For those who doubt the political shrewdness of Scott Walker, consider how the governor has handled the application of the Menominee Tribe to create a casino in Kenosha. The proposal had languished for years without getting federal approval and suddenly received it on August 20. Now it was up to the governor, and the governor only (the legislature has no say), to determine whether the casino should be approved. The proposal is bitterly opposed by the Potawatomi Tribe, which runs the state’s biggest casino in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, whose annual revenue in the most recent year reported was more than $380 million. And so Walker seemed to throw down an olive branch, declaring that he should not have “to play King Solomon” and “pick and choose between two well-respected entities here in the state of Wisconsin.” Instead he called on the 11 tribes in Wisconsin to reach an agreement among themselves and he would support that. His decision sounded wonderfully idealistic and yet practical, and will likely play well across the state. But anyone close to the issue knew immediately that Walker was actually siding with the Potawatomi, because the tribe has done everything possible to kill the Kenosha casino and would prevent any unanimous decision by the tribes. For that matter, the Ho-Chunk Nation (which would like to build a casino in Beloit) is also opposed, though they might consider some kind of partnership with the Menominee. Finally, Walker added another condition: the Kenosha casino must result in “no new net gaming” in the state. Given that what’s proposed is an $800 million entertainment center at the old Dairyland Greyhound Park, there’s no way it would result in no additional gaming in Wisconsin.Get the Story:
Bruce Murphy - Murphy’s Law: Casino Wars (Urban Milwaukee 9/4) Also Today:
Vos mum on Kenosha casino (The Kenosha News 9/5) Even More Opinions:
Editorial: Walker criteria ensures casino rejection (The Superior Leader-Telegram 9/5)
EDITORIAL: Senator, lay off moral-cop role (The Beloit Daily News 9/5)
Our Views: Kenosha decision boosting hopes for Beloit casino (The Janesville Gazette 9/5) Relevant Documents:
Fact Sheet | Section 20 Determination
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