The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe might sue Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) for failing to enter into negotiations for a Class III gaming compact.

The tribe asked Patrick to come to the table on March 5. A lawsuit accusing him of "bad faith" could be filed within 180 days of that date.

"The Aquinnah tribe is currently weighing its options and will ultimately take the appropriate steps necessary to protect our rights," Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais said in a statement, The Cape Cod Times reported.

Patrick said he won't negotiate a compact because he claims the tribe gave up its gaming rights in a land claim settlement in 1987. The tribe believes the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which became law in 1988, supersedes any perceived restrictions.

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