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Minnesota Tribal Politics Could Hamper Casino Plans

MINNESOTA –As reported by the Pioneer Press: "The possibility that a Minnesota tribal leader could regain power after serving a prison term for theft and bribery has dealt a blow to the tribe's hopes for a new casino.

"Darrell 'Chip' Wadena, a former chairman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe who was convicted in 1996 of stealing from the band during construction of its casino, finished first in the primary Tuesday. The voting comes as the White Earth and Red Lake bands seek legislation to build a metro-area casino to funnel an estimated $65 million a year to each tribe.

"…But the legislative session is scheduled to end in May, and Wadena's re-emergence could complicate attempts to sell legislators on the bill.

"'I don't support it,'' Wadena said Wednesday of the metro-area casino bill.

"…He said he believes the band should focus on building business at its existing casino in Mahnomen.

"…A bill sponsored by Pappas and Rep. Bill Haas, R-Champlin, would allow the two tribes to jointly benefit from a new metro-area casino, with revenues going toward the state and the two tribes. The bill is strongly opposed by the nine other Minnesota tribes, whose leaders argue that it will hurt their gambling operations…'

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