Gaming has brought social, economic and political benefits to the Confederated Grand Ronde Tribes of Oregon. The Spirit Mountain Casino nets the tribe a reported $90 million in profits every year.

In hopes of protecting its cash cow, the tribe has ramped up spending in the gubernatorial race. So far this year, the tribe has spent $920,000 -- and that's just on the primary.

At issue is an off-reservation casino sought by the Warm Springs Tribes. Grand Ronde leaders believe it could cut into their gaming enterprise and have gone after politicians who support the proposal.

The tribe, meanwhile, is hoping to expand its casino under a recently signed compact that would allow 33 percent more slot machines.

Get the Story:
Casino transforms tribe members into political players (The Statesman Journal 6/19)