Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has held discussions about a casino at the Mall of America, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Pawlenty met with officials in Bloomington, where the Mall is located. The governor wants to "introduce a generic bill regarding gaming and a casino in the metro area," according to minutes of a city council meeting.

The Mall has also met with city officials about a casino, which could involve three rural tribes who have lobbied for a casino in the Twin Cities. The White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake bands met with Pawlenty earlier this month to discuss the idea, and Pawlenty said in his State of the State address that the talks have been positive. The Mall and the tribes share the same lobbyist.

Get the Story:
Pawlenty met with Bloomington about a casino at mall (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/19)
Pawlenty State of State: Aiming for bold, on a budget (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/19)
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Text of Gov. Pawlenty's address (AP 1/18)