Critics of the federal recognition process and Indian gaming said lobbyists should not be allowed at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Jeff Benedict, head of the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion, said lobbyists are deciding who should get federal recognition. Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal said the state government, despite its resources, is "outgunned and outmanned" by tribal lobbyists.

Connecticut is a hotbed for federal recognition because the BIA has recognized two tribes in recent years. Court battles could tie up the tribes for several years.

Get the Story:
Anti-Casino Alliance Not Letting Its Guard Down (The New London Day 3/2)
Casino foes blast BIA (The Norwich Bulletin 3/2)

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