Politics
Tribal contributions drop after Abramoff scandal


In the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal, tribal campaign contributions have declined, USA Today reports.

According to PoliticalMoneyLine and the Center for Responsive Politics, tribal donations dropped 30 percent this year. "Tribes are saying, 'We're going to stay away from this; everybody is focusing on how much we're contributing,'" said Ron Allen, the treasurer of the National Congress of American Indians.

Tribes gave little money to federal candidates before 1988. Gaming revenues led to a steady rise in contributions up until the scandal broke in early 2004.

Abramoff's six biggest tribal clients gave $3.9 million from 2001 to 2004. Their contributions dropped to $900,000 from 2005-2006.

Get the Story:
Stinging from scandal, tribes trim donations (USA Today 11/2)

Hans von Spakovsky Statement:
Tribal Political Contributions (February 8, 2006)

FEC Advisory:
Indian Tribes (February 2, 2006)

Federal Elections Commission Opinions:
Advisory Opinion 1999-32 (January 28, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2000-05 (May 15, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2005-01 (March 14, 2005)

More Advisory Opinion 2005-01 Documents:
Advisory Opinion Draft A and Draft B | Tribe's Request for Advisory Opinion

Relevant Links:
Federal Election Commission - http://www.fec.gov
PoliticalMoneyLine - http://www.politicalmoneyline.com
Center for Responsive Politics - http://www.opensecrets.org

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