Members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina met last Friday to discuss a controversial lobbying contract.

The meeting was closed to non-members and to the press. But sources told The Fayetteville Observer that tribal leaders failed to address concerns about the deal with Lewin International.

Chairman Purnell Swett said the company's connections in Washington, D.C., will help the tribe gain federal recognition. "It's about politics and money," he reportedly said.

Critics believe the deal will cost the tribe support in DC because it links federal recognition to a casino. The bills pending in Congress bar the tribe from engaging in gaming under state or federal law.

The deal also calls for penalties of $35 million if the tribe pulls out of the contract or fails to pursue a casino.

Get the Story:
Lumbee meeting does little to assuage contract's critics (The Fayetteville Observer 5/11)

Lumbee Recognition Bills:
S.1735 | H.R.31 | H.R.839

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Lumbee Tribe holds meeting to discuss lobbying contract (5/7)
Lumbee group urges chairman to kill recognition contract (4/27)
Editorial: Lumbee leaders gambling with recognition bid (4/19)
Lumbee council fails in vote to rescind lobbying contract (4/16)
Lumbee leaders threatened with recall over lobbying deal (4/13)
Lumbee group plans to discuss contract for recognition bid (4/8)
Editorial: Hope fading fast for Lumbee Tribe's recognition (03/22)
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