SEARCH NEWS:

 

Minnesota Lawmaker Wants Stadium for Casino

MINNESOTA – As reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "How do you reverse a vote on a moribund stadium bill? You give a lawmaker something he wants. In the case of the Twins and Vikings stadium bill, the malleable legislator is Rep. Irv Anderson, DFL-International Falls.

"Anderson voted against the stadium bill Friday when the $1.2 billion measure was defeated in the House Ways and Means Committee on a 13-13 vote -- a rejection that put the bill in jeopardy for the waning session.

"Its only apparent chance for survival lies in the ability of supporters to persuade lawmakers to change votes in a possible reconsideration of the bill.

"Anderson said Monday his vote is for sale. He'll change his vote if Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a stadium supporter, will help obtain a gambling casino for International Falls.

"…Anderson said he's trying to get the governor's approval for a fourth casino for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, which operates three such places of gambling in northern Minnesota. If the governor would consent to a casino in International Falls, the issue would head to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval…"

< Gaming News