Which Way, L.A.?

Native Americans, Politics and Money

Gambling money has turned Indian tribes into major players in California politics. Five of the state-s 107 tribes have come up with $6.6 million to this year's recall election, more than the $4.2 million from all of organized labor. The tribes say that, after generations of poverty, they-re spending money to protect their sovereignty. Critics call it special interest politics, and even some Native Americans say the practice is counter-productive. Is what-s good for the candidates also good for the political system? Is it good for the tribes? We hear from the government watchdog organization California Common Cause, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and Kawaiisu tribal chairman David -Laughing Horse- Robinson, who's a replacement candidate in the recall election. Making News: ACLU Won't Appeal October 7 Recall Decision The challenge to holding California-s recall election October 7 is over. Early today, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals- 11-judge panel unanimously rejected last week-s ruling by three of their colleagues, which would have delayed the voting. Ramona Ripston, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California, says the ACLU and other plaintiffs will not appeal the case to the US Supreme Court. Mark Fineman: Los Angeles Times correspondent Mark Fineman died today in Baghdad of an apparent heart attack. He was in the offices of the Iraqi Governing Council when he collapsed, complaining of chest pains. Doctors were unable to revive him. Fifty-one year-old Fineman, who had been with the Times for 17 years, was based in Washington. He'd won a host of major journalism awards, and was a frequent contributor to both Which Way, L.A.? and to our national program, To the Point. He will be missed.