Indian Tribes Also Donate To McClintock Campaign

FoxReno ^ | 09/17/03

[Andy from Beaverton]

Indian Tribes Also Donate To McClintock Campaign

POSTED: 5:42 p.m. PDT September 17, 2003

SACRAMENTO -- Indian tribes have eclipsed organized labor to become the top campaign giver in the recall election.

The more than $3.24 million donated by Indian tribes to Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has caused the most stir. But records show the tribes are now also spreading their wealth to his political opposite, Sen. Tom McClintock, as well as contributing $2 million on an independent committee.

"They're certainly the biggest spenders so far," said California Common Cause Executive Director Jim Knox. "Maybe they have now crossed that final hurdle" to become the state's top donors.

Tribes vied with organized labor for the top spot in the 1998 and 2002 state elections, but clearly have taken the lead so far in the recall.

"I think their pockets are a lot deeper, because they control a $5 billion annual industry," Knox said. "I think there's a lot more where that came from."

There are legal questions over how Bustamante can spend the tribal donations as he campaigns to succeed Gov. Gray Davis if the governor is recalled.

The tribes have given more than $100,000 to McClintock, R-Northridge. And they've contributed $2 million to an independent expenditure committee, with $100,000 going to support Bustamante, state campaign records show.

Tribes' contributions to Bustamante prompted complaints this week from Proposition 54 author Ward Connerly that politicians might soon find themselves simply asking tribes how the state should be run.

Bustamante's tribal contributions are going to television ads opposing Connerly's proposition, which would bar the state from classifying people by race, ethnicity or national origin.

"At some point are we going to go to the tribes and say, 'What do you want to do? ... It's your state, you own it,"' Connerly said.

The contributions came as Davis tries to renegotiate gambling compacts with the tribes, and as state lawmakers considered legislation to protect Indian sacred lands and approve new casino compacts with San Diego County's La Posta and Santa Ysabel bands.

Tribes generally would prefer to deal only with the federal government as they did before Congress gave states veto power over casinos, said Mark Macarro, who chairs one of the state's most financially successful Indian tribes.

"If it wasn't for that, we'd have no interest" in who is governor, said Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in Riverside County. "If you don't like it, repeal IGRA," the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and tribes would stop their massive state contributions.

Tribal spending has gone directly to candidates and indirectly through independent expenditures.

The Pechangas contributed $2 million to 1st Americans for a Better California, an independent expenditure committee it formed with the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians of San Diego County. Of that, $100,000 went for printing costs to aid Bustamante, and Macarro suggested more is on the way.

The Pechangas have given Bustamante $535,000 directly, while the Sycuans have given him $633,000.

But the Sycuans also have given $50,000 to an independent expenditure committee called Tax Fighters for Tom McClintock for Governor, as well as the maximum $21,200 to his individual campaign. The Morongo tribe also has spent $18,000 to aid McClintock, among the $109,000 tribes have spent on his bid.

The Sycuans have long supported both men, said tribal spokesman Adam Day.

"Both understand tribes are a fourth branch of government in the United States," said Macarro.

The Pechanga tribe is spending millions supporting Bustamante because its polls show him the leader, but that could change particularly if the recall election is delayed until March, he said.

Donations to McClintock not only reflect his support for tribal sovereignty, but distress that GOP front-runner Arnold Schwarzenegger has allied himself with former Gov. Pete Wilson and many of Wilson's former top aides. While governor, Wilson tried to shut down tribal casinos, Macarro said.

Schwarzenegger said he won't accept tribes' donations anyway because he would have to approve Indian gambling compacts if he replaces Davis, who is fighting the effort to recall him in midterm.

The Pechangas want Davis recalled even though he signed the compacts that allowed most of the state's Indian casinos to flourish, Macarro said. But Day noted the Sycuans contributed to Davis in last year's campaign and to his efforts to block his recall, though they disagree with him on some issues.

Spokesmen for the Bustamante, McClintock and Schwarzenegger campaigns did not immediately return telephone messages from The Associated Press.

Davis campaign spokesman Gabriel Sanchez said the governor has tried to work fairly with both gambling and non-gambling tribes.

"It's like an accordion," Sanchez said. "Sometimes you're close and sometimes you're apart."

[Andy from Beaverton]

Thanks for selling out Tom!

[per loin]

So Tom is on the payroll of the tribes? Does not sound very ethical to me.

[EggsAckley]

PING!

[Verginius Rufus]

Maybe their reasoning is that McClintock can't win, but helping him may take votes away from Schwarzenegger and improve Bustamante's chances.

