Oneida Nation donates $100K to support Republican candidate

Monday, June 9, 2014  

The Oneida Nation of New York is donating $100,000 to support a Republican member of Congress.

Rep. Richard Hanna (R-New York) is facing a primary challenge from state Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R). The tribe was blunt in a press release about its reasons for supporting the incumbent.

"[W]hile the rest of the region's leaders have been working together with the Oneida Nation to heal old wounds and build on the economic success of Oneida Nation Enterprises, Tenney has pushed to shut down Turning Stone, which would impact untold numbers of jobs," the tribe said in a statement. "Meanwhile, Tenney has repeatedly slandered members of the Oneida Indian Nation, earning her the backing of groups that have been hostile to the Nation."

Tenney has opposed a land claim settlement with the tribe and has questioned the legitimacy and Indian ancestry of Ray Halbritter, the tribe's representative.

Get the Story:
Oneida Indian Nation chooses sides in GOP primary for Congress, backs Hanna over Tenney (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/7)