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Gambling Money and Political Influence; Campaigning on Film
Aired September 05, 2003 - 15:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GOV. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE (D-CA), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I'm very, very proud, first of all, of the support that I've received from tribal governments.
ARIANNA HUFFINGTON (I), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: This is nothing but legalized bribery. You have made a mockery of campaign finance laws.
BUSTAMANTE: Tell me how you really feel.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Well, as that exchange in this week's debate shows, the perceived influence of Indian gambling money has become a live issue in the California recall election.
With me now from Sacramento to talk about this is Jacob Coin. He is the executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
Mr. Coin, what do you say to Arianna Huffington, who calls this, the money that Cruz Bustamante is getting, legalized bribery?
JACOB COIN, CALIFORNIA NATIONS INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION: Well, the only thing that the tribes have absolutely been interested in pursuing with the leadership of the state is a true government-to- government relationship.
And the fact that the tribes are legally able to participate in this political process has been one that has given tribes access to be able to participate in a very substantial way.
WOODRUFF: But the governor has said that he's letting the tribes play an important role in the Gaming Commission, which regulates the industry. The tribes are giving money not just to Mr. Bustamante. They're giving money to Tom McClintock and to others. Would you at least acknowledge that it looks bad? We're talking millions and millions of dollars.
COIN: Well, again, you have to keep in mind that the -- that one of the true issues of substance to the tribes is exactly how we can expect to deal with the state of California on a government-to- government, sovereign-to-sovereign basis.
And the fact that the governor reached out to the tribes in one case, not necessarily seeking their guidance and their direction on whom he should appoint, but rather a list of recommendations for this Gambling Control Commission, as it presently stands now, there's not a single person on that commission who has hands-on regulatory experience. And the tribes are the only ones in the state, at least at the time being, who are able to provide that kind of direction.
WOODRUFF: But doesn't it look like a quid pro quo, Mr. Coin?
COIN: It does not, again, especially because the tribes have a legal right to participate in this way, just like anybody -- any of the other groups that have chosen to participate.
And, in fact, they have perhaps greater at stake than anybody else, because, again, of this government-to-government relationship with the state of California.
WOODRUFF: What do you say to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who says that he's not going to take money from special interests like unions and Indian tribes, because he says he thinks it's just inappropriate? You're sitting across the table negotiating with these people. What do you say to him?
COIN: Well, again, the financial contributions part is one matter.
However, we're more interested in seeking out a discourse with Mr. Schwarzenegger on the issues of policy, again, how he would intend to deal with Indian tribes on a sovereign-to-sovereign basis, should he become governor.
WOODRUFF: Well, what do you think of his campaign? I mean, do you think he's a viable candidate?
COIN: Well, all indications show that he is a viable candidate. And, again, that's why the interest on the part of tribes to invite him to sit down in a government-to-government discourse to see how he plans to lead the state with respect to Indian tribes.
WOODRUFF: Well, as we all know -- and this is what we've been referring to here -- the tribes now have the permission of California state voters to carry on to conduct gambling in a legal way. It looks to people from the outside as if maybe all this money is flowing because the tribes are concerned that they may not keep that privilege, that right.
COIN: I think the better -- excuse me.
WOODRUFF: Go ahead.
And they're giving the money to make sure that they -- that the law doesn't change.
COIN: The better argument, from the tribe's perspective, is that the tribal governments in California have become a very significant player in terms of economic development. No sector of the California economy is creating jobs at the growth rate that tribes have been over the last year.
According to the state's own employment development department, tribes have created a 17.8 percent growth rate in new jobs for the year ending July of 2003. And, again, this is a time when the state needs the jobs in the worst way. And tribes are, again, contributing very handsomely to that goal.
WOODRUFF: Well, we're going to have to leave it there.
Jacob Coin, he is the executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Commission. Thank you very much for being with us.
COIN: Thank you.
WOODRUFF: We appreciate it.
Well, beyond all the big names in the California recall race, there are scores of lesser-known candidates.
Thelma Gutierrez continues our look at these relative unknowns by introducing us to a woman who is documenting her campaign experience on film.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LORRAINE FONTANES, CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Hi. I'm Lorraine Fontanes, AKA Abner Zurd. I'm a filmmaker. And I want to bring common sense to California.
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Lorraine Fontanes is a 41-year-old wife and mother.
