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Schwarzenegger continues campaign against tribes
Thursday, September 25, 2003

With all eyes on the California recall election's last major debate, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday unleashed another ad blasting the influence of tribes in state politics.

This time, the 30-second radio spot mentioned rivals by name. Schwarzenegger, the leading Republican in the race, criticized Gov. Gray Davis (D), Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (D) and Republican state Sen. Tom McClintock for making "promises" at a recent meeting of tribal leaders.

"Only one major candidate didn't go," a voice states.

The ad came as Schwarzenegger faced off the other recall hopefuls in the only debate he agreed to attend. While the candidates exchanged in lively exchanges and often bitter attacks, Schwarzenegger did not portray tribes as an evil influence in the state capitol as some expected.

Only independent Arianna Huffington made it an issue, criticizing Bustamante for his plans to bring the state out of its budget crisis by raising taxes on alcohol, tobacco and the wealthy. "It's tough love for everybody except the Indian gaming tribes and for prison guard unions," she said. "Tough love for everybody except your big campaign contributors."

Tribes with casinos have spent more than $5 million on the recall so far, with most of it going to Bustamante, a long-time supporter of Indian issues. Money has also gone to McClintock, who says the state should live up to its obligations to Native Americans. In the past, Davis has received significant tribal dollars.

On August 28, all three attended a closed-door meeting of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) in Sacramento. The organization represents 57 tribes, some of which don't operate casinos.

According to press accounts of the meeting, Davis said he would consult with tribes on appointments to a state gaming commission and admitted that his plan to seek an additional $1.5 billion in gaming revenues was poorly developed. Bustamante and McClintock said they would lift the cap on slot machines each casino is allowed, and McClintock opposed forced unionism at casinos, according to the accounts.

Schwarzenegger, in a television ad released on Monday and the radio ad from yesterday, called on tribes to pay "their fair share" on the $5 billion they make on casinos. His radio ad also said tribes were spending "lavishly" on the recall, even though he has raised $12.3 million, the most of any candidate. Nearly half of the money came from his own pocket.

Tribal leaders are taking the media campaign as a direct attack. "Mr. Schwarzenegger's misstatements come as no surprise to those who have been following his campaign," said Brenda Soulliere, CNIGA's chairwoman, in a statement.

Schwarzenegger has not met with any tribal leaders since he announced his candidacy, although some have sought face time. At one point, he said he had a "good relationship" with tribes dating to his support for a ballot initiative for after-school programs.

Since Schwarzenegger accepted money from tribes for that campaign, Bustamante has labeled him a hypocrite. "Arnold is pretty phony on this whole issue," Bustamante said in a Tuesday appearance on CNN. "He's a hypocrite because just a year ago, he had a brunch with tribal governments and he raised $62,000 for his effort."

Polls show Bustamante with a narrow lead over Schwarzenegger. McClintock comes in third amid pressure from his own party to step out of the race. He has said he will run to the end.

The election will be held October 7.

Schwarzenegger's Radio Ad:
Only One

Real Video from C-SPAN:
California Broadcaster Association Debate

Relevant Links:
Cruz Bustamante, campaign site - http://www.noonrecallyesonbustamante.com
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante - http://www.ltg.ca.gov
Arnold Schwarzenegger - http://www.joinarnold.com/en
Arianna Huffington - http://www.ariannaforgov.com
Peter Camejo - http://www.votecamejo.org
Tom McClintock - http://www.tommcclintock.com
Fair Political Practices Commission - http://www.fppc.ca.gov

Related Stories:
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Schwarzenegger raises most money in Calif. recall (9/25)
Schwarzenegger to make 'boogeyman' of tribes (9/24)
WSJ opinion-maker: Calif. tribes declare war (9/24)
Schwarzenegger ad attacks Calif. tribes (9/23)
Court rules against Bustamante donations (9/23)
Pechanga Chairman: Arnold ad 'an act of desperation' (9/23) Appeals court reinstates Calif. recall election date (9/23)
Opinion: I was duped by Calif. gaming tribes (9/22)
Opinion: McClintock throwing race to Bustamante (09/19)
Schwarzenegger: Tribe interfering with election (09/19)
Calif. tribes have spent $5M on recall race (9/18)
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WSJ Opinion: Bustamante's 'extreme' tribal agenda (9/12)
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