SEARCH NEWS:

 

Minnesota Governor Stars in Radio Tribal Casino Pleas

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – As reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune: 'Gov. Tim Pawlenty is starring in a new series of radio ads on behalf of Republican candidates for the House of Representatives, calling for Indian tribal casinos to share some of their profits with the state.

"'I know that tribal gaming has brought in billions of dollars, but it's time that the state get a fair deal like they have in other states and that the tribes should pay some of that money to the state,' the GOP governor says in the 30-second spots of the House Republican Campaign Committee, now registered as simply the HRCC.

"The ads end with statements saying that individual GOP candidates back the governor's initiative. The campaign, spread across dozens of state House districts, coincides with a renewed Pawlenty effort to pressure the state's 11 Indian tribes to renegotiate gaming compacts that now require only an annual $150,000 payment to the state for regulation and inspection.

"…The governor said Monday that neither his invitation to tribal leaders to meet in his office on Thursday nor the radio campaign -- scheduled to run until next Tuesday's election -- were timed for political effect.

"…He said Monday that few tribal leaders have responded.

"…Pawlenty said his staff is asking the leaders to send representatives if they can't make it themselves. Those who resist increased payments to the state 'haven't thought through the benefits to them,' he said…"

< Gaming News