FONTANES: Let me call you back.
GUTIERREZ: She's also an independent filmmaker.
FONTANES: Just around 1:00.
GUTIERREZ: Running for governor.
FONTANES: I leapt in with both feet and said, I want to be a part of this historic event. I want to see it from the inside out.
GUTIERREZ: Fontanes also wants to document her experience...
FONTANES: I'm in kind of a crunch mode right now.
GUTIERREZ: ... on film.
FONTANES: That's when it shifted. I started as a filmmaker. And by the end of the week, I had become a candidate.
GUTIERREZ (on camera): Was that a strange metamorphosis?
FONTANES: Strangely wonderful. GUTIERREZ (voice-over): And so the filmmaker decided to campaign as her artistic persona and alter ego, Abner Zurd.
FONTANES: I'm a serious satirist. I'm a candidate by accident. I don't expect to be elected.
GUTIERREZ: But she goes through the motions anyway.
FONTANES: There you go, dude. I'm running for governor.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Seriously?
FONTANES: Seriously.
GUTIERREZ: This time, she hits the pavement in Santa Monica, California.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, you going to be in a movie?
FONTANES: I'm running for governor.
I'm running for governor.
I'm running for governor.
GUTIERREZ: Working the crowd.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you going to legalize marijuana?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is marriage for a man and a woman?
GUTIERREZ: Even if it is for her film.
FONTANES: I think that politics have no place in people's bedrooms. It's not necessary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've got my vote, Abner.
FONTANES: The reaction is all part of the fun, basically.
GUTIERREZ (on camera): What kind of reaction do you get when you're out on the street?
FONTANES: Reactions range from absolute terror to guys hitting on me like you wouldn't believe.
GUTIERREZ (voice-over): Fontanes says the recall has opened the door for average people to become involved in the political process.
FONTANES: Are you going to be voting? Vote! Vote! It's important. Get into that voting booth and vote!
GUTIERREZ: If her film doesn't pan out, who knows? This may be a dress rehearsal for a future political office.
Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Santa Monica, California. (END VIDEOTAPE)
WOODRUFF: Well, we'll certainly remember the name, Abner Zurd.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Film>
Aired September 5, 2003 - 15:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GOV. CRUZ BUSTAMANTE (D-CA), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I'm very, very proud, first of all, of the support that I've received from tribal governments.
ARIANNA HUFFINGTON (I), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: This is nothing but legalized bribery. You have made a mockery of campaign finance laws.
BUSTAMANTE: Tell me how you really feel.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Well, as that exchange in this week's debate shows, the perceived influence of Indian gambling money has become a live issue in the California recall election.
With me now from Sacramento to talk about this is Jacob Coin. He is the executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
Mr. Coin, what do you say to Arianna Huffington, who calls this, the money that Cruz Bustamante is getting, legalized bribery?
JACOB COIN, CALIFORNIA NATIONS INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION: Well, the only thing that the tribes have absolutely been interested in pursuing with the leadership of the state is a true government-to- government relationship.
And the fact that the tribes are legally able to participate in this political process has been one that has given tribes access to be able to participate in a very substantial way.
WOODRUFF: But the governor has said that he's letting the tribes play an important role in the Gaming Commission, which regulates the industry. The tribes are giving money not just to Mr. Bustamante. They're giving money to Tom McClintock and to others. Would you at least acknowledge that it looks bad? We're talking millions and millions of dollars.
COIN: Well, again, you have to keep in mind that the -- that one of the true issues of substance to the tribes is exactly how we can expect to deal with the state of California on a government-to- government, sovereign-to-sovereign basis.
And the fact that the governor reached out to the tribes in one case, not necessarily seeking their guidance and their direction on whom he should appoint, but rather a list of recommendations for this Gambling Control Commission, as it presently stands now, there's not a single person on that commission who has hands-on regulatory experience. And the tribes are the only ones in the state, at least at the time being, who are able to provide that kind of direction.
WOODRUFF: But doesn't it look like a quid pro quo, Mr. Coin?
COIN: It does not, again, especially because the tribes have a legal right to participate in this way, just like anybody -- any of the other groups that have chosen to participate.
And, in fact, they have perhaps greater at stake than anybody else, because, again, of this government-to-government relationship with the state of California.
