California State Sen. Jim Battin (R) took four large-dollar campaign donations from tribes last year, according to The Riverside Press-Enterprise.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians each gave $75,000 in October 2003. This was shortly after a state judge ruled that such high-dollar contributions broke a new state law.

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians gave a $12,500 donation two days after the ruling and $12,500 more in October, the paper said.

The state Fair Political Practices Commission has since concluded that such donations aren't allowed. The commission earlier had sent out mixed messages about politicians with accounts that predated the new limits.

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Senator defends donations by tribes (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 1/27)
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