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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2002

Opponents of tribes in Connecticut are accusing Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee of a conflict of interest.

Inouye is chairman of the panel. Its chief of staff and chief counsel is Patricia Zell.

Zell is married to Michael D. Cox, lead attorney for the Eastern Pequot Tribe. Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal and town leaders who oppose the tribe say Zell's participation raises questions about the Bureau of Indian Affairs' decision to recognize the tribe.

The Senate panel has jurisdiction over Indian issues. It cannot direct the outcome of an agency decision.

Get the Story:
Tribe's Foes Fault Role Of Senate Aide (The Hartford Courant 9/27)

Relevant Links:
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) - http://inouye.senate.gov
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs - http://indian.senate.gov

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