WOODRUFF: What do you say to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who says that he's not going to take money from special interests like unions and Indian tribes, because he says he thinks it's just inappropriate? You're sitting across the table negotiating with these people. What do you say to him?
COIN: Well, again, the financial contributions part is one matter.
However, we're more interested in seeking out a discourse with Mr. Schwarzenegger on the issues of policy, again, how he would intend to deal with Indian tribes on a sovereign-to-sovereign basis, should he become governor.
WOODRUFF: Well, what do you think of his campaign? I mean, do you think he's a viable candidate?
COIN: Well, all indications show that he is a viable candidate. And, again, that's why the interest on the part of tribes to invite him to sit down in a government-to-government discourse to see how he plans to lead the state with respect to Indian tribes.
WOODRUFF: Well, as we all know -- and this is what we've been referring to here -- the tribes now have the permission of California state voters to carry on to conduct gambling in a legal way. It looks to people from the outside as if maybe all this money is flowing because the tribes are concerned that they may not keep that privilege, that right.
COIN: I think the better -- excuse me.
WOODRUFF: Go ahead.
And they're giving the money to make sure that they -- that the law doesn't change.
COIN: The better argument, from the tribe's perspective, is that the tribal governments in California have become a very significant player in terms of economic development. No sector of the California economy is creating jobs at the growth rate that tribes have been over the last year.
According to the state's own employment development department, tribes have created a 17.8 percent growth rate in new jobs for the year ending July of 2003. And, again, this is a time when the state needs the jobs in the worst way. And tribes are, again, contributing very handsomely to that goal.
WOODRUFF: Well, we're going to have to leave it there.
Jacob Coin, he is the executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Commission. Thank you very much for being with us.
COIN: Thank you.
WOODRUFF: We appreciate it.
Well, beyond all the big names in the California recall race, there are scores of lesser-known candidates.
Thelma Gutierrez continues our look at these relative unknowns by introducing us to a woman who is documenting her campaign experience on film.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LORRAINE FONTANES, CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: Hi. I'm Lorraine Fontanes, AKA Abner Zurd. I'm a filmmaker. And I want to bring common sense to California.
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Lorraine Fontanes is a 41-year-old wife and mother.
FONTANES: Let me call you back.
GUTIERREZ: She's also an independent filmmaker.
FONTANES: Just around 1:00.
GUTIERREZ: Running for governor.
FONTANES: I leapt in with both feet and said, I want to be a part of this historic event. I want to see it from the inside out.
GUTIERREZ: Fontanes also wants to document her experience...
FONTANES: I'm in kind of a crunch mode right now.
GUTIERREZ: ... on film.
FONTANES: That's when it shifted. I started as a filmmaker. And by the end of the week, I had become a candidate.
GUTIERREZ (on camera): Was that a strange metamorphosis?
FONTANES: Strangely wonderful. GUTIERREZ (voice-over): And so the filmmaker decided to campaign as her artistic persona and alter ego, Abner Zurd.
FONTANES: I'm a serious satirist. I'm a candidate by accident. I don't expect to be elected.
GUTIERREZ: But she goes through the motions anyway.
FONTANES: There you go, dude. I'm running for governor.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Seriously?
FONTANES: Seriously.
GUTIERREZ: This time, she hits the pavement in Santa Monica, California.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, you going to be in a movie?
FONTANES: I'm running for governor.
I'm running for governor.
I'm running for governor.
GUTIERREZ: Working the crowd.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you going to legalize marijuana?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is marriage for a man and a woman?
GUTIERREZ: Even if it is for her film.
FONTANES: I think that politics have no place in people's bedrooms. It's not necessary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've got my vote, Abner.
FONTANES: The reaction is all part of the fun, basically.
GUTIERREZ (on camera): What kind of reaction do you get when you're out on the street?
FONTANES: Reactions range from absolute terror to guys hitting on me like you wouldn't believe.
GUTIERREZ (voice-over): Fontanes says the recall has opened the door for average people to become involved in the political process.
FONTANES: Are you going to be voting? Vote! Vote! It's important. Get into that voting booth and vote!
GUTIERREZ: If her film doesn't pan out, who knows? This may be a dress rehearsal for a future political office.
Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Santa Monica, California. (END VIDEOTAPE)
WOODRUFF: Well, we'll certainly remember the name, Abner Zurd.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Film>
