David Leroy, speaking as the attorney for Coeur d’Alene Racing Inc., told the House State Affairs Committee this morning that he believes HB 127, the anti-tribal gaming bill, isn’t an affront to Idaho’s Indian tribes, but instead is “merely an attempt for the state to get its own house in order.” Leroy, a former Idaho attorney general, who noted that he's no expert on gaming or Indian law, was questioned by several committee members. Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, asked Leroy how the bill would benefit Coeur d’Alene Racing. “What specifically will it change for them?” he asked.

“I don’t think it changes anything for Coeur d’Alene Racing unique to them,” Leroy said. “I think it changes for every citizen, corporation and individual of the state of Idaho a dialogue that has ended up in an unfortunate and inappropriate place where the constitutional prohibition is not in play.”

Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, told Leroy, “I, too, was struck by the tribes’ plea to get together and negotiate. Why have you not approached the tribe?" Leroy responded that as merely a private attorney, “I haven’t approached the tribe about anything.”

“It’s obvious you haven’t approached them,” Crane said. “The question is why you haven’t approached them. If you have conflict with the tribe ... why would you not approach them first, instead of trying to bring legislation?”

Leroy said, “The state needs to define its own policy first.”