Free Republic

SACRAMENTO – One week after accepting a $50,000 donation from a partner in a tribal casino project, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political committee said Wednesday it would return the money after questions were raised about the donation by The Associated Press. Schwarzenegger made a promise during the 2003 recall campaign not to accept campaign contributions from groups that negotiate directly with his office – specifically identifying tribal gambling as one of those special interests. Last week at a birthday celebration fundraising event in Yuba City, the governor received a $50,000 contribution from Yuba County Entertainment LLC, a partner in a proposed...

By hooking up with a proposed San Pablo Indian casino, the Maloof family is adding another piece to its fast-growing portfolio of sports, entertainment and gambling. The family has already established its ability to blend fun and games, with ownership of the Kings and Monarchs basketball teams, a Las Vegas casino and hotel, and a New Mexico beer and liquor distributorship. Next in the Maloof pipeline are a TV production company, record label and recording studio. Experts doubt the Bay Area casino, which the Maloofs will help manage for the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, will have the same celebrity...