Racine Co. Executive backs proposed Kenosha casino

RACINE CO. (WITI) -- Racine County Executive Jim Ladwig is throwing his support behind a proposed Kenosha casino. The Republican leader offered his support in exchange for jobs promises.

"After I met with tribal leaders last week, I received a firm commitment from the Menominee will meet or exceed the goal of having Racine County residents make up at least 15 percent of the casino workforce," said Ladwig.

Ladwig says that will mean some 500 new jobs for Racine County residents.

Milwaukee officials are worried that a Kenosha casino will take jobs from the city -- and the group "Enough Already Wisconsin" is running ads against the proposed casino.

"We believe there's more than enough gaming opportunities in the state of Wisconsin.  The state does not have a gaming opportunity problem," said Brian Nemoir, Executive Director of "Enough Already Wisconsin."

The Menominee tribe wanted Ladwig's endorsement for two reasons. One, he is the leader of the neighboring county -- and two, he is a close, personal friend of Gov. Scott Walker. Gov. Walker must sign off on any new casino -- and he says he will only approve it if all the state's indian tribes agree.

Gov. Walker says he wants his decision in 60 days. But at this point, it appears the Potawatomi, who run the casino in Milwaukee and oppose the new casino in Kenosha -- and the Menominee are not negotiating with each other.