[TheBattman]

And the Indian tribes pay zero taxes in the first place....

[EggsAckley]

Maybe their reasoning is that McClintock can't win, but helping him may take votes away from Schwarzenegger and improve Bustamante's chances.

Um...........ya think?

[habs4ever]

What the hell is an "Independent Committee" but a slush fund? I just love the principles on display of "Blackjack" McClintock, career hack pol.

He just rolled craps.

[carbon14]

It was reported by Daniel Weintrab (Sac Bee) that Indian tribes are going to pour $1,000,000 and more to MadClintock!

I tried to post the breaking news about Weintraub's front page story, but thread was pulled.

For info about CNIGA (CA Indian Gaming) and issue of sovereignty, visit their website.

"The sovereignty enjoyed by Indian nations in the United States is inherent to the Indian tribes. This means that the Creator granted sovereignty to the tribes, not the federal government or the Congress."

So now that the Creator is the one that granted them absolute sovereignty, why be burdened by any laws of the United States? In accordance with the crazed ideals of Cruz Bustamante and Tom MadClintock, Indians should start laying plans for the new Aztlan!

[ab01]

We have a winner!!!

[Wild Irish Rogue]

"Maybe their reasoning is that McClintock can't win, but helping him may take votes away from Schwarzenegger and improve Bustamante's chances."

Bob Novak said just that, on The Capital Gang on CNN Saturday. He said many believe that the money Busta had to give back-will be used by the Tribes to buy " independent " ads for McClintock, to help Busta.

[per loin]

This sounds close to treason on the part of the Bustamente/McClintock axis.

[deport]

Heap big Tom Tom....

[El Conservador]

That's a shocker!!! (/sarcasm)

[Miss Marple]

Well, if the tribes are sovereign nations, then they can't donate. No foreign donations allowed, if I remember the law correctly.

[The Old Hoosier]

Tom's always favored letting them do whatever they want on their land. They should have supported him all along.

[annyokie]

We have a winner!

[demnomo]

A group of citizens in Sonoma County, CA. are fighting yet another Indian Gaming casino that is due to be located in a quiet suburban city. The tribe is headed by a guy with less Native American blood in his veins than I have from my great grandmother who was part Sioux and Chippewa/Ojibway. The guy formed the tribe from a defunct CA tribe and promised NOT to have a casino if only the Feds would give him and his people back "their heritage." Of course, he lied and has teamed up with a Las Vegas gambling operation that is fronting the development dough. The casino partners are busy sweet-talking local politicos into deals and promises that can't be legally enforced due to the tribe's "sovereign nation" status.

Senator Barbara Boxer's son is one of the tribal consultants as are some close cronies of Davis and Bustamante.

Go here: http://www.stopthecasino101.com for the opposition
group's website.

Go here: http://www.stopthecasino101.com/about.html and here:
http://www.stopthecasino101.com/stopthecasino.html for articles about what is happening to US citizen's Constitutional rights to self-government because of these Fee to Trust land grabs, Indian Gaming campaign contribution loopholes and casinos that are exempt from taxes, local law enforcement, alcohol restrictions and regulations.

The leader of the Coalition to Stop the Casino 101 was on San Francisco's KSFO morning show with Melanie Morgan this past Monday. The citizens are recalling the entire Rohnert Park, CA. City Council. Next, will come two of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors involved in the scam. It's a mess.

[NewRomeTacitus]

If the studio lights were bothering his eyes McClintock only needed to ask the crew to dim them. This guy was on the verge of a heart attack. Why would I think he's lying while a small river of his perspiration threatens the crew back?

[onyx]

But the Sycuans also have given $50,000 to an independent expenditure committee called Tax Fighters for Tom McClintock for Governor, as well as the maximum $21,200 to his individual campaign. The Morongo tribe also has spent $18,000 to aid McClintock, among the $109,000 tribes have spent on his bid.

Divide and Conquer, Indian $tyle.

[demnomo]

The tribes have dual citizenship. This issue and the land grab of tribes made out of whole cloth via federal recognition (ie: lobbying, campaign contributions...bribes...mitigation) needs to go to the Supreme Court. It denies the average citizen their Constitutional rights to self-government and self-determination. Read some of my links in my lengthy (sorry, I'm angry) post above to find out why. It's an outrage.

[avital2]

this is similar to gray davis' strategy against Riordan so that he would have Simon to run against. they're going to boost McClintock to divide the Republican vote. hope we Repubs unite before it's too late.

