A decision is still far away but a candidate for governor in Wisconsin says he will approve an off-reservation casino for the Ho-Chunk Nation if he wins the election in November.
Tony Evers, the superintendent of the state's public school system, is the "leading" Democratic candidate in the race, The Beloit Daily News reported. He told the paper that he will support the long-delayed casino in Beloit. "I would sign that agreement," Evers told the paper. The tribe is pursuing the $405.5 million casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law requires approval from the state governor in addition to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Scott Walker, a Republican, is running for re-election. He has not stated a position on the casino, though he rejected a two-part determination casino for the Menominee Nation way back in 2015. The Ho-Chunk Nation's project enjoys strong local support. So did the Menominee Nation's but that effort was complicated by opposition from rival tribes, including the Ho-Chunks. The BIA has yet to issue a draft environmental impact statement for the Ho-Chunk casino. Tribal leaders are hopeful that action will take place within the next month or so. Read More on the Story: