Idaho Proposition 1 (2018)

Idaho Prop 1 (2018) is a ballot initiative titled the "Save Horse Racing in Idaho Act".[1] If it is passed by voters during the General Election held on November 6th, 2018,[2] the new law will allow a limited number of Idaho racetracks to operate historical racing gaming terminals.[1]

Highly contentious issue between tribal casinos and horse racing industry

In 2015, a tribal casino lobbyist introduced Senate Bill 1011 as part of an effort to repeal the law that previously allowed historical racing.[3][4] Tribal representatives testified during the 2015 legislative hearings for Senate Bill 1011 that they were worried that historical racing terminals would negatively impact their own tribal casino revenues.[5][6]

Tribe sues to have Governor's veto invalidated

Although Senate Bill 1011 was vetoed by Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter just before a holiday weekend[7], the Coeur d'Alene tribe successfully sued to have Senate Bill 1011 added to Idaho Code, arguing that the governor's veto was delivered late and was therefore invalid.[8]

Tribes could lose monopoly on gaming devices in Idaho

Leonard Forsman, President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians organization, expressed concern over the possibility that Idaho tribes' might face competition if Proposition 1 passes.[9]

Accusations of harassment

In 2018, the North Idaho Voter Project, a political action committee (PAC) created by representatives of the Coeur d'Alene tribe,[10] were accused of following and harassing Proposition 1 canvassers (signature gatherers) who were attempting to acquire enough signatures to place the Prop 1 question on the 2018 ballot.[11]

Accusations of bribery

The Coeur d'Alene tribe's North Idaho Voter Project PAC was also accused of attempting to bribe Proposition 1 canvassers to quit gathering signatures.[12][13]

Second opposition PAC created August 31, 2018[14]

The chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council, "Ernie" Stensgar,[15] is listed as Treasurer for the Idaho United Against Prop 1 political action committee.[14]

99.8% of tribal Political action committee funding provided by Coeur d'Alene tribe

On October 10, 2018, the chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council, "Ernie" Stensgar reported on behalf of the Idaho United Against Prop 1 political action committee, that the PAC had received $2.74 Million and spent $2.67 Million through September 30, 2018.[16] Of the $2.74 Million received, $2.7 Million came directly from the Coeur d'Alene tribe and $42,175 from another PAC controlled by the Coeur d'Alene tribe that is registered under the name North Idaho Voter Project.[10]

Committee to Save Idaho Horse Racing, Create Jobs, and Fund Public Schools PAC

Bruce Newcomb, a former Speaker of the House for the Idaho House of Representatives, is listed as Chairman for the Committee to Save Idaho Horse Racing, Create Jobs, and Fund Public Schools political action committee.[14]

Through September 30, 2018, the Committee to Save Idaho Horse Racing PAC raised $3.44 Million and spent $2.81 Million, and 100% of the funds were contributed by Treasure Valley Racing during the most recent reporting period.[17]

References

  1. 1 2 "2018 Proposed Initiative - Historical Horse Racing". sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2018-09-19.
  2. ↑ "Elections - 2018 Election Consolidation Calendar". sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2018-09-19.
  3. ↑ "Minutes-Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee - 02/09/15" (PDF).
  4. ↑ "Idaho Secretary of State - Employers with Lobbyists list 2015" (PDF).
  5. ↑ Senate State Affairs Committee - 02/09/15. "Idaho Legislature Archive". legislature.idaho.gov.
  6. ↑ House State Affairs Committee - 03/12/15. "Idaho Legislature Archive". legislature.idaho.gov.
  7. ↑ "Otter vetoes historic horse racing repeal".
  8. ↑ "Idaho Supreme Court Opinion - CDA Tribe v. Denney" (PDF). Judicial Branch - State of Idaho.
  9. ↑ nbrown@postregister.com, NATHAN BROWN. "Idaho voters to decide whether to allow instant racing again". Post Register. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  10. 1 2 "Report CommitteeTreasurer". sos.idaho.gov.
  11. ↑ "Group denies harassment claims over instant horse racing machines". KTVB. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  12. ↑ "Save Idaho Horse Racing claims tribe is bribing signature gatherers". KTVB. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  13. ↑ "Instant racing initiative backers accuse tribe of breaking law, 'thuggish and criminal behavior'". Spokesman.com. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  14. 1 2 3 "Report CommitteeTreasurer". sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  15. ↑ "Tribe elects new council members; Stensgar elected chairman". Retrieved 2018-09-25.
  16. ↑ "Campaign Financial Disclosure Report" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State.
  17. ↑ "Campaign Finance Disclosure Report" (PDF). Idaho Secretary of State.
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