A measure drawn from Republican reformers would tighten a loophole American Indian tribes have used to increase their lobbying strength, USA Today reported. Part of recent campaign finance reform, along with strong profits from tribe-run casinos, allowed American Indian tribes to become major contributors in the U.S. political process. Figures from the Center for Responsive Politics show American Indian political giving grew from $676,450 in 1994 to $8.6 million in 2004. Former Bureau of Indian Affair Director Kevin Gower told USA Today: “Members (of Congress) that we assumed were hostile, suddenly they’re not. It’s not as simple as buying their support. But the reality is that if you are known to be a major contributor and a member doesn’t have a strong position on some issues, why not vote with those who support your campaign?” The newspaper said House Republicans planned to introduce a measure that would affect that. American Indiana tribes are not bound by the two-year election cycle limit of $101,400. The new measure would restore the limit. © Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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