Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation backs Democrat

CONNECTICUT -- As reported by the Connecticut Day: "Though the presidential election a year away and the field of candidates is still large, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's political action committee and employees of Foxwoods Resort and Casino, which the tribe owns, already have a favorite: Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

"Dodd 'is the tribe's senator,' tribal spokesman Arthur Henick said. 'He's been a good friend to the reservation and those friends appreciate his knowledge and insight and that is important to Indian country.'

"According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, 38 contributors who identified themselves as Foxwoods employees have given $23,600 to presidential candidates as of the end of September, the most recent reporting period. Dodd's campaign received $21,600. One casino employee who donated $1,000 to Dodd also donated $2,000 to Rudy Giuliani's presidential committee.

"The Mashantucket Pequot's political action committee has donated to only one presidential campaign as well. It gave $2,300 to Dodd.

"...Ken Dautrich, University of Connecticut associate professor in the Department of Public Policy, said it was uncommon for a tribe or any large group to only donate to one candidate.

"...Dautrich cited Dodd's past relationship with the tribe that dates back to his time in the House of Representatives when the Mashantucket Pequot tribe was seeking federal recognition..."