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Opposing Gaming Initiatives Make California Ballot

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "The stakes involved in a looming free-for-all over November ballot measures that would expand casino gambling may be matched only by the level of intrigue swirling behind the scenes.

"An initiative that could bring slot machines to urban racetracks and card rooms qualified early this month on the same day elections officials certified a rival, tribal-backed proposal that would give Indian casinos unlimited gaming for the next century.

"The initiatives secured a date with voters as negotiators for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and a small group of wealthy tribes pushed through the final stages of a new gambling agreement that all involved hope might avert a political donnybrook in the fall.

"How it may play out is impossible to gauge. For now, all eyes are on the governor, who is expected to roll out a new set of tribal compacts any day.

"…Schwarzenegger has announced his opposition to the tribal-backed proposal, but is still holding his cards on the other measure as he tries to wring a large cash infusion from tribes to help balance the state budget.

"Schwarzenegger's negotiators have privately assured tribes that for the right deal with enough big tribes, the governor will oppose the other initiative, bankrolled by 16 of the state's major racetracks and card clubs. All 16 could get slot machines under the measure.

"…But if enough tribes reject the governor's terms, they are expected to coalesce behind Agua Caliente's initiative, which already has a commitment of support from one of the state's most powerful tribes, the Morongo band of Riverside County.

"…There also might be another initiative in the works. Schwarzenegger's aides are discussing a ballot measure designed to persuade holdout tribes to strike a deal with the governor, sources said. Schwarzenegger successfully used the same threat during difficult negotiations on budget proposals and workers' compensation changes…"

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