Lawmakers in Seneca County, New York, voted to appeal a decision that allows the Cayuga Nation to sell tax-free tobacco products.

Seneca joins Cayuga County in pursuing the appeal. They raided the tribe's two smoke shops last November but lost a major decision last week.

The tribe offered to pay the counties' legal bills, which total more than $180,000. The tribe also said it would not pursue a lawsuit over damages and lost sales at the smoke shops.

The case will go to the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. After that, it could go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
Cayuga Indians' offer to settle cigarette tax dispute falls flat (The Syracuse Post-Standard 7/15)

New York Appellate Division Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (July 10, 2009)

New York Supreme Court Decision:
Cayuga Nation v. Gould (December 9, 2008)

Related Stories:
County to appeal Cayuga Nation tobacco case (7/15)
Cayuga Nation offers settlement in tobacco case (7/14)
Cayuga Nation wins tobacco taxation decision (7/13)
Battle over Cayuga Nation tobacco continues (3/6)
Cayuga Nation halts sale of tax-free cigarettes (2/20)
Judge rules against Cayuga Nation tobacco sales (2/19)
Cayuga Nation to reopen disputed smoke shops (01/30)
Court halts Cayuga Nation tobacco prosecution (01/22)
Cayuga Nation seeks halt to tobacco prosecution (1/13)
Cayuga Nation plans to fight tobacco tax charges (12/10)
Cayuga Nation in court over raid of smokeshops (12/4)
Cayuga Nation claims 'reservation' exemption (12/2)
Cayuga Nation heads to court after smokeshop raid (12/1)
County authorities raid Cayuga Nation smoke shops (11/26)