Indian Gaming > Column: Trace campaign cash to Agua Calientes

November 01, 2004

Column: Trace campaign cash to Agua Calientes

"Why would the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, an antitax organization, endorse the Indian gambling measure, Proposition 70?

Why is an ex-wrestler who used to be governor of Minnesota taking sides on the same issue?

Duh! Can you spell "m-o-n-e-y"? Bankrolled by wealthy gaming tribes, Proposition 70 would free tribes to offer unlimited numbers of slot machines at their casinos and all kinds of other gambling, too. Campaign finance disclosures offer the best explanation for the Jarvis organization's interest.

In recent weeks, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the rich gambling tribe from Palm Springs and the primary backer of Proposition 70, gave a political committee operated by the Jarvis group $1.8 million — the largest donation the group received this year. The money was used to send out slate mailers that endorsed Proposition 70, among other measures."

Get the Story:
Prop. 70 backers mystery easily solved: Follow cash (The Modesto Bee 11/1)