Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

San Jose City Councilman and mayoral candidate Chuck Reed Monday called on opponent Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez to refuse $55,000 in campaign donations from Indian gambling interests. Flanked by former Mayor Tom McEnery and Deputy District Attorney David Pandori, Reed said he was "sounding the alarm to warn of a threat to San Jose's quality of life. Gambling money is being used in San Jose politics." Chavez said she had no knowledge of the money. The money was raised by the local Democratic Party. Reed was referring to the Oct. 5 filing by the Santa Clara County United Democratic Campaign which listed a $30,000 donation from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay nation, dated Sept. 30, and a $25,000 donation from the California Nations Indian Gaming Association Sovereignty Protection Fund dated Sept. 29. Reed demanded to know who solicited the money, why and what promises were made to the donors. He said that the donations could be the first step toward locating a casino or other gambling operation in Santa Clara County. Democratic Party Chairman Steve Preminger says the money was not solicited. It was volunteered by the Indian gaming groups to be used to support State Treasurer Phil Angelides, the Democratic Candidate for governor. "None of that money will be used in the Chavez campaign," he said.

But Preminger could not say how the money would be segregated.

The party does not show any funds spent on the Angelides campaign since the Indian gaming funds were received. Earlier, on Aug. 4, the party spent $600 on materials for signs supporting Angelides, who is running against incumbent Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Asked if she was concerned about the use of Indian gambling money on her behalf, she said, "I have nothing to do with this."