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Vote on New Oklahoma Gaming Compact Looms12 May 2004OKLAHOMA -- As reported by the Native American Times: ``A vote on bringing a revamped version of Oklahoma's state/tribal gaming compact to public referendum could come as early as today in the House of Representatives. The State Senate approved the bill Tuesday by a vote of 31-17 with primarily Democratic support. The move is essentially designed to stymie the efforts of another lawmaker who is backed by some Oklahoma tribes. ``The new bill, SB 1252, repeals the Governor Brad Henry-supported SB 552. SB 552 is under fire from Christian conservatives and some smaller tribes, mainly the Sac & Fox Nation, who maintain they were not adequately consulted while it was being crafted. ``Rep. Forrest Claunch is pushing a drive to place SB 552 on a public ballot. ...Claunch is currently gathering signatures to support his efforts, but political observers believe it is unrealistic for him to get those signatures in time to put the measure on the ballot in the fall. ``The Legislature's bill would definitely be placed on the November ballot, therefore negating Claunch's efforts. Supporters of the gaming legislation worry that Claunch's petition drive could tie the measure up for two years. ``...Undeterred, Claunch said Tuesday that he would continue to try and gather the signatures he needs for his measure to go before Oklahoma voters..." |