TALLAHASSEE -- Two of the state's most powerful Republicans are headed for a Supreme Court showdown with House Speaker Marco Rubio challenging Gov. Charlie Crist's recent gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Rubio asked justices this afternoon to void the compact, which would allow the tribe to offer Vegas-style slots, blackjack and other high-stakes games in exchange for hundreds of millions of dollars that Crist wants to spend on education.

Rubio opposes casino gambling, but insists he is defending the Legislature's constitutional authority to make policy.

"This case is about protecting our system of checks and balances," Rubio said in a written statement. "I have an obligation to protect and defend the constitutional role of the Florida House of Representatives. It is an obligation not only to this legislature, but also to future legislatures as well."

Filed by University of Florida law professor Jon Mills, a former House Speaker, the petition accuses Crist of overstepping his bounds when he signed the compact last week. It asks the justices to require legislative approval.

"This unilateral attempt by the Governor to re-write fundamental policy and alter Florida law is directly contrary to Florida law and violates Florida's separation of powers doctrine," Mills wrote in the petition.

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 Swanny Note: Last time I went to a tribe casino  it was for a business meeting. One thing people said was "Thank God we are out of Florida" Why were they saying that? Because they could behave as they always did there. Eat , drink and smoke in AirConditioned Comfort. The place was packed with Seniors and THEIR Parents having a good time LIVING as they did before the laws started changing as far as "laws that protect the public" such as smoking in restaurants, bars, and casinos.