"We always knew Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Chairman Richard Milanovich was a force to be reckoned with.

Now others are recognizing that his influence spans far beyond the Coachella Valley.

Milanovich landed at the No. 23 spot on Capitol Weekly's listing of the top 100 “influence peddlers, power brokers and political players” in the state.

The first half of the list, which does not include elected officials, was published last week. Milanovich is the only tribal chairman to make the top 50.

Even though the fight over tribal compacts is over, the publication argues that tribes remain “a vital force” in California's politics.

“Many issues persist, including the ongoing efforts of the hotel and restaurant employee union to organize workers at tribal casinos,” it read. “As the head of the largest of the gaming tribes, Milanovich remains the major foil to (the hospitality workers union) HERE's efforts.”"

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Political Insider by Erica Felci: Tribal leader nears top of a power list in state (The Palm Springs Desert Sn 4/20)