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NOVEMBER 2, 2000

Despite one Congressional candidate's focus on Indian issues, most voters in the 2nd District in Connecticut don't consider them important, according to a poll commissioned by The New London Day.

Representative Sam Gejdenson, a Democrat, is facing a challenge from Robert R. Simmons, a Republican, for the 2nd District seat in the House of Representatives. Simmons has made Indian issues a focus of his attacks against Gejdenson.

But according to a poll of 410 likely voters in the 2nd District, Indian issues were ranked among the least important, especially outside of New London County, where three anti-Pequot towns make their home.

The poll does show a tight race between the Gejdenson and Simmons, however. Some 44 percent support Gejdenson and 43 percent support Simmons, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent.

Simmons has criticized Gejdenson over his alleged lack of action over the 1983 Mashantucket Pequot Settlement Act. Gejdenson introduced the act, which grants federal recognition to the tribe and settled their land claims.

The towns of Ledyard, North Stonington, and Preston want the legislation "fixed" because they believe teh Mashantucket tribe doesn't have the right to increase the size of their reservation. A federal court, however, disagreed.

Get the Story:
Gejdenson on Indian issues: Poll shows split decision (The New London Day 11/2)

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Anti-Pequot towns get shafted (Tribal Law 11/1)
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Dialogue urged between tribe, towns (The Talking Circle 09/29)
Anti-Pequot towns: No one's helping us (Tribal Law 09/28)
Towns want 'sloppy' legislation fixed (Tribal Law 09/27)
Are Pequots a campaign issue? (The Talking Circle 09/22)
Clinton too busy for towns (The Talking Circle 5/17)