Gaming Buys Tribes Political Influence

Following a nationwide trend, American Indians in New Mexico are using money from their gambling operations to flex newfound political muscle.

They're contributing to friendly candidates, opposing others and generally making their presence felt on the state's political landscape as never before.

Records compiled by Follow the Money: The Institute on Money in State Politics shows that Indian-gambling interests in New Mexico have jumped in recent years.

In 2002, the most recent year for which complete records are available, gambling tribes and associations contributed more than $103,000 in state races, with $63,000 of that going to Gov. Bill Richardson alone.

Is this surprising to any of you? Why should the tribes operate any differently than other population groups in the U.S.?

More here. (Free registration required)