The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has spent more than $300,000 to support a candidate who is being targeted for defeat by other California tribes.

The Morongo Band spent $336,812.38 on radio ads for John Chiang, the Democratic candidate running for state controller. It comes in response to the nearly $1 million that members of Team 2006, a political action committee formed by six tribes, have spent on GOP candidate Tony Strickland.

"A source familiar with the Morongo Band says the tribe received a special request from local law enforcement organizations as well as Democratic party leadership to support Chiang," The San Francisco Chronicle's political blog states. "A separate source has told us that the Morongo Band also wanted to distance themselves from Team 2006, which is now being perceived as fighting against an up-and-coming Asian American politician."

Team 2006 has spent millions on races across the state, with most of the money going to Republicans. The members of the committee are the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the Soboba Band of Luise�o Indians and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Get the Story:
Indian gaming tribe antes up for Chiang in controller's race (The San Francisco Chronicle Blog 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Morongo Band of Mission Indians - http://www.morongonation.org

Related Stories:
California tribes back casino-friendly politicians (11/1)
Most California tribal money goes to Republicans (10/27)
California tribes spend millions on campaigns (10/26)
California tribes pour money into GOP campaigns (10/20)
Six California tribes form political committee (10/19)