Key lawmaker predicts no vote on Eastern Cherokee compact

Wednesday, September 7, 2011  

A key lawmaker doesn't think the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and North Carolina Gov. Beverly Purdue (D) will wrap up negotiations in time for a vote next week.

Sen. Tom Apodaca (R), the chairman of the rules committee, visited the tribe in August and said the votes are there to approve a new Class III compact. But he doesn't think a deal will be ready when lawmakers convene for a session on Monday.

"I heard they were very close about a month ago," Apodaca told the Associated Press. "At this point, it looks like an 80 percent chance of nothing happening."

The tribe seeks to add live card dealers to the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The state is seeking a cut of the revenues.

The next legislation session won't take place until May 2012.

Get the Story:
NC lawmaker predicts no Cherokee deal next week (AP 9/6)

Related Stories:
Per capita payments at Eastern Cherokee casino fell 21 percent (9/6)
Eastern Cherokees preparing for action on live dealers at casino (8/25)
Lawmakers predict passage of Eastern Cherokee gaming compact (8/16)