The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians donated $450,000 to the Republican Party of Riverside County two weeks after Democratic lawmakers blocked the tribe's gaming compact.

The money was used for an advertising campaign to support two Republican lawmakers who tried to push the compact through the Legislature. A tribal spokesperson said the donation was a thank you to State Sen. Jim Battin and Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia.

Garcia is up for re-election. The TV ads attacked her Democratic opponent, Steve Clute, who filed a complaint about the donation to the Riverside GOP.

Get the Story:
Ads Aid Casino Backers After Tribe Gift to GOP (The Los Angeles Times 10/7)
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Tribe helps GOP campaign (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/7)
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