The Sacramento Bee has an editorial on the Governor's race. Jerry Brown has taken almost $1 million from tribes. We wrote before that he didn't side with the State on issues that affected his benefactors.
Under Schwarzenegger, tribes including owners of the Cache Creek and Thunder Valley casinos gained the right to unlimited expansion in exchange for making payments to the state. Yet the payments are not public. Remember how they promised expanded gaming would balance our budget? How's that working out for us?
Whether the next governor can ensure those payments remains to be seen. The Obama administration, through its Interior Department, recently rejected a Schwarzenegger administration deal with one tribe, saying payments sought by the state were too high.
The next governor will have to decide how to proceed on that issue.
Another issue awaiting the next governor is whether to legalize Internet gambling within California's boundaries. When The Bee asked Whitman about her views on Internet gambling, she said she had not studied it. When Brown was asked, he said he doubted Internet gambling could be stopped. Given that reality, he said there ought to be a way for the state to collect some money from it.
Other questions remain unanswered. Do Brown and Whitman believe tribes should pay into the state's general fund in exchange for the monopoly right to operate Las Vegas-style casinos? Brown's aides decline to answer, noting the attorney general's deputies are litigating that very issue. And yet, Jerry commented on the recent scandal in BELL, an issue his department was litigating. Why keep mum on something that affects ALL Californians.
When Whitman was asked about it, she did not have an answer.
Tribes are investing in Brown by contributing almost $1 million to his campaign. Unlike Schwarzenegger, Whitman accepts tribes' donations, more than $200,000. Tribes would not be donating money unless they believed they would be treated well by the next administration.
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"From tribes" or "in bribes"?
ReplyDeleteBRIBES FROM TRIBES...
ReplyDeletethe usual thing.
corrupt politicians speaking from both sides out of their lying faces, promising but not delivering.
Neither one of them should be Californias Governor...
we are so screwed.
Go Jerry Brown!!!
ReplyDeletewhomever votes in Jerry Brown should be shot. His father stole from the state (electrical monies) and then his son proceeded to do the same. That man should be banned from running. Hope you folks of California vote for his opponent.
ReplyDeleteHey, you think Mark M. would call these guys mentors too?
ReplyDeleteJust saying... Politicians, go figure.
It's All About Jerry Brown & we must welcome him home. JB is a friend of California Natives! Go JB!!!
ReplyDeleteI just heard that the state of California is not too worried about inner battles in the tribes because they are going to be building thier first of many casinos in the LA area.
ReplyDelete"I just heard that the state of California is not too worried about inner battles in the tribes because they are going to be building thier first of many casinos in the LA area."
ReplyDeletePechanga on this issue would fight any potential competition, particularily in the Orange County are, which is where a lot of their customers live.
I figured their would be a fight if this were true, but why not? A tribe really could do nothing about it and it would sure put everyone on an even playing field.
ReplyDelete