URL: https://www.indianz.com/News/archives/001082.asp

Monday, September 1, 2003

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians has contributed $500,000 to help Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (D) in California's upcoming recall election.

The donation is the second large-dollar tribal contribution to Bustamante's campaign. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation has given $300,000.

Tribes are expected to play a large monetary role in the recall and they are being actively courted by Bustamante and Gov. Gray Davis (D), both of whom have been supportive of tribes although Davis has been criticized for seeking to renegotiate gaming compact in order to take a bigger cut of tribal revenues.

Tribes have praised State Sen. Tom McClintock (R) for his views on tribal sovereignty and labor unions at casinos. Tribal donations to his campaign have not been made public.

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he won't take money from tribes, whom he refers to as "special interests."

Get the Story:
Bustamante receives $500,000 from Indians; FPPC has doubts (The Sacramento Bee 8/30
Bustamante rakes in $500,000 from tribe (The San Francisco Chronicle 8/30)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Bustamante on the take from tribes (8/29)
ICT: Vote NO on recall but YES to Bustamante (8/29)
Calif. recall candidates seek tribal support (8/29)
Calif. tribes to host three recall candidates (8/28)
Schwarzenegger won't take money from tribes (8/27)

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