"Until now, California's state controller's race has been a somnolent contest. Few voters know that Democrat John Chiang is running against Republican Tony Strickland. Even fewer know the controller has significant duties in auditing state agencies, serving on state pension boards and enforcing tax laws.

So perhaps we should be thankful that tribal gambling interests and a big-moneyed software company are pouring unprecedented sums into the controller's race, hoping to boost Strickland's chances through independent campaigns. The big money has suddenly elevated the profile of this office, and given voters _ especially those fed up with pay-to-play politics _ reason to sit up and pay attention.

For their part, the sovereign tribes who run gambling operations may not be terribly interested in Strickland or his potential actions in office. Mainly, they are angry that Democrats didn't ratify gambling compacts negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that would allow them to expand their casino operations. By investing in Strickland and other Republicans in down-ticket races, they are sending a shot across the bow of Assembly Speaker Fabian Nzqez and the other Democrats who scuttled the compacts.

The cannon delivering this shot is called Team 2006, a political action committee created by four tribes that hope to spend $9 million or more on statewide and legislative races this year. Already this PAC has spent $958,000 on behalf of Strickland, as well as $122,000 to help his wife, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland, R-Thousand Oaks, win re-election in a safe seat.

Leaders of PACs usually obfuscate when asked if they are trying to influence specific legislation. Richard Milanovich, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is refreshingly candid. According to an article last Wednesday in the Palm Springs Desert Sun, Milanovich hopes the PAC money will "assist candidates when the time comes for the ratification process.""

Get the Story:
Big money puts controller race in the crosshairs (ScrippsNews Blog 10/31)

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Most California tribal money goes to Republicans (10/27)
California tribes spend millions on campaigns (10/26)
California tribes pour money into GOP campaigns (10/20)
Six California tribes form political committee (10/19)