Nation objects to RP casino

State Senate hopeful Joe Nation said Wednesday it's not too late to stop the Las Vegas-style mega-resort planned for Rohnert Park by the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria -- and he's the only one of three candidates who's vowed to fight it.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with casino opponents near the 254-acre Wilfred Avenue site, Nation said it's irresponsible for Democratic primary rivals Sen. Carole Migden and Assemblyman Mark Leno, both of San Francisco, to suggest there is nothing that can be done.

"It's clear to me we have options here," said Nation, a former assemblyman and Sonoma resident.

Nation is vying for the 3rd Senate District, which includes parts of San Francisco, all of Marin and southern Sonoma County. The primary is June 3.

He said despite the federal government's recent announcement that it would hold the land in trust for the tribe, the casino can still be challenged by state and local authorities on environmental grounds.

Since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has broad discretion to sign a compact with the tribe, a Sacramento lawmaker could put pressure on him to reject it, Nation said. If he does sign a deal, an elected official could push for a smaller project or vote no when it comes to the Legislature to be ratified, Nation said.

He said neither Migden nor Leno have signaled they will do these things.

Leno campaign manager Tom Higgins accused Nation of grandstanding.

Higgins said federal legislation authorizes the casino, and it will be built somewhere in Sonoma or Marin counties if it is not built near Rohnert Park. Leno will do everything he can to reduce traffic congestion and the effects on water supply, he said.

"Joe's trying for a visceral reaction, but it doesn't reflect reality," Higgins said. "There is federal legislation authorizing this. They have a right to build it."

Migden, who opposes the casino, said her office has looked into the question of what can be done. A campaign official said only the secretary of the Interior could undo the deal.

"I oppose it but I don't know if we have the power to stop it," Migden said. "I understand there was a federal statute that allowed it without state intervention."

Nation said both Migden and Leno have taken campaign contributions from California tribes this election cycle while he has not. His office issued a statement showing Migden had received more than $26,000 in donations from tribes while Leno had taken about $23,000.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 762-7297 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.