Portland -- A diverse group of 13 small business, environmental, tribal and pro-family organizations have formed a new coalition to oppose Governor Kulongoski's plan to build the state's first and largest Indian casino off reservation lands in the Columbia River Gorge and has launched a media campaign and website -- www.norgorgecasino.com -- to better educate Oregonians about the negative impacts of approving the state's first off-reservation casino and to ask the public to urge federal and state elected officials to oppose the plan.

The coalition believes the move will lead to even more casinos in urban areas, damage the natural scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and will hurt small businesses and families.

Last week, the coalition released the findings of a new statewide poll that shows 61% of Oregonians are concerned about the expansion of gambling and casinos; 63% are opposed to the Gorge casino plan; 57% believe Indian casinos should be limited to reservation lands; 71% believe approval of a Gorge casino will lead to more casinos off-reservation lands and 63% believe the Columbia River Gorge Scenic area should be off limits to any large scale developments.

TV SCRIPT

Governor Kulongoski thinks Oregon needs another casino&So he's changing state policy to build the first Indian casino off reservation lands&A huge casino - nearly 2000 slot machines&In the Columbia River Gorge - Oregons greatest natural treasure. It's a bad idea. It'll mean even more casinos, off tribal lands and it'll trash the Gorge. Tell Governor Kulongoski no&Ask Washington, D.C. to stop the Gorge casino...Oregon deserves better."

Coalition members include: The Oregon Family Council, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Oregon Restaurant Association, Trout Unlimited, Oregon Center for Environmental Health, Friends of Mt. Hood, McKenzie Guardians, Stronger Families for Oregon, OSPIRG, Oregon Toxics Alliance, Parents Education Association and WashPIRG.