Gov. Tim Walz’s recent appointment of Melanie Benjamin to the Minnesota Racing Commission has ignited controversy and faces strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and business leaders.
Benjamin, a former chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, has a history marred by allegations of misconduct and theft. Her new role raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given her ties to tribal casinos—including those operated by the Mille Lacs Band—which Republican legislators say compete against the state’s horse racing tracks and their associated cardrooms: Canterbury Park in Shakopee and Running Aces in Columbus, both of which she will oversee.
Benjamin’s tenure as the chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe was plagued by accusations of financial impropriety. In 2008, she was removed from her position after an investigation revealed her misuse of tribal funds, according to an Associated Press report from the time.
According to the Mille Lacs Band’s solicitor general, Rjay Brunkow, Benjamin falsified invoices to secure over $21,000 for personal home improvements, including luxury items like a $1,600 replica French toilet. She was also accused of misusing a high-roller card to obtain more than $52,000 in goods and services from the tribe’s casinos. In March 2010, she was was charged with theft and misconduct.
Despite these allegations, Benjamin maintained her innocence through an Alford plea in 2012, a legal arrangement that allowed her to avoid a felony conviction while acknowledging that the state had enough evidence to convict her. Benjamin, who was reelected as chief executive in 2012, 2016 and 2020, announced earlier this year that she wouldn’t seek another term.
Widespread criticism and legal concerns
The controversy is further fueled by the appointment of Johnny Johnson, former president of the Prairie Island Indian Community, to the same commission.
Johnson is currently a defendant in a lawsuit filed earlier this year by Running Aces, which alleges that Mille Lacs and Prairie Island tribal casinos have been conducting unauthorized class III casino card games, in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.
Critics argue that the appointments of both Benjamin and Johnson could undermine the integrity of the commission’s decisions. The Mille Lacs Band operates two Grand Casino-branded venues in central Minnesota, while Prairie Island operates the Treasure Island Resort and Casino.
Republican lawmakers demand action
Republican lawmakers representing the districts of the state’s horse racing tracks have publicly called on Gov. Walz to rescind the appointments.
Sen. Michael Kreun and Rep. Nolan West, both of Blaine, sent a joint letter to Walz, urging him to reconsider his decision. “Governor Walz appointed high ranking members of the very tribal communities who are trying to put the horse racing tracks out of business for competitive gain,” stated Kreun. “This is an egregious conflict of interest and clearly an act of retaliation against the horse tracks for not bending to the whims of the Tribes during the sports betting discussions.”
They emphasized that allowing leaders of tribal casinos to regulate their direct competitors is a dangerous precedent.
Walz’s defense and industry response
Despite the backlash, Gov. Walz defended his appointments, arguing that Benjamin and Johnson are qualified individuals with extensive experience in regulation, particularly in the gambling sector. “They’re citizens and have every right to be on there,” Walz told the media.
Leadership at both Canterbury Park and Running Aces has publicly condemned the appointments. Randy Sampson, CEO of Canterbury Park, stated that while competition among tracks, tribal casinos, and charitable gambling benefits Minnesotans, it is inappropriate for competitors of the racetracks to serve as regulators.
Alpha News reached out to the Racing Commission for comment but did not receive a response.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
