Two of 11 tribes show for casino talks with governor

Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004 | 9:11 a.m.

ST. PAUL -- After meeting with two tribal leaders, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he intends to continue his push to get $350 million in casino profit for the state.

He called Wednesday's meeting "encouraging" -- even though only two of the 11 invited tribal leaders attended -- and said "a lot of action" on the issue is expected in the next 90 days.

George Goggleye, chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa, and Erma Vizenor, chairwoman of the White Earth Tribal Council, said after the hourlong meeting that they didn't have money to share, but they were encouraged by Pawlenty's desire for cooperation.

"I feel very good about what was discussed," Goggleye said. "The governor was open to listening to what our concerns are. I think we're going to make some progress."

archive