson, an Interior Department official who signed the letter rejecting the project.

Still, the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee is undergoing four days of hearings to investigate whether Democratic campaign contributions (totaling more then $270,000) from rival tribes opposed to the project swayed their decision to reject it and what role Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt played in the process.

"I was not pressured in any way by anyone to reach a particular recommendation in this matter,"' said Skibine, who initially recommended that a request by three groups of Chippewa Indians to turn a Hudson, Wisconsin dog track into a casino be rejected.

Anderson told the committee, "'I have no knowledge of any improper political influence or knowledge of even rumors or suggestions that campaign contributions played any role in this decision. The application, if granted, would have caused detriment to the surrounding community."

Patrick O'Connor, a Democratic fund-raiser hired by the opposing tribes to kill the plan, will testify before the committee next week. O'Connor has discussed the issue with President Clinton and other White House officials and sought help from Democratic National Committee Chairman Don Fowler.

Fred Havenick, a partner with three Chippewa Indian tribes in the casino plan, claimed that Skibine told him at a 1996 meeting that "it was the political people who turned you down." Skibine denied making the comment and five department employees who were present claimed that such a statement was never made.

Committee Republicans, on the other hand, pointed to claims by two people who were present that Skibine did indeed make the comment. And a chairman of one of the Chippewa tribes said that he heard Skibine talking about political pressure. "Maybe there was no political influence, but it sure does stink,'' Republican Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana, chairman of the committee, said.

Attorney General Janet Reno will decide by Feb. 11 whether to appoint an independent counsel to investigate the Indian casino case, a recommendation by Justice Department prosecutors.

Babbitt will testify Jan. 29, the final day of hearings.

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