New 'gaming' group in Connecticut challenges Shinnecock Nation

Thursday, July 15, 2010  

A new group calling itself the Connecticut Coalition for Gaming Jobs is challenging the federal recognition of the Shinnecock Nation of New York.

The group said it is asking the Interior Board of Indian Appeals to reverse the tribe's recognition. The deadline to file a challenge is Monday, July 19.

"A new casino in Southern New York will mean job losses and higher taxes for Connecticut," the group said in a press release, citing the Shinnecock Nation's plans to pursue a casino.

The group won't say who is financing its efforts. Its spokesperson is Matthew Hennessy, a lobbyist and former aide to former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, who was recently found guilty on corruption charges.

Get the Story:
Shadowy Group Fights Emerging Competitors To Foxwoods, Mohegan (The Hartford Courant 7/15)
Casino group challenges Shinnecock recognition (Newsday 7/15)
State gaming group opposes Shinnecocks (The New London Day 7/15)

Also Today:
Saving the Seventh Generation: The Shinnecock Casino (The Bleacher Report 7/14)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment of the Shinnecock Indian Nation (June 18, 2010)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Shinnecock Nation shouldn't go into gaming industry (7/6)
Shinnecock Nation sees opposition to casino from local groups (6/25)
Shinnecock Nation said to consider sites for potential casino (6/21)
New York governor cites 'hurdles' facing Shinnecock gaming (6/18)
New York governor works with Shinnecock Nation on casino (6/16)
Shinnecock Nation expects phone call on federal recognition (6/15)
Shinnecock Nation nears final decision on recognition bid (3/30)
Shinnecock Nation wins federal recognition ruling (12/15)
Shinnecock Nation awaits decision on federal status (12/9)
New York governor backs Shinnecock Nation (9/25)
Interview: Shinnecock Nation and federal recognition (06/12)
Economist: Recognition nears for Shinnecock Nation (6/11)
Connecticut tribes support Shinnecock recognition (6/5)
Shinnecock Nation meets with BIA over recognition (6/4)
Shinnecock Nation in DC to press for recognition (6/3)
Editorial: Shinnecock Nation recognition on horizon (6/1)
Blog: Shinnecock Nation eyes ultimate prize (6/1)
Shinnecock Nation open to several casino sites (5/29)
Column: Shinnecock Nation nears a milestone (5/28)
Shinnecock Nation ready to negotiate with state (5/28)
BIA agrees to decision on Shinnecock Nation (5/27)
Shinnecock Nation expects recognition decision (4/6)