"The danger in the ongoing scandal tied to a former developer connected with the Kenosha tribal casino plan, is that it could contribute to a toxic atmosphere that may spill over onto Beloit's by-the-book casino proposal.

Dennis Troha has abandoned his role in the Kenosha casino development, but the damage there already may be done. Troha was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly laundering through family and friends (and then lying about it) campaign donations to Gov. Jim Doyle, who would have the final say over any casino plans that land on his desk.

Moving a casino project through the tangle of bureaucratic red-tape is tough enough. Moving one through with a whiff of scandal is, probably, impossible.

Since the first day the Beloit plan came forward - more than six years ago - there has been no hint of under-the-table dealings. The two tribes involved - the Bad River and St. Croix Chippewa - have conducted affairs with openness and integrity. Local governmental units have worked with the tribes in the same spirit. It has been a by-the-book effort, which is why it has taken so long."

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EDITORIAL: Complicating casino process (The Beloit Daily News 3/8)