Disregarding the blocked exchanges: An examination of the Hudson casino application

On July 14, 1995, the Department of Interior denied the construction of a Native American Indian Casino in Hudson, Wisconsin. Three indigent tribes in Wisconsin, along with a dog track owner, Fred Havenick, submitted the proposal. Numerous tribes, mainly from Minnesota, opposed the development because of its potential to affect their casino revenues. Paul Eckstein, attorney for the Hudson casino development, contacted the Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt on the date of the denial. Eckstein alleged the Secretary informed him the denial would be issued because of half a million dollars were donated to Democratic Party entities by the tribes opposed to the casino. High-level political meetings appeared to be a major determinant in denying the casino (over favorable lower Bureau of Indian Affairs approval). In addition, it appeared the tribes that contributed money for campaign contributions, who were opposed to the casino development, were able to receive favorable treatment from the White House and the Department of Interior. This spurred a series of Federal investigations by Committees by the Senate, House, and Independent Counsel. The individual findings were mixed. The Independent Counsel Report, was primarily focused upon obtaining quid-pro-quo evidence. This was not found. However, upon re-examination of the evidence and examining additional information, a reasonable person may come to the conclusion political impropriety existed. The blocked exchange between money and politics, as described by Michael Walzer, was breached. The qualitative, historical case study method was utilized to examine this particular case. Memorandums, electronic mail, letters and testimony to the case were examined. In addition, interviews, of the Department of Interior, were conducted, along with other key actors. The project included a literature review of Michael Walzer's Spheres of Justice. In addition, a time line and glossary of the Hudson case were provided.