By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services | East Valley Tribune
State officials are trying to delay a federal appellate court hearing on the question of whether the Tohono O’odham Nation can build a casino on the edge of Glendale.
Assistant Attorney General Michael Tryon wants any action pushed back until the U.S. Supreme Court rules in another case on the scope of tribal immunity. Tryon said the outcome of that case could affect whether the state will be able to block the casino.
But attorneys for the tribe are telling the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals they see something more sinister in the move.
Danielle Spinelli, lead counsel on the case, said the move by the state has nothing to do with the legal issue of tribal immunity before the high court. Instead, she said, what the state wants would push the Glendale case, being briefed next month, back until at least next May.
