California tribes must abide by state campaign finance laws, The Pasadena Star-News says in an editorial.

The paper comments on a dispute between the state's political watchdog agency and two tribes. The courts are determining whether the tribes are subject to the rules of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

"The legal battle goes on, but the tribes can't have it both ways," the paper says. "They're either sovereign nations, which are prohibited from making political contributions, or they're part of the state's political process, in which case they must obey the state's laws."

An appeals court heard the case last month.

Get the Story:
Editorial: If tribes want to play politics, they must pay (The Pasadena Star-News 2/28)

Relevant Links:
Fair Political Practices Commission - http://www.fppc.ca.gov

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