Bustamante rakes in $500,000 from tribe | S F Chronicle

[Ediacara]

Bustamante rakes in $500,000 from tribe
But some ask whether he's bending the rules

Mark Fainaru-Wada, Mark Martin, Chronicle Staff Writer Saturday, August 30, 2003

Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante reported Friday receiving a $500,000 contribution from a Riverside County Indian tribe as he faces questions about his use of a campaign finance loophole that may allow him to skirt new political spending laws.

The contribution from the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, which operates a successful casino, is the first of what is expected to be a flood of campaign cash from casino-operating Indians to various candidates and committees in the recall election.

"I think it's possible the tribes will participate in the $10 million range, " said Michael Lombardi, chairman of the gaming commission of the Augustine Band of Mission Indians.

New campaign laws have complicated recall fund raising. Contributors are allowed to give a maximum of $21,200 to candidates. But groups can form independent committees and spend an unlimited amount for a candidate as long as they don't work directly with the candidate.

More at the San Francisco Chronicle

[David__77]

1. If it's a loophole, they are ALL guilty.

I don't think it's a loophole. Arnie's doing the same thing, despite his millionaire status.

[tlb]

2. Just illustrates the farce of " campaign finance reform"

beyond a device by which to self righteously posture n a speech. There will always be loopholes like this to make the reforms meaningless.

Instead what they need to do is remove all caps and instead impose full and timely disclosure requirements to see who is taking the money from whom. Allow the voters to decide if it matters or not. Add draconian punishments including forfeiture of office for material nondisclosure.

[AP]

3. The media should be ashamed of talking about money without talking about..

..how millionaire Issa bought himself a recall in the first place.

[The Zanti Regent]

4. Another example of the Whore Press in Action

The SF KKKroniKKKle will always come to the aid of the GOP.

They will NEVER say ANYTHING about Issa!

BUT

When it comes to Condit...