When he ran for governor of California back in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) accused gaming tribes of not paying their "fair share" to the state. He later accused tribes of "ripping" off the state and refused to take campaign contributions from tribes, classifying them as "special interests."

Now his image appears in a television ad paid being used to support gaming tribes. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, one of the more successful in the state, is trying to gain public support for new compacts that Schwarzenegger signed last year.

"Governor Schwarzenegger and California Indian tribes have reached historic agreements that bring California hundreds of millions of dollars a year to help balance the budget, improve education and provide quality health care for those who need it most," the ad states [Together California].

Schwarzenegger has touted the agreements but didn't have anything to do with the commercials. "The governor is a public figure," a spokesperson told the Associated Press. "They are able to use that photo without the permission of our office."

A spokesperson for Together California said the ads mention Schwarzenegge and use his image because he supports the compacts, which passed the state Senate but face opposition in the Assembly over regulation and labor union issues.

Assemblyman Roberto Torrico, a Democrat, plans to hold a hearing on regulation issues on May 14. National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen is expected to testify.

The state Gambling Control Commission plans to present its minimum internal control standards to tribes on July 11.

Get the Story:
Governor seen in tribes' ads (AP 5/5)
Casino controls get presentation date (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 5/5)

Related Story:
George Skelton: Tribe may overplay its hand in push for gambling pacts (The Los Angeles Times 5/7)
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