Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona) is under investigation for alleged political corruption but tribes are still willing to contribute to his campaign fund.
According to the latest Federal Elections Commission filing, four tribes each donated $2,000 to Renzi. They were the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California, the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
The $8,000 in contributions from tribes made up a sizable portion of the $41,000 that Renzi raised from April 1 through June 30. In comparison, he raised more than $308,000 during the same time period in 2005.
Despite the influx of cash, Renzi only has about $20,000 in the bank. He spent $25,000 on legal fees during the past three months, paid a $25,000 fine to the FEC and owes a Washington law firm more than $100,000. His total debt is $456,000.
Renzi is under scrutiny for backing a land swap that several tribes in Arizona oppose. The deal would benefit on of his business partners The FBI raided Renzi's family business in April, prompting him to step down from the House Resources Committee, which oversees Indian issues.
Renzi's district includes parts of the Navajo Nation and some Apache reservations.
Get the Story:Renzi campaign low on cash, heavily in debt (AP 7/16)
Arizona Rep. Renzi Low on Campaign Funds (AP 7/17)
Re-election shaky as campaign funds dwindle for Renzi (The Arizona Republic 7/17) Relevant Links:
Rep. Rick Renzi - http://www.house.gov/renzi Related Stories:
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Land transfer tied to Rep. Renzi under scrutiny (5/9)
Editorial: Land transfer a vital deal for Arizona (5/9)
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Rep. Renzi said to be considering resignation (4/27)
Aide to Rep. Renzi called ousted U.S. Attorney (4/26)
Rep. Renzi steps down from Resources Committee (4/25)
Rep. Renzi steps down from panel after FBI raid (4/20)
A new co-chair for Native American Caucus (01/26)
Rep. Renzi seeks funds for Navajo-Hopi efforts (12/07)
Letter: Rep. Renzi insulted Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation (11/08)
Preliminary investigation into Renzi land deal (10/25)
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Cobell endorses Republican Renzi in Arizona (10/27)
Navajo Nation council nearly endorses Renzi rival (10/20)
Renzi wins endorsement of Navajo Nation Council (10/19)
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