Lawmakers Target Tribal Casino Giving, Loopholes:
Indian tribes are considered “persons” under campaign finance law due to a history of treaties and separate tribal governments, thus allowing them to give almost unlimited amounts. A USA Today article reports that Republican lawmakers are looking to change that with a proposal that would close, what they call, the “Indian tribes loophole.” Twenty-four tribes gave more than the federally mandated limit on “individuals” in the 2004 election season while total tribal contributions reached $8.6 million. Kevin Gover, former Bureau of Indian Affairs director states, “It’s not as simple as buying their support. But the reality is … why not vote with those who support your campaign?”