Governor accepts 'problematic campaign contribution' from tribal casino
Friday 13th June 2008
Governor Chris Gregoire has accepted $650,000 (£325,000) towards her campaign from Indian tribes.
The tribes benefited from her ruling to not go ahead with a gambling compact in Washington in 2005 as it effectively gave them a monopoly on the activity in the state, according to the SeattlePI.
Washington is also one of the few states that does not receive any revenue from tribal casinos after a compact negotiated by Gregoire with the Spokane tribe.
Her acceptance has received criticism from some gambling experts who are concerned over the ethical acceptability of the donation.
William Thompson, expert on tribal gambling from the University of Nevada-Las-Vegas, commented: "She shouldn't take any campaign money, nor should her political party, and it smells too quid pro quo for my liking."
Elsewhere in Washington, The Thunderbird Casino and Lounge closed on Tuesday due to its substantial back taxes owed to the city, according to the Yakima Herald.
Governor Chris Gregoire has accepted $650,000 (£325,000) towards her campaign from Indian tribes.