Poll Finds Many Wisconsin Voters Support Kenosha Casino

49 Pct. Are In Favor Of Proposal To Build Casino, While 35 Pct. Oppose

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A poster at a press event on Wednesday in support of the casino. Photo: Gilman Halsted/WPR News.

A new poll shows that there’s statewide acceptance of a tribal casino in Kenosha, a finding that comes amid new arguments over the possible project.

A Marquette University survey of 815 people last week found 49 percent want Gov. Scott Walker to approve a plan by the Menominee and Seminole tribes to open a large gaming and entertainment complex at the former Kenosha dog track. Only 35 percent of those polled oppose the project.

Marquette pollster Charles Franklin said the number of opponents is dropping, especially in metropolitan Milwaukee.

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“The city of Milwaukee, which had been quite opposed at the beginning, now looks just like the rest of the Milwaukee media market, which includes Kenosha,” said Franklin. “Both of those are at 60 percent urging approval, and between 25 and 29 percent saying it should be rejected.”

Opposition to the Kenosha project is now strongest in the Madison market, which includes Ho-Chunk gaming facilities. The Forest County Potawatomi tribe has a large casino in Milwaukee, and has just suspended its gaming payments to the state in hopes of pressuring Walker to say no to the Kenosha casino.