Calif. Judge Orders Bustamante to Return Donations

[Gman]

<snip>
Reuters
Monday, September 22, 2003; 5:50 PM

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A California judge on Monday ruled Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, the front-runner to replace Gov. Gray Davis in a recall vote, must return to Indian tribes large donations that skirted state campaign laws.

However, Sacramento County Judge Loren McMaster said that there was no basis for finding that Bustamante's campaign had "intentionally violated the law," an opinion that his supporters said cleared his name.

Judge McMaster's decision blocked Bustamante from using $3.8 million in donations from seven Indian tribes to either fund his current campaign or to underwrite another ad campaign featuring the candidate in opposition to a ballot measure.
</snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A48672-2003Sep22?language=printer

Didn't McClintock take Indian casino money also? I wonder if he'll have to return it also?

[IndianaGreen]

1. As a matter of fact, you are right!

McClintock also took money from the Indian Tribes. How come he is not returning any money?

[dusty64]

3. Probably cause he's a

repuke. You know the same laws do not apply to them.

[LastDemInIdaho]

2. Was this a Bush appointed judge?

?

[David__77]

4. No, state judge...

The judge has a grudge against Native American gaming it seems, from his record. We'll see what happens.

[David__77]

5. Couple points...

For McClintock, the Native Americans did an "independent expenditure" which is not coordinated by his campaign. Bustamante took the money directly. I believe what he did was legal, but it "appeared" be fishy to some, as he transfered it from a committee not governed by the contribution limits, into one that is.

In any case, most of it is spent already and so this has little effect. I don't see a judge ordering it returned after it is spent. This isn't that sort of case.

[Democat]

6. Democrats need to point out how much campaign money Arnold is taking!

The Democrats need to make sure voters understand that Arnold it taking in more campaign money than Cruz or anyone else.

Many people in California still believe the lie Arnold told that he was going to self-financing his whole campaign.

The California media is doing everything in their power to attack Democrats and promote Arnold.