Post by Okwes on Jun 6, 2007 14:53:11 GMT -5
Kennedy's ties to tribes rooted in family, money and ideology
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Narragansett tribal leaders sought Congressman Patrick Kennedy this week for help overturning a law keeping them from building a gambling hall without state approval.
It's not surprising the Narragansetts are banking on Kennedy's support.
American Indian leaders consider him a reliable ally. Political watchers say a combination of political ideology and campaign cash fuel the alliance.
Robert Kennedy-the congressman's uncle-campaigned at a South Dakota reservation before his assassination in 1968. Patrick Kennedy co-founded the Native American caucus in the House and fought a law making it tougher for tribes to build casinos.
That reputation has paid off for Kennedy. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Kennedy has received 314-thousand dollars in campaign contributions from American Indian gaming interests since 1994.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Narragansett tribal leaders sought Congressman Patrick Kennedy this week for help overturning a law keeping them from building a gambling hall without state approval.
It's not surprising the Narragansetts are banking on Kennedy's support.
American Indian leaders consider him a reliable ally. Political watchers say a combination of political ideology and campaign cash fuel the alliance.
Robert Kennedy-the congressman's uncle-campaigned at a South Dakota reservation before his assassination in 1968. Patrick Kennedy co-founded the Native American caucus in the House and fought a law making it tougher for tribes to build casinos.
That reputation has paid off for Kennedy. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Kennedy has received 314-thousand dollars in campaign contributions from American Indian gaming interests since 1994.