[NewRomeTacitus]

Seems to me that those who posess dual citizenship enjoy more rights and escape holes than singular United States citizens. The balance seems to be tilting toward the insanity of renouncing one's citizenship in favor of "relocating" here as an illegal alien just to press forward opportunities that should be strictly reserved for citizens. I fear the liberal/socialists may attempt to "progressively" alter the laws of physics if they aren't reigned in soon.

[Tamzee]

So Mr. Perfect Conservative not only told an blatant shameless LIE to damage Arnold on Hannity and Colmes about Congressman Dan Burton telling him to stay in the race...

But now Mr. Perfect Conservative is also taking big money from Indian tribes that damage California's interests?

[EllaMinnow]

BUMP.

[spokeshave]

DING Ding ding....we have a winner....

"Maybe their reasoning is that McClintock can't win, but helping him may take votes away from Schwarzenegger and improve Bustamante's chances.

This was mentioned a couple of weeks ago....

[EllaMinnow]

Yep. And Bob Novak was talking about it, too.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/983030/posts

[NormsRevenge]

yaawwwwwnnnn!!!!!

[Amerigomag]

I have great reservations (excuse the pun) about soverign nations financially involving themselves in our domestic politics.

I see little difference between a soverign nation located extranationally and one located intranationally.

I suppose another example of federal soverinty trampling states rights with a Republican administration acting as a simple bystander.

[EllaMinnow]

[calcowgirl]

Selling out? What a bunch of #%$@.

McClintock has been a supporter of the Indian's sovereignty for years. Those that give to McClintock are probably the honest tribes who would like to get on with their business. Davis created a mess with his Indian gaming commission and has been holding the tribe money hostage (their revenues). If I were an Indian, I'd be giving to McClintock too.

[EllaMinnow]

Just another corrupt politician bump.

[calcowgirl]

Another thing...

I would think Arnold wants to stay away from this tactic of demeaning McClintock.

All one would have to do is start raising the Pete Wilson to Dick Silberman to Chris Petti connections to say that Arnie's sidekicks aren't so clean. Oh... and don't forget George Gorton, the man who talked Arnold into running for Governor (the ex boyfriend and campaign organizer for ex-mayor of San Diego RINO Susan Golding, Silberman's now ex-wife). Silberman was a big Wilson supporter... went to jail for money laundering with Chris Petti (mob) who was trying to control casinos. Nice bunch Arnie is hanging with.

[PhiKapMom]

Looks to me like "Mr. Perfect Conservative" is anything but perfect -- just another career politician that will say and do anything to get elected. Taking money from Indian Gambling Interest is not what a "principled" conservative would be doing IMHO.

[DiamondDon1]

Andy:

Thank you for demeaning a fine conservative with this new low for the supporters of another candidate. By fiat and assertion, McClintock is guilty by association and by having an "independent" body campaign for him, in their efforts remove Tom and to elect Bustamante.

What some supporters of another candidate are suggesting is that Tom is being "helped" by the tribes. Wrong. He is the victim here. He has nothing to do with the $1 million dollars that the tribes will "independently" use to buy ad time (assuming they "actually" do it.). For conspiracy theorists out there, could it be another Republican candidate prompted the tribes to give money to Tom, so Tom would be shamed into getting out of the race?

It is high time that attacks of this nature on our side of the aisle against OUR SIDE stop.

DD

[DiamondDon1]

Hi CalCowGirl!

What is difficult here is to not unload on THEIR candidate too. They keep using rumor and innuendo as weapons, when we have facts...

I wonder if in the end, these folks will think they have done a good deed in their destruction of McClintock...and we wonder why we don't get more "solid" conservatives to run in this State...

DD

[Rabid Dog]

Another thread filled with crap posts? Wild speculation? unfair accusations? Non-witty personal attacks? And all on a Republican candidate instead of Davis/Bustamante. Any new posters or all the same old ones?

[calcowgirl]

What is difficult here is to not unload on THEIR candidate...

After reading this entire thread, I was seething. The baseless thought that ANY contribution from a tribe or union is 'selling out' is ridiculous. The tribe allegation, given Tom's position re: Indian sovereignty, was senseless. While those comments can, they also prove the ignorance of those throwing the slurs.

Arnold has taken in $8 million (according to the news last night), with contributions from most every major developer around. How someone can not consider these contributions 'special interest' and at that same time attack McClintock for relatively small tribal contributions is incredible. The stupidity and blind allegiance to Arnold continues to amaze me."

I agree with you.... it is a wonder that any 'solid' conservatives run... Thankfully we have Tom.

