Six California tribes have contributed $9.1 million to an independent political campaign that is rewarding casino-friendly politicians.

The members of Team 2006 say they support anyone who backs Indian gaming. But so far, most of the money has gone to Republicans.

One analyst said the tribes are sending a message to the Democrats who killed new gaming compacts at the behest of labor unions. "If you support Indian gaming, we support you. If you don't, we don't support you," Allan Hoffenblum told The Sacramento Bee.

The compacts were negotiated with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). They would have allowed the tribes to break the 2,000-slot machine limit.

Labor unions fought the deals, saying they didn't contain enough protections for workers. Democrats in the Legislature kept the compacts from moving forward.

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Tribal casinos bet against politicians who backed unions (The Sacramento Bee 11/1)
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