Richardson Calls for AG Opinion on Indian Gaming Compact Negotiations

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gary Richardson believes Governor Fallin might be overstepping her authority by negotiating a new gaming compact with the Osage Nation. He’s asking the Oklahoma Attorney General for a legal opinion on if the negotiations are premature. He took the action after a recent media interview in which Osage Nation Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said compact negotiations with the state had begun.

“The current contract clearly states negotiations for the next compact can not begin until 180 days before its expiration on January 1, 2020,” Richardson said. “Negotiations for a new compact are intended to be a power designated to whomever is Governor in 2019.  I’m confident that will be me but, no matter who wins the election, Governor Fallin has no right or authority to negotiate terms of this compact during her tenure.”

While the AG can issue a legal opinion on the matter, the request will need to come from an elected official.

“The people of Oklahoma and the Tribes of Oklahoma deserve a government that honors its word,” said Richardson.  “We know all too well what the tragic legacy of broken government promises has done to the Indian tribes of Oklahoma. These compacts are a promise made between the peoples of our state and, as an Oklahoman, I consider that promise to be sacred. As a political outsider, I don’t have the power to demand an opinion from the Attorney General, but any sitting lawmaker can pick up the mantle to make sure the state keeps its commitments.”


Print pagePDF pageEmail page

*

Copyright © The McCarville Report