TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The Florida House and Speaker Marco Rubio are asking the state Supreme Court to block the governor's deal with the Seminole Indians to expand gambling on tribal property.
The representatives say in a lawsuit that they want the justices to invalidate the agreement unless it is approved by the Legislature. Governor Charlie Crist contends legislative approval isn't required.
The governor signed the 25-year compact with the tribe last week. It includes a minimum 100 million-dollar annual payment to the state in exchange for adding Las Vegas-style slot machines and card games such as blackjack at the tribe's seven casinos.
Rubio opposes the expansion of gambling, but says he has an obligation to protect the House's constitutional role to make laws and set policy.
The governor's lawyers are reviewing the lawsuit. Senate leaders are considering their options and have not yet decided whether to also challenge the pact.
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