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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2002

"Today there are few special interests richer than the gambling tribes. They have spread casinos across the nation that generate an estimated $12 billion annually. And they have a great motive to spend wildly to influence lawmakers because the tax-free monopolies many enjoy and the regulations under which they operate depend on favors from Congress.

The rules on tribes are different from those on groups such as Planned Parenthood or the National Rifle Assn., which organize political action committees dependent on personal donations from constituents under tight regulations. Tribes, however, can fall back on their treasury for contributions. Some of that money can originate from federal funds channeled to them. In other words, they can convert tax dollars to political contributions. But the serious money comes from casino profits. This means that individuals and groups seeking to oppose the expansion of casinos must do so with one hand tied by laws that severely limit what they can spend. . ."

Get the Story:
Fred Dickey: Indian Tribes Win the Jackpot in Campaign Finance (The Los Angeles Times 3/18)

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