Eastern Cherokees donated $103K to politicians

Monday, January 14, 2008  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians donated at least $103,000 to politicians in 2007, with most of the money going outside of North Carolina.

The tribe contributes to politicians who are “supportive of Eastern Band issues and Indian Country issues generally,” lobbyist Wilson Pipestem told The Asheville Citizen-Times. The recipients include Rep. Heath Shuler (D-North Carolina, who received $4,600; Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington), who received $2,000; and Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona), who received $2,000.

More than half went to Democrats and Democratic committees, the paper said. “Party-wise, I think we’ve had a pretty balanced approach, in consideration of the support we’ve received,” Principal Chief Michell Hicks said.

One of the tribe's biggest issues in 2007 was federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, also of North Carolina. The Cherokees say the Lumbees are not legitimate.

Get the Story:
Tribes skirt reporting campaign gifts (The Asheville Citizen-Times 1/13)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, site 2 - http://www.nc-cherokee.com
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, unofficial - http://www.easternband.com