The landscape of Indian gaming in the United States is a complex tapestry woven with threads of tribal sovereignty, economic development, political maneuvering, and the ever-present influence of money. For decades, this arena has been a battleground where the interests of various tribes, powerful lobbying firms, and individual politicians intersect, often leading to outcomes that defy simple categorization. One figure whose involvement in this intricate web has been particularly noteworthy is the late Senator John McCain of Arizona. Examining Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming reveals a history marked by both advocacy and apparent contradiction, leaving a legacy that continues to be debated.
The story of Indian gaming in the modern era is inextricably linked to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. This landmark legislation, co-authored by then-Representative Morris Udall and Senator McCain, provided a framework for regulating gaming activities on tribal lands. The impetus for the IGRA stemmed from a Supreme Court decision affirming the sovereignty of tribes to conduct gaming operations free from state control. The Act aimed to strike a balance, recognizing tribal sovereignty while also establishing federal oversight to prevent organized crime and ensure fair play.
Senator McCain, early in his career, expressed a nuanced view on Indian gaming. He acknowledged the potential for economic benefits that casinos could bring to impoverished tribal communities. He famously stated that when tribes faced limited options for economic development and turned to gaming as a last resort, he found it difficult to disapprove. This sentiment reflected a recognition of the dire circumstances faced by many Native American tribes, where unemployment rates were high, and access to basic services was limited.
However, Senator McCain also voiced concerns about the potential negative consequences of widespread Indian gaming. He worried about the social impacts, the potential for corruption, and the rise of powerful lobbying interests seeking to exploit tribal resources. These concerns led him to play a prominent role in investigating lobbying practices related to Indian gaming, most notably during the Jack Abramoff scandal of the mid-2000s.
The Abramoff scandal brought to light the seedy underbelly of Indian gaming politics. It revealed how lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates had defrauded several Indian tribes, charging them exorbitant fees to lobby against competing gaming interests. Abramoff’s tactics included spreading misinformation, orchestrating political attacks, and even bribing public officials. Senator McCain, as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, held hearings that exposed Abramoff’s corrupt practices and led to his eventual conviction.
During the Abramoff hearings, Senator McCain was widely lauded as a champion of Indian tribes, a figure willing to stand up to powerful interests and fight for justice. However, as subsequent reporting revealed, Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming was more complicated than it initially appeared.
A 2008 New York Times article painted a more nuanced picture of Senator McCain’s involvement in Indian gaming issues. The article suggested that his positions on specific gaming projects were sometimes influenced by his personal relationships and political considerations, rather than solely by policy principles.
One example cited in the article involved a dispute over a proposed tribal casino in Connecticut. Senator McCain reportedly intervened on behalf of his friend, then-Senator Joseph Lieberman, to help block the casino project. This intervention raised questions about whether Senator McCain was applying a consistent standard to all Indian gaming proposals or whether his decisions were influenced by personal connections.
Another instance involved a California tribe seeking to build an off-reservation casino. Despite Senator McCain’s general opposition to off-reservation gaming, the tribe’s application was ultimately approved, in part because the tribe hired a lobbyist who was a long-time friend of Senator McCain and former Senator William Cohen. This situation further fueled the perception that Senator McCain’s stance on Indian gaming could be influenced by personal relationships.
More recently, Senator McCain’s involvement in a dispute between Arizona tribes has drawn scrutiny. The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, both of which operate casinos in the Phoenix metropolitan area, have been engaged in a long-running battle to prevent the Tohono O’odham Nation from opening a competing casino.
The Tohono O’odham Nation had acquired land near Glendale, Arizona, with the intention of building a casino. However, the GRIC and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community argued that the Tohono O’odham Nation had misled them about their intentions and that the new casino would unfairly compete with their existing operations.
Senator McCain became involved in this dispute, introducing legislation in Congress that would have effectively blocked the Tohono O’odham casino. His decision to take a position against the Tohono O’odham Nation surprised many observers, given his past advocacy for tribal sovereignty and economic development.
Critics argued that Senator McCain’s opposition to the Tohono O’odham casino was inconsistent with his previous statements and actions. They pointed out that the Tohono O’odham Nation had followed all applicable laws and regulations in acquiring the land and seeking approval for the casino. They also noted that the Tohono O’odham Nation, like many other tribes, faced significant economic challenges and that the casino would provide much-needed jobs and revenue.
Senator McCain’s supporters, on the other hand, argued that he was acting in the best interests of the GRIC and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. They claimed that the Tohono O’odham Nation had engaged in deceptive practices and that the new casino would harm the existing tribal economies. They also argued that Senator McCain was simply trying to ensure fair competition and prevent the proliferation of casinos in Arizona.
The controversy surrounding the Tohono O’odham casino highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of Indian gaming politics. It also underscored the challenges faced by politicians like Senator McCain, who were often caught between competing tribal interests and political pressures.
Adding another layer to this complex situation is the role of lobbyists. The GRIC and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to block the Tohono O’odham casino. These lobbying efforts have involved hiring well-connected firms and individuals to advocate on their behalf.
One such individual is Wes Gullett, a Phoenix-based consultant who has close ties to Senator McCain. Gullett has known Senator McCain for many years and has served as an advisor on his political campaigns. His wife is also a former chief of staff to Senator McCain. Gullett’s involvement in the anti-Tohono O’odham lobbying effort raised questions about whether Senator McCain’s position on the issue was influenced by his personal relationship with Gullett.
The Tohono O’odham Nation, for its part, has also engaged in lobbying efforts to defend its right to build the casino. However, its resources pale in comparison to those of the GRIC and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming reflects the inherent complexities and contradictions of the issue. He was a champion of tribal sovereignty and economic development, but he also expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of widespread gaming. He fought against corruption and exploitation, but he also faced questions about whether his decisions were sometimes influenced by personal relationships and political considerations.
Senator McCain’s legacy on Indian gaming is therefore a mixed one. He played a crucial role in shaping the legal and regulatory framework for Indian gaming, but his involvement in specific gaming disputes often generated controversy and debate. Senator McCain’s record on Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming is complicated underscores the challenges of navigating the complex and often contentious world of Indian gaming politics. While he championed IGRA, the Tohono O’odham Nation situation complicated Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming is complicated. The Tohono O’odham Nation situation complicated Senator McCain’s record on Indian gaming is complicated.