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Lawyer: Louisiana Governor had to Negotiate

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Louisiana Times-Picayune: "An attorney for Louisiana's Jena Band of Choctaws said Tuesday that Gov. Kathleen Blanco has no option but to negotiate a compact with the tribe for a new casino in central Louisiana.

"Julie Wilkerson's assertion comes a day after Sen. David Vitter, R-La., publicly urged Blanco not to negotiate with the tribe and Blanco said she opposed the expansion of gambling in Louisiana.

"But Wilkerson said that federal law requires governors to negotiate 'in good faith' with federally recognized tribes seeking to open gambling establishments. Three other tribes operate casinos in Louisiana, and Wilkerson said the Jena Band will press ahead with plans to open one on 40 acres in Grant Parish, just north of Alexandria.

"…A spokeswoman for Blanco disagreed, and said that the governor will not negotiate with the Jena Band…"

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