The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe withdrew its offer to negotiate a new gaming agreement with the state on Wednesday, accusing Gov. Tim Pawlenty of conducting a "smear campaign" against tribes.

Melanie Benjamin, the tribe's chief executive, wrote a letter to Pawlenty critical of his efforts to take more money from tribal casinos. She said Pawlenty's appearance in campaign ads close to the election was a "deliberate attempt to turn undeserved animosity toward Indian gaming and Indian people into votes for Republican candidates."

Pawlenty has run into opposition from tribal leaders for seeking $350 million a year from tribes. He said he will open the state to non-Indian gaming if tribes don't agree.

While most voters agree with the idea, the Republican Party lost ground on Election Day, with observers and some party members saying Pawlenty's campaign backfired.

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Indians pull plug on state gaming deal (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 11/18)
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