Lumbee lobbying contract calls for no gambling restrictions

Tuesday, May 18, 2010  

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina signed a lobbying contract with a firm that hopes to operate a casino.

The tribe's federal recognition bill prohibits gaming under state or federal law. But the lobbying contract calls on Lewin International to push for a bill "preferably without any language" that bars gaming, the Associated Press reports.

The contract has some tribal members worried about the bill's chances. "It makes us look like liars," Beth Jacobs told the AP. "We've said all along we don't want gaming, we want recognition."

The House passed the recognition bill last year with the gaming prohibition. The Senate has yet to take action.

Get the Story:
Gambling debate hampers NC tribe's recognition bid (AP 5/18)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

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