Indian Casino Lobbyists Failing So Far in California

Despite contributing more than $200 million to campaigns over the past decade, and more than $50,000 in the past week, Indian casino lobbyists have so far failed to get gambling legalized in California.

In the past week the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians donated $50,000 to a political account controlled by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata to push infrastructure bonds he supports on the November ballot. However, Perata issued a statement reporting that his compacts are all but dead.

Perata placed the blame on Gov. Schwarzenegger, saying he put to many agreements on the legislature at the last moment, thus not leaving time for a discussion on the casino gambling issue. The compacts were voted down by a 35-23 vote, but they will be reviewed again when the government reconvenes in December.

California's horse racing lobbyists are also fighting against the compact because they say they include clauses that could complicate the efforts of track owners to expand gambling at their facilities.

Some lawmakers said they also received calls and e-mails from family values groups opposing the massive expansion.

"I am disappointed that the Democrat leadership has decided to hold hostage the Indian gaming compacts negotiated by the governor," said Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman. "The Legislature has had sufficient time to make an informed decision on each of these compacts. Any delay in allowing them to come before this body is unwarranted."

September 1, 2006
Posted By Bob Hartman
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