Chumash Tribe Lashes Out at Schwarzenegger Over Ad

Incensed by an Arnold Schwarzenegger commercial that criticizes California tribes for not paying gambling revenues to the state, the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians on Wednesday urged its members to oppose the Republican actor in the recall election and authorized the purchase of newspaper ads challenging the accuracy of his statements.

“We are going to run an ad in some major papers putting the truth out in regard to his most recent commercial,” said tribal Chairman Vincent Armenta. “It’s obvious the man hasn’t a clue what he’s talking about.”

The tribe’s decision, made at its weekly board meeting, marked the first time the Chumash have taken a political stance in the recall election.

Last month, the tribe opened a $157-million casino on its reservation in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County.

“Because there are 135 certified candidates on the ballot, the next governor could be elected with less than 15% of the vote,” tribal leaders said in a letter to enrolled members. “Recalling Gov. Davis won’t necessarily improve the situation.”

The letter hailed Bustamante as “a friend to the tribes for many years” and “one of the few candidates who understands the plight of Native American tribes.”

Armenta, 40, in his third term as head of the Chumash tribe, called the Schwarzenegger television spot “completely false.” Tribes that operate casinos pay into two state funds, one to benefit tribes without casinos and one to help communities with their costs related to casinos.

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Schwarzenegger Ally Hired by Casino Firm

Bonnie Reiss, a longtime aide to Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been named to the board of directors of a company that owns several casinos in Nevada and has a major interest in the Hollywood Park card club.

Reiss’ connection with Pinnacle Entertainment could provide a line of attack for Schwarzenegger’s political rivals. The candidate has been attacking Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante and state Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) over the campaign contributions they receive from Indian tribes that run casinos.

Pinnacle’s casinos and card clubs compete with the tribal casinos for gambling business.

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger denied any conflict.

“Mr. Schwarzenegger doesn’t sit on the board, one of his dear friends does,” said campaign advisor Rob Stutzman. “What corrupts politics is the millions of dollars that goes to Bustamante and McClintock.”

Pinnacle owns and operates seven casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Argentina, according to a statement from the company.