Tribes have contributed $3.25 million in the 2012 election cycle, a big increase over 2008, with the lion's share going to President Barack Obama and the Democratic party.

Obama alone has received about $750,000 from tribes for his re-election campaign, The Los Angeles Times reports. "President Obama is a promise keeper," Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker told the paper.

According to the paper, tribal donors to Democratic causes include the Morongo Band of Mission Indians ($135,800), the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians ($126,600) and the Tulalip Tribes ($180,000). Tulalip Chairman Melvin R. Sheldon Jr. indicated his tribe will probably donate even more as the election approaches.

In 2008, tribes contributed $356,400.

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Indian tribes, with more clout and money, find an ally in Obama (The Los Angeles Times 9/25)