The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is facing even tougher odds to gain federal recognition, attorney Arlinda Locklear said.

Locklear, a tribal member, worked on the effort for decades. The tribe has come close but a gaming-related controversy scuttled the recognition bill during the last session of Congress.

And now Congress has become too hostile to controversial Indian bills, Locklear said. She no longer serves as the tribe's main voice in Washington, D.C.

The tribe will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new leader. Jo Ann Chavis-Lowry, Paul Brooks, Lynn Bruce Jacobs and Steve Sampson are running for chairman.

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Lumbees to choose new leader in Tuesday's tribal election (The Fayetteville Observer 12/14)