GOP candidate strikes back at criticism over IGRA amendments

Wednesday, August 29, 2012  

The Republican candidate for Arizona's 1st Congressional District is trying to turn tribal criticism of his stance on Indian gaming into a weapon against his Democratic foe.

In response to a candidates' survey from a conservative organization, Jonathan Paton said he supports amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to "place further restrictions on the establishment and expansion of gambling by Indian tribes." Tribal leaders from the district held a press conference last week to denounce his stance but he says it's Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick who should be questioned.

At issue is H.R.2938, a bill that prevents the Tohono O'odham Nation from opening an off-reservation casino. The bill doesn't amend IGRA -- it affects a land claim settlement -- but Paton supports it because the Gila River Indian Community opposes the casino.

“I am a strong supporter of Indian Gaming,” Paton said in a press release. “It provides jobs and economic opportunity for thousands of Arizonans. Because of that, I support Congressman Trent Franks’ legislation, H.R. 2938, the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act.”

Kirkpatrick hasn't stated whether she outright supports the bill, which passed the House. But her campaign told The Arizona Daily Star that she too opposes the casino.

Paton claims Kirkpatrick is staying mum on the bill because she accepted at least $8,000 in campaign contributions from the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Get the Story:
Tribes respond to candidate’s call for more regulation of Indian gaming ()the Apache Moccasin 8/28)

Democratic hopeful opposes Tohono O'odham Nation casino (8/24)