Wilson Angry Over Gaming Donations

Money from Native American tribes fighting the government over gambling issues continues to flow into the primary election campaign for attorney general, prompting an angry reaction from Gov. Pete Wilson, sources close to the governor said Friday.

The attorney general, the state’s top law enforcement official, has the authority to regulate gambling in California.

A source close to Wilson quoted the Republican governor as calling the contributions--which have exceeded $800,000 in total to Republican candidate Dave Stirling and Democratic candidate Charles Calderon--”outrageous.”

According to the source, Wilson said: “It is unbelievable and a disgrace that an individual who seeks the highest law enforcement office in this state would be accepting this money.”

Sean Walsh, Wilson’s press secretary, acknowledged Wilson’s anger over the contributions, saying: “Clearly, the governor is displeased by the heavy contributions that have been given to candidates from illegal gaming.”

Wilson and Atty Gen. Dan Lungren contend that tribes that have Nevada-style gambling machines in their casinos are violating the law. U.S. attorneys in California have sued the tribes in an effort to shut down such machines.

Lungren, a candidate for governor, says he is taking no money from the tribes, but did not criticize Stirling, his chief aide, for accepting funds. Stirling is on leave during the campaign.

“Dave has to make his decision,” Lungren said.

Stirling downplayed the role the attorney general could play in overseeing gambling on reservations.

“The issue of legal/illegal, I don’t see that to be a factor at all,” Stirling said.

Altogether, Stirling has taken $296,000 from tribes involved in the gambling fight, including at least $5,000 this week.

The tribes have given an additional $499,000 to Calderon, a state senator from Whittier, including $25,000 this week.