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Wampanoags hire Delahunt for casino push |
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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 11 March 2011 |
Wampanoags hire Delahunt for casino push
By Glen Johnson, Globe Staff
March 10, 2011
The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe today announced that former US Representative William Delahunt will represent the group and its interests — including its ongoing efforts to host casino gambling — at the state and federal level.
Delahunt stepped down in January as 10th District congressman. Previously, the Quincy Democrat served as Norfolk district attorney.
He has had a long history of working with the Wampanoags and advocating on their behalf.
The tribe had long pushed for authority to build a casino on land in Middleborough. When that plan stalled, it pushed for legislation to build in Fall River. That subsequently stalled, too, and the tribe has been seeking alternate venues.
In a statement, Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell said hiring Delahunt was "a natural extension" of his advocacy.
“Our tribe was fortunate to have him as our congressman, and we are excited to have his voice and continued advocacy on our behalf,"Cromwell said.
Delahunt said: “The history of this tribe’s dealings with our government is replete with bureaucracy, impasse, inertia, and sometimes outright hostility. The tribe has rights as a sovereign nation, and more importantly, treating them with respect and helping them achieve self-sufficiency is simply the right thing to do. I am proud to represent them.”
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/03/wampanoags_hire.html |
