An artist's rendition of the proposed Anthony casino

With a proposal to build an off-reservation casino in Anthony recently resurfacing, both candidates for governor say they need more time to consider the issue before they’d decide whether to allow the casino to be built.

“Susana understands that the Department of Interior is discussing this issue with the affected tribal entities. She intends to have similar conversations with the affected entities and weigh all the evidence, including the economic impact on the area, and make a decision that best balances the needs of all New Mexicans,” Ryan Cangiolosi, Republican Susana Martinez’s campaign manager, was quoted by The Santa Fe New Mexican as saying.

Democrat Diane Denish said the same.

“I recognize there is strong local support for it, but there are still many federal actions that would need to take place before any state decision on the issue would occur,” the newspaper quoted Denish as saying. “If a decision is in the state’s hands, I would be sure to bring all the stakeholders to the table and hear all sides before making a determination.”

The U.S. Interior Department rejected the proposal from the Jemez Pueblo and Santa Fe art dealer and developer Gerald Peters in 2008. With a new administration in place in Washington, they’re trying again for approval.

Federal law allows off-reservation casinos only when the department agrees to place land in federal trust for that purpose. Before that happens, the department has to be convinced that the proposal is in the best interest of the tribe and has the support of the local community where the casino would be built. When the department approves such a proposal, it’s then up to the state’s governor to decide whether the casino can be built.

Such approval from the Interior Department is rare. The process takes time, and there’s a good chance that if the Interior Department did OK the proposal Denish or Martinez – not current Gov. Bill Richardson – would make the final decision.