A DAY AT THE RACES South Dakota Heated Senate race targets Native voters. California Governor makes issue of tribal gaming. Again. Oklahoma Cherokee tribal member eyes open Senate seat. Alaska Two strong candidates bank on Native vote. Washington Washington tribes battle gaming measure. Nebraska Nebraska tribes could finally get Class III gaming. Montana Cyanide mining initiative irks tribes. Colorado Retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell prompts battle.

Washington's 29 federally-recognized tribes are facing a threat to their growing gaming industry in the form of Initiative 892. Sponsored by Tim Eyman, whose sole career is sponsoring initiatives, the measure would allow more than 18,000 slot machines at non-Indian card clubs, bars, restaurants and other facilities.

Led by the Muckleshoot Tribe, tribal leaders have joined forces with a broad coalition of politicians, law enforcement, churches and other groups to oppose I-892. The tribes have raised most of the money for the fight, a figure put at more than $5 million.

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Washington tribes see threat in gaming initiative (10/28)
Initiative would end tribal monopoly on slots (10/19)
Column: Don't gamble on slot machine initiative (10/06)
Editorial: Initiative wrong to pit whites against Indians (10/05)
Diverse coalition opposes slot machine initiative (08/13)

In a local race, State Sen. John McCoy, a Democrat and member of the Tulalip Tribes, is facing a strong challenge from Republican Kim Halvorson, who lives on the Tulalip Reservation. McCoy is being criticized as being "too close" to tribes. Halvorson founded a group oppose to the Tulalip Tribes attempt to assert jurisdiction over the reservation.

Washington tribes have become more politically active in recent years. They jumped into the spotlight in 2000 for starting a campaign to oust then-senator Slade Gorton, a Republican seen as a foe of tribal rights.

Relevant Links:
Re-Elect John McCoy - http://www.votemccoy.com
Elect Kim - http://www.electkim.com

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Indian lawmaker challenged over tribal support (10/20)