California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) criticized lawmakers on Monday for taking tribal money and then endorsing a ballot initiative backed by most of the state's tribes.

Schwarzenegger himself had been considering taking tribal donations in order to oppose Proposition 70, sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and Proposition 68, sponsored by non-Indian card clubs and racetracks. He has been raising money for his campaign against the initiatives.

But now he says lawmakers, most of whom are Republican, are wrong for accepting tribal contributions. "The legislators should not take money from the Indians, from the Indian gaming tribes, and then endorse Proposition 70. They should not," he was quoted as saying.

The majority of tribes have endorsed Proposition 70, which would expand gaming. In exchange, the tribes would share 8.84 percent of net revenues with the state.

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Governor Faults Prop. 70 Backers (The Los Angeles Times 10/5)
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