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FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2003

California Senator Jim Battin (R) said he won't accept business from tribes after receiving criticism for soliciting tribal clients.

Battin's public relations and media company said they could help tribes with casino and political issues. But because he sits on a committee that oversees gaming, he was accused of a conflict of interest.

"While we appreciate what Sen. Battin has done for us, most tribes were taken aback by this," said an unnamed "Indian gambling official" quoted by the Associated Press.

Battin believes word of his company's pitch was leaked to the media by a Democrat consultant who works for at least one tribe. He says the negative attention was meant to embarrass President Bush -- one of Battin's associates is working on the president's re-election campaign.

Get the Story:
Tribal Lobbyist Revealed PR Pitch, Senator Alleges (The Los Angeles Times 6/19)
Battin to cease seeking business of gaming tribes (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 6/19)
Senator foreswears soliciting tribes on gambling issues (AP 6/19)

Relevant Links:
Jim Battin - http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/37

Related Stories:
Calif. Republican lawmaker solicits tribes (6/19)