Loertscher trying to pick fight w/tribes

House State Affairs Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, introduced a bill in his committee this morning targeting tribal gaming, seeking to alter part of the law created when voters passed Proposition 1 in 2002 to authorize tribal casinos. Specifically, Loertscher wants to add a clause banning slot machines or anything that looks or acts like one. “This is a matter of policy,” Loertscher told the committee. “We’ve been bothered by several gaming issues over the last few years. … This is a major policy thing that we need to actually address.”

But House Assistant Majority Leader Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said after the meeting, “It’s an old fight, there’s old wounds, and it’s been to court twice, and the court has always found in favor of the tribes.” He said, “I’m not sure you’re going to fix this issue in the Idaho Legislature”/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.