Agua Caliente Chairman Richard Milanovich. Photo � Indianz.Com A DAY AT THE RACES South Dakota Heated Senate race targets Native voters. California Governor makes issue of tribal gaming. Again. Oklahoma Cherokee tribal member eyes open Senate seat. Alaska Two strong candidates bank on Native vote. Washington Washington tribes battle gaming measure. Nebraska Nebraska tribes could finally get Class III gaming. Montana Cyanide mining initiative irks tribes. Colorado Retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell prompts battle.

This year's fight is again between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and tribes. Schwarzenegger campaigned on tribal gaming in the 2003 recall race and is making an issue out of Proposition 70, a ballot initiative sponsored by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, which represents nearly half of the state's tribes, has endorsed the measure. A handful of small, gaming tribes has poured more than $100 million into the campaign, making it the most expensive in state history.

The initiative counters compacts Schwarzenegger signed with seven tribes. Both proposals allow tribes to operate more than 2,000 slot machines but differ on revenue-sharing and reach of state regulation. Prop. 70 imposes a flat 8.84 percentage rate on net casino revenues while the compacts require tribes to finance a $1 billion bond to help the state in addition to a percentage of slot machine revenues.

Polls show support for the initiative floundering. Only 22 percent say they will vote for it. according to latest Field Poll. Even fewer, 17 percent, are backing Proposition 68, a non-Indian gaming initiative Schwarzenegger is also opposing.

Additionally, Schwarzenegger took the unusual step of campaigning against a local ballot measure benefiting the Agua Caliente Band. The tribe is seeking ratification of a development plan for land in downtown Palm Springs. Approval or denial or Measure U (pro-campaign site) will not affect the plan since the land is part of the reservation, but the tribe wants to show cooperation with the city.

Relevant Links:
Yes on Measure U -http://www.yesonu.org
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - http://www.aguacaliente.org