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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2002

An Oklahoma lawmaker who said he would write a bill requiring Oklahoma tribal members to have 50 percent Indian blood has drawn significant discussion.

State Rep. Wayne Pettigrew, a Republican from Edmond, said he wanted to eliminate "wannabes" and "pretend" Indians. His remarks were reported by The Shawnee News-Star.

But the chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over the matter now tells the paper there is no way he'd hold a hearing on such a "knowingly illegal" or "knowingly unconstitutional" bill. State Rep. Dan Roach was critical of Pettigrew.

"Pettigrew's proposal has generated a great deal of discussion," he told the paper. "But...he is gonna have the same result, if he introduced that bill, as Gen. Custer did."

Get the Story:
Roach criticizes Pettigrew comments (The Shawnee News-Star 9/13)

Relevant Links:
State Rep. Wayne Pettigrew - http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/house/Members/hd39.htm

Related Stories:
Okla. lawmaker wants blood quantum rule (9/6)
Okla. urged to tax tribal casinos (9/4)