Tribes have donated nearly $28,000 to the campaign of Charlie Melancon, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

The money came from 10 tribes, The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported. They were: the Barona Band of Mission Indians of California, $2,400; the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, $1,000; the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, $4,800; the Mississippi Band Choctaw Indians, $5,200; the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin, $2,400; the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians in California, $4,800; the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians in California, $1,000; the Spokane Tribe of Washington, $1,500; and the Tule River Tribe of California, $4,800.

Congressman Melancon is challenging Sen. David Vitter (R) for the seat. Vitter is known in Indian Country for a long record of anti-Indian votes and legislation.

In 2008, Vitter was one of only 10 senators to vote against the Indian Health Improvement Act. He opposed the bill even though he was able to add an abortion-related amendment that supporters said led to the bill's demise in the House.

In 2007, he sought to impose limits on the amount of money that tribes can contribute to federal campaigns. The Senate voted against his proposal.

Vitter also opposes off-reservation gaming and has opposed land-into-trust applications by the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians in Louisiana.

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Rep. Charlie Melancon gets nearly $28,000 in contributions from 10 Indian tribes (The New Orleans Times-Picayune 10/20)