Gov. David A. Paterson has asked the U.S. Justice Department for a “threat assessment” about possible violence if he were to try to collect taxes on cigarette sales by Indian tribes, including the Seneca Nation. In a letter to top federal prosecutors, the governor also suggests he might need help from Washington in dealing with any unrest by Indian tribes. The unusual request, dated Sept. 23 and sent to the U.S. attorneys in the stat ... Jump to full article >>

ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson has asked the U.S. Justice Department for a “threat assessment” if he were to begin trying to collect taxes on cigarette sales by Indian tribes, including the Seneca Nation. In a letter to top federal prosecutors, the governor also suggests he might need help from Washington in putting down any possible unrest by Indian tribes if the tax collection starts. The unusual request, dated September 23 ... Jump to full article >>