CA: Tribes boost GOP hopeful (Tony Strickland for State Controller)

Sac Bee ^ | 10/25/06 | Judy Lin and Clea Benson

[NormsRevenge]

A group of Indian gambling tribes has bought nearly $1 million in television time for the Republican candidate for state controller with two weeks to go in a close contest.

Tony Strickland, a former member of the state Assembly known for being outspoken on his conservative views, received the boost Monday from Team 2006, an independent campaign committee formed by six Southern California gambling tribes that have been seeking to expand their operations. The committee had raised more than $9 million, according to disclosure reports filed Tuesday.

The large contribution drew immediate criticism from Strickland's Democratic opponent, John Chiang, a member of the state Board of Equalization, even as a committee of public employee unions chipped in $262,000 on his behalf.

Parke Skelton, a consultant for Chiang's campaign, described the independent expenditures as "Orwellian."

"It's a horrible thing," Skelton said. "This election for this incredibly important office is out of the control of the candidates almost completely. They can totally drown out our message."

Also on Tuesday, software maker Intuit placed $1 million into a committee called the Alliance for California's Tomorrow and spent $66,000 on a television buy for Strickland. Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, opposes the state's ReadyReturn program, a popular precompleted tax filing system.

Under Proposition 34, candidates are limited in how much they can raise from individual donors. But independent committees can spend unlimited sums on a candidate's behalf as long as they do not coordinate with the campaign.

Strickland's campaign manager, Paul Hegyi, said neither Intuit nor Indian contributions will affect Strickland if elected.

[oneamericanvoice]

Well, that proves there is hope for the Indian community! Indians are notoriously Democrats, much like Jews. They are stuck in victimhood, and can't get away from the past. You'd swear they were facing the same stuff that the ancestors did. How do I know this? It's first hand experience.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Actually, Indian tribes donate to whomever they see as most likely to promote their gaming interests, regardless of party.

In NYS, the Oneida Indian Nation, owners of Turning Stone Casino, are not at all shy about donating to both parties to insure their operation retains every competitive advantage.

[kingu]

Actually, Indian tribes donate to whomever they see as most likely to promote their gaming interests, regardless of party. In NYS, the Oneida Indian Nation, owners of Turning Stone Casino, are not at all shy about donating to both parties to insure their operation retains every competitive advantage.

So, umm, just like every other business on the planet, eh?

[kenth]

But they're Indians! That makes them somewhat more detestable. Just like their casinos. How dare they try to operate a business! We'll complain about handouts to them, then complain that they run a business!

[Torie]

I might have to vote for the Dem on this race. Thanks for the heads up.

[NormsRevenge]

LOLOL.. Vote as you will.. I will not invoke an acid test as some do about certain candidates. :-)

[La Enchiladita]

Isn't that the usual for you anyway... voting Dem?

[maine-iac7]

drew immediate criticism from Strickland's Democratic opponent, John Chiang, a member of the state Board of Equalization, even as a committee of public employee unions chipped in $262,000 on his behalf.

Besides the duplicity, the dems must be seething that a republican is getting support from the tribes - another group going "off the reservation?"

[Behind Liberal Lines]

So, umm, just like every other business on the planet, eh?

My point being that you can't stereotype Indians as Democrat [or Republican], which the initial poster did. Indians will support whichever party furthers their business interests, no different than "whites."

[calcowgirl]

Since the GOP takes donations from tribes, does that mean you won't vote for any Republicans?

[Snapping Turtle]

Ping!

[kingu]

My point being that you can't stereotype Indians as Democrat [or Republican], which the initial poster did. Indians will support whichever party furthers their business interests, no different than "whites."

Whole lot of people do around here, actually. Every Indian is a Democrat voter in buckskins, and likely about to commit fraud in the process. And while your point is valid, there are a whole lot of Indians who are done biting their tongue on many issues, not the least of which being the war and right to life issues. Of any 'group' under the liberal big tent, this is the one that's probably leaving the swiftest.

[Rabid Dog]

Tony Strickland and his wife and all his school board minions are an embarrasment to the Republican party. They are corrupt, have not a shred of integrity and care for nothing other than advancing the personal needs of the Stricklands. Ventura County deserves better.

[Rabid Dog]

Ventura County Ping

[kenth]

I might have to vote for the Dem on this race. Thanks for the heads up.

Yep, that damned Intuit tribe.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

I think its less a question of "that damn...tribe" and more a question of whether or not one favors gaming. If you oppose gaming and oppose gaming money going to candidates, then the Pubbie looks bad on this one.

[MayflowerMadam]

Thanks! (We already voted and are hopeful for the best!)

[merry10]

I thought I was there in 2004 when we were all supporting Audra Strickland. So what happened?

[Rabid Dog]

A couple of articles in the LA TImes came out - money laundering between Tony and Audra and a complete lack of accountability or legislation.