Lawmakers in Florida predicted the Miccosukee Tribe would lose support for a critical bill over "heavy-handed" lobbying tactics, The Miami Herald reports.

At recent meetings for a bill to cede state jurisdiction over Miccosukee lands, the tribe brought along a potential political candidate. Tribal representatives say the decision wasn't meant to intimidate but some lawmakers took it that way.

The candidate, Frank Artiles, is a rival to state Rep. Juan Zapata, who blocked the tribe's jurisdiction bill last year. Artiles ran against Zapata in the 2002 Republican primary but lost. He said he hasn't decided whether to run again.

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Tribe's lobbying criticized (The Miami Herald 4/7)
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