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Massachusetts tribe releases legal brief7 June 2007BOSTON, Massachusetts -- As reported by WBUR News: "The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is circulating a new legal brief on Beacon Hill, which argues that Governor Patrick has the power to negotiate a casino deal with the tribe -- without the initial approval of lawmakers. "The tribe commissioned the legal brief from a University of Michigan law professor in order to determine their legal rights as they move forward with their plans to potentially build a $1 billion casino in southeastern Massachusetts. "The brief further complicates the already murky political waters about expanding gambling in Massachusetts, with many elected officials offering hesitant responses to the brief's analysis of state and federal law. "...But one thing the brief does argue that will likely ruffle feathers on Beacon Hill is the suggestion that the Mashpee can go over the head of the state legislature, which has historically opposed expanding state gambling, and appeal directly to the governor. "...When asked about the brief, tribe spokesman Scott Ferson says this is a preliminary analysis by one legal expert, and the tribe will seek additional perspectives of the casino issue going forward..." |