Indian casinos, controversial deals . . . & Ga. politics. Ralph Reed's role in Texas scandal will likely become a hot topic in next year's election.

The story of a far-flung casino, closed after nine years by federal court order in 2002, has morphed into a full-blown scandal that includes powerful congressmen, a double-dealing Washington lobbyist and rival tribes.

At the story's edge is Ralph Reed, former executive director of the Christian Coalition and current Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Georgia.

Reed was hired to help close the casino by two Washington insiders working for tribes with rival gambling interests. Those insiders then charged the Tiguas more than $4 million to prowl the halls of political power to try to reopen the casino --- without the tribe knowing the pair had just worked to kill it.

Their actions are being investigated by, among others, the Justice Department and two Senate committees, and their ties include Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the House majority leader, and other high-ranking politicians. Crimes being investigated include fraud and money laundering.

Reed has not been implicated and denies any impropriety.

(The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which legalized Indian casinos, was enacted in 1988.)

(4-17-05, AJC.)