Schwarzenegger: 'The Indians are ripping us off'

Friday, October 15, 2004  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) repeated his claim that "Indians are ripping us off" at a campaign stop on Thursday.

Schwarzenegger told people in San Diego that tribes with casinos are not doing anything for the state. "They pay off the Congress," he was quoted as saying. "They make billions, and they don't pay their fair share."

Schwarzenegger debuted ads against Proposition 70, a ballot initiative sponsored by the Agua Caliiente Band of Cahuilla Indians and endorsed by the majority of tribes. He claims it will expand gaming with no return for the state.

Schwarzenegger is spending $2 million to send a 12-page mailer to 5 million Californians stating his opposition to Prop. 70 and a non-Indian gaming initiative that has been abandoned. According to The Los Angeles Times, the mailer describes Prop. 70 as a "special-interest proposition designed to expand casino gambling throughout California without giving taxpayers their fair share of revenues."

Get the Story:
Governor delights diners in Old Town (The San Diego Union-Tribune 10/15)
Gov. Makes His Pitch (The Los Angeles Times 10/15)
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3 ways possible for casino votes (AP 10/15)