Are Pequots a campaign issue?

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2000

Are the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the allegations against them a campaign issue for Representative Sam Gejdenson?

Two recent articles have taken up the issue. While both focus on Gejdenson's involvement in the passage of the Mashantucket Pequot Settlement Act of 1983, the Hill focuses more on the ancestry question.

Gejdenson's Congressional district includes the towns of Ledyard, North Stonington, and Preson, who have been vocal in their opposition to the tribe's efforts to expand their reservation. They also complain of the enviromental and social impact, which they say is negative, of the tribe's casino.

But as the AP says, these small towns don't comprise a significant portion of Gejdenson's support base and aren't particularly concerned about the issue. The Hill article points out that Rob Simmons, Gejdenson's Republican challenger, has been using the Pequot controversy as much as possible in his campaign.

And although various members of the state's Congressional delegation, including Gejdenson, have called for an investigation into the matter, Don Young (R-Alaska), Chairman of the House Resources Committee told The Hill that he is not planning an investigation.

According to the Federal Election Commission, the Mashantucket's political action committee (PAC) last contributed to Gejdenson in 1998, giving $1,000. Individual tribal members, or those living on the tribe's reservation, have also contributed money to Gejdenson in the past.

Chairman Kenneth Reels made a contribution of $1,000 in 1999.

Get the Story:
Indian issues arise in Gejdenson re-election campaign (AP 9/21)
Indian tribe's ancestry is issue in Connecticut race (The Hill 9/20)

Relevant Links:
The House Commmitee on Resources - resourcescommittee.house.gov
The Federal Election Commisssion - www.fec.gov