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Wisconsin Voters to Vote on Ho-Chunk Proposal

MADISON, Wisconsin – As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "After an emotional and big-money campaign that has divided residents, voters go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether they want a Ho-Chunk bingo hall transformed into a high-stakes casino offering craps and blackjack.

"Before it's over, $1.3 million is expected to be spent by local casino advocates - funded by the Ho-Chunk Nation - setting a new record of spending on a political campaign in Dane County.

"Opponents of the casino have raised $45,000 for their campaign, and as of Feb. 9, they spent about $24,000, according to campaign finance reports.

"Both sides predict the results of the casino referendum will be close.

"At stake for the Ho-Chunk Nation, which already operates a casino 30 miles west of Madison in Lake Delton, is millions of dollars of new gaming revenue that would be generated by adding casino games at its DeJope bingo operation on Madison's southeast side.

"…Gov. Jim Doyle has the authority under state tribal gaming compacts to approve the location of new casinos but has said he would abide by the outcome of Tuesday's referendum. If the advisory referendum fails, the Ho-Chunk could ask the Madison City Council for approval, but a majority of council members said last week that they oppose the casino..."

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