Poarch Creeks contributed $350K to GOP to protect gaming


The new Wind Creek Wetumpka. Photo from Facebook

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated $350,000 to a Republican group to protect its gaming enterprise in Alabama, The New York Times reports.

The tribe donated the money to the Republican State Leadership Committee rather than to individual Republicans in Alabama who might not have accepted contributions that were linked to gaming. At the time, state lawmakers were battling an expansion of non-Indian gaming and the tribe had an interest in the matter.

“The conversation was, ‘I’ve got some people in Alabama who are very interested in giving money to help elect Republicans to state legislatures, and I would hope that if we help raise money for you, you will help us win in Alabama,’ ” state Rep. Mike Hubbard (R), who helped arrange the donation, told the Times.

The tribe opened a $250 million casino expansion last month. Most of the non-Indian facilities have been shut down.

Get the Story:
A National Strategy Funds State Political Monopolies (The New York Times 1/12)

Related Stories
Richard Pombo: Day of shame in opening of Poarch Creek casino (12/24)

Join the Conversation