The backers of the Shinnecock Nation's land claim and casino bid held a fundraiser for Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee.
Donors paid $5,000 to attend the All-Star baseball game in Detroit on Monday and Tuesday. The local hosts are Christopher Ilitch and Mike Malik, whose businesses are financing the Shinnecocks, a state-recognized tribe.
A Pombo spokesperson said the fundraiser has nothing to do with Thursday's oversight hearing on the status of settling recognized tribes' land claims in the state of New York. Although the Shinnecocks are based in the state, they are not on the witness list.
Pombo has raised at least $40,000 this year from tribes, according to news reports.
Get the Story:Congressman Donors Tied to Tribal Dispute (AP 7/12)
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