Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes have made hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions, The Connecticut Post reports.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe have donated to leaders of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, the House Resources Committee and the Congressional Native American Caucus. They also gave to most members of the state's Congressional delegation.

The Post said at least $110,700 was given to Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, and $53,000 to the Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaiia), the former vice chairman. The paper did not say how much went to retire Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado), the chairman before McCain, or Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the current vice chairman.

On the House side, Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Arizona) collected at least $51,500; Rep. Dale Kildee (R-Michigan) received at least $30,150; and Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California) took $15,000. The biggest recipient was Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island), who received $78,000.

In Connecticut, Sen. Chris Dodd (D) received $55,350; Sen. Joe Lieberman got $43,550; Rep. Nancy Johnson (R) collected $24,950; Rep. John Larson (D) took $20,850; Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D) received $20,000, and Rep. Rob Simmons (R) collected $14,850. Rep. Chris Shays (R) didn't accept tribal money, the paper said.

Get the Story:
Tribes' cash linked to lawmakers (The Connecticut Post 12/11)

Relevant Links:
Political Money Line - http://www.fecinfo.com