[Tamzee]

Nope... he's not perfect. NO political candidate is perfect because God doesn't tend to run for office :-)

A vote is merely our teeny measure of political power... we invest it foolishly by turning it into a "political statement". We invest it wisely when we form coalitions and invest the votes together to get most of what we all want.

Some folks around here think a vote is an oath of allegiance ;-)

[B Knotts]

There are a lot of people on this site who don't like Indian People, for some reason.

[PRND21]

"Both understand tribes are a fourth branch of government in the United States," said Macarro.

Go Tom Go
Takes money from the State's biggest lobby Gambling, and his district houses the world epicenter of the porn industry.
Pricipals my ass.

[B Knotts]

Indians are people, too, for your information.

They are not "foreign"; they are Americans, and are under the authority of the federal government.

Blame Congress for the campaign situation; they're the ones that put the states in charge of regulating Indian casinos. Otherwise, the tribes would have no interest in state government.

But, you know...go ahead and take your shots at Tom McClintock...I mean, it's not like he's qualified. He hasn't even made any movies or anything.

[pogo101]

That's my theory. Just protecting their real investment in Davi-mante.

[Susannah]

The Clintonites have been on the receiving end too.

http://www.badeagle.com/html/guilt.html
Indian casinos and Jim Druck 'Guilt by Association'
"The U.S. government is helping set up Indian lands for casino operations, because political parties apparently get major kick backs from them.
I also reported that since these “sovereign” Indian nations and their casinos are free of government regulations, they can quickly become havens for
international money laundering, weapons and drug trafficking, and a host of vices."


http://www.badeagle.com/html/in_pol_mo.html
Indians, politics, and money

(articles by Dr. Yeagley of the Commanche tribe}

---

Hmmm, wasn't it in 1998 that the Indians received federally mandated tax-exempt status for their gaming?

[DoctorZIn]

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[Susannah]

"There are a lot of people on this site who don't like Indian People, for some reason."

It's all relative to which tribes and Indians you've dealt with or heard about.

There is a group of Indians called "Shadow Wolves" that have worked for the Feds since 1972. They use their special skills to root out drug smugglers.

My brother thinks most Indians on reservations are lazy because they collect checks from the government and the casinos.

My son has some friends that are Indians; but other Indians, in the same area, buy cars from dealers who offer financing and then the dealer cannot reposess when they are on their sovereign reservation.

[dpwiener]

Tom McClintock is a long-standing supporter of Indians and the sovereignty of reservations, and he has defended casino gambling on reservation lands as a way for them to try to pull themselves out of poverty. See, for example, the very moving speech Tom gave back in 1998.

Various Indian tribes have also supported Tom in the past, contributing $65,000 to his 2000 State Senate campaign and $50,000 to his 2002 State Controller campaign (various tribes also gave $63,500 to Tom's opponent in that race, Steve Westly). And of course that's nothing compared to the $573,000 tribes gave to Bustamante and the $942,000 they gave to Davis in 2002.

So the contributions Tom has received from various tribes this year are not out of line with previous support he's gotten from them, and are trivial compared to what Bustamante is raking in.

[Miss Marple]

Well, if the tribes are sovereign nations, then they can't donate. No foreign donations allowed, if I remember the law correctly.

The above is my exact and complete statement on this issue. There is nothing there that indicates I do not consider Indians people! There is nothing there that says that I don't consider them Americans! Nothing in that statement mentions either McClintock or Schwartzenegger!

It is simply a statement pointing out the logical fallacy of the tribes demanding the status of an independent nation on some issues (such as gaming and tobacco taxing) while on the other hand claiming the rights of any American political special interest group.

You may climb off your high horse and apologize for accusing me of racism (which is what you inferred) at any time.

[B Knotts]

You may climb off your high horse and apologize for accusing me of racism (which is what you inferred) at any time.

I inferred no such thing. What I inferred is that there are a whole bunch of people who will take any cheap shot they can, at whoever is necessary, to tear down Tom McClintock.

And I'm getting really fed up with all the Indian bashing by the Schwarzenegger crowd.

[Miss Marple]

What cheap shot did I take on McClintock? I wasn't even TALKING about him!

And when you tell me "Indians are people too", exactly what did you mean?

I still expect an apology. You are seeing offense where none existed.

[B Knotts]

OK, fine...if anyone got that impression, I apologize.

But also realize that people with Indian ancestry in their families don't really appreciate Indians being called "foreign."

I hope you will be as vigilant in enforcing civility among the Schwarzenegger crowd, who have posted yet another Indian-bashing thread this morning.