Mystery Anti-Casino Group Stays Quiet

As reported by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "A one-issue group is heavily lobbying for the Legislature to have approval authority for new off-reservation casinos, but the organization won't say who is bankrolling its campaign, despite demands for full disclosure from some legislators.

"Brian Nemoir, the executive director of the group Enough! Inc., refused to name who is covering his salary and the pay and expenses of three lobbyists - including a former Republican state senator and two ex-aides to former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson. Nemoir is a former state Republican Party official.

"…Last spring, the group paid for a statewide poll of 405 residents, in which 76% of the respondents agreed that the Legislature should approve any new off-reservation casinos. Nineteen percent of those who responded disagreed, and 5% had no opinion. Currently, the governor alone speaks for the state in such matters.

"Enough! formed to oppose off-reservation casinos proposed for Kenosha, Beloit and Shullsburg.

"Nemoir's group has pushed a bill (AB 461) that has been approved by the Assembly and got a hearing by a Senate committee last week.

"…Under the bill, the Legislature would not negotiate with the tribes over an off-reservation casino but would have to approve any new off-reservation casinos approved by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"…Some Democratic senators want to know who is paying the group's bills…"