11.   Rival Indian tribes that opposed the casino had promised hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to the Democrats.

12.   Senate Republicans accuse the Interior Department of rejecting the application on orders from the White House because the casino was opposed by tribes that donated to the Democratic Party.

13.   Some Pequots opposed the casino, fearing what damage it would do to the lush environment.

14.   The casino was opposed by a broad coalition from across the state.

15.   Then-Gov. Lowell Weicker opposed the casino.

16.   While Pataki favors legalized gambling in the state, Chichester said, he opposes Indian casinos, which are exempt from federal, state and local taxes.

17.   Cheryl Schmit opposed the casino, but credits tribal officials with going beyond federal law to work with the community.

18.   Indian tribes opposing the casino later contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Democratic Party.