URL: https://www.indianz.com/News/archives/001303.asp

Monday, September 8, 2003

California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (D) will use $3.8 million in tribal and other campaign contributions to oppose a ballot initiative that would limit the collection of racial and ethnic data by the state government.

Bustamante was criticized for taking more than $2 million from tribes, including $1.5 million from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, $500,000 from the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians and $600,000 from the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians. He also took $700,000 from a labor union.

The Viejas Tribe is spending $479,800 on a grassroots campaign for Bustamante, money that is not affected by Bustamante's shift in funds.

Proposition 54 is sponsored by Ward Connerly, an activist. Connerly said Bustamante's opposition, along with that of Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger would mean all but defeat for the initiative.

A consultant to Bustamante compared Proposition 54 to termination. "You simply declare that a racial minority no longer exists," the consultant said.

Get the Story:
Bustamante To Divert Controversial Contributions (The Washington Post 9/8)
Ethnic Issues in California Recall Play Out at Latino Parade (The New York Times 9/8)
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Prop. 54 Sponsor Concedes Passage Is Now Unlikely (The Los Angeles Times 9/7)
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Relevant Links:
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante - http://www.ltg.ca.gov
Arianna Huffington - http://www.ariannaforgov.com
Peter Camejo - http://www.votecamejo.org
Tom McClintock - http://www.tommcclintock.com

Related Stories:
Suit filed over Bustamante's tribal contributions (9/5)
Editorial: Bustamante should return tribal money (9/5)
Schwarzenegger to tribes: You've got voicemail (9/5)
Bustamante hit for donations from tribes (9/4)
Viejas Tribe spending $2M to boost Bustamante (9/3)
Pechanga Tribe donates $500K to Bustamante (9/1)
Schwarzenegger says tribal consultation 'misguided' (9/1)
Editorial: Schwarzenegger right about special interests (9/1)
Editorial: Bustamante on the take from tribes (8/29)
ICT: Vote NO on recall but YES to Bustamante (8/29)
Calif. recall candidates seek tribal support (8/29)
Calif. tribes to host three recall candidates (8/28)
Schwarzenegger won't take money from tribes (8/27)

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