Minnesota's tribal casinos are estimated to take in more than $1billion a year, trailing only California and Connecticut. Theproposal was contained in a letter to three elected state officialsfrom Melanie Benjamin, chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band.Pawlenty has said he wants a "better deal" for Minnesota fromgambling operations--meaning a contribution to the state. Both theTwins and Vikings are seeking public support for new sportsfacilities.

"Because of the growing political pressure to expand gaming andthe seeming stalemate between the tribes and the state, now is thetime for a new course," Benjamin said in her letter, which was sentto Pawlenty, House Speaker Steve Sviggum and Senate Majority LeaderDean Johnson.

In his State of the State address this year, Pawlenty outlined aplan for a "new economic relationship" between the State ofMinnesota and the American Indian tribes. Since that time, Pawlentysaid his administration has had discussions with the tribes. Earlyin August, Pawlenty said he met with Benjamin in her office todiscuss the issues. "The letter from chief executive Benjamin mayset the stage for more productive talks," Pawlenty says.