Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) won his re-election bid on Tuesday, leaving him in charge of a decision on the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Walker commissioned an economic, legal and policy analysis on the $810 million casino in Kenosha but he hasn't said whether it's been completed. He has until February 2015 to make a decision though there is no reason he can't take action sooner since his future in Wisconsin in secure. A decision in favor of the casino could bolster Walker's image on the economic front. The Menominee Nation and the Seminole Tribe, whose Hard Rock International will manage the proposed facility, claim the development will create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs on and off the reservation. But even though local business leaders and Republican lawmakers support the project, Walker's future outside of the state is an issue. His victory has fueled speculation of a presidential run in 2016 and a pro-gaming record might affect his standing among conservatives in his own party. A decision in favor of the casino also leaves the state at odds with the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe. The tribe is withholding gaming revenues from the state and says it might be owed millions of dollars in back payments if the Kenosha casino is approved. The Potawatomis operate the off-reservation Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee. The facility is only 40 miles from the Kenosha site. A 2005 amendment to the Potawatomi compact requires the tribe and the state to enter into an arbitration process in the event of another casino "more than 30 miles and within 50 miles" of the Milwaukee casino. Discussions are ongoing. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Menominee Nation casino in August 2013 under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives Walker veto authority over the project. Since IGRA became law in 1988, only three tribes have opened casinos after successfully completing both steps of the process. The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe is one. Get the Story:
Walker defeats Burke for 3rd victory in 4 years (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 11/5)
Republican Scott Walker wins hard-fought Wisconsin gubernatorial race (The Washington Post 11/5)
Gov. Scott Walker Wins Re-election in Wisconsin, and Hope of Higher Office (The New York Times 11/5) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino
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