Officials from Connecticut acted with the usual outrage over a decision involving tribes that didn't go their way.

The Interior Department's Inspector General concluded that the Bureau of Indian Affairs wasn't unduly influenced by lobbyists or casino backers in the case of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. The probe said the BIA's rules governing federal recognition allow some room for interpretation.

Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Connecticut) called the conclusion "a bunch of b.s." State attorney general Richard Blumenthal said he was "disgusted and disappointed" with the investigation. Gov. M. Jodi Rell called it "incomprehensible."

Officials in the state have fought tribes on land-into-trust, gaming and federal recognition. The state is currently appealing two separate recognition cases.

Get the Story:
Probe Upholds Ruling On Tribal Recognition (The Hartford Courant 9/1)
pwlat
BIA Followed Rules For Schaghticokes (The New London Day 9/1)
pwday

Today on Indianz.Com:
Probe clears BIA's Martin in recognition dispute (9/1)

Relevant Documents:
Devaney Letter | Gov. Rell Letter | Schaghticoke Briefing Paper

Relevant Links:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation - http://www.schaghticoke.com

Related Stories:
Tribal leaders question changes in BIA leadership (08/18)
Anderson urged to take greater control of BIA (08/16)
Top-level aides in BIA Washington office removed (08/13)
Schaghticoke recognition to go before review board (06/04)
Critics take BIA to task over federal recognition (05/06)
Recognition briefing paper at heart of latest feud (05/05)
Martin attacked for federal recognition decision (05/04)
Blumenthal criticized for 'all-out war' on tribes (04/30)
BIA critical of main components of recognition bill (04/22)
BIA official warns of Congressional maneuvering (04/16)
House committee takes up recognition process (3/31)