Leaders of California tribes aren't rushing to negotiate new compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

The existing compact were signed with former governor Gray Davis (D) in 2000. They don't expire for another 16 years so tribal leaders say they are willing to wait until Schwarzenegger leaves office before getting a new deal.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, sponsor of a failed gaming proposition, says it won't negotiate until Schwarzenegger apologizes for claiming that "Indians are ripping us off." A Schwarzenegger spokesperson said the governor really meant that the Indians are trying to rip the state off.

So far, only a handful of tribes signed new compacts with Schwarzenegger, including at least one tribe that did not have an existing agreement. Most of the tribes are represented by the same attorney.

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Tribes hesitant to negotiate gambling revenues with Schwarzenegger (The North County Times 11/10)