According to lobbying records available at OpenSecrets.org, the impoverished Shinnecock Indian Nation has paid $850,000 to D.C. lobbying firms since 2004. However, two of the tribes long time lobbying firms appear to be working for the tribe pro bono.
Curious is that from 2005 – 2008, lobbyists at Wheat Government Relations and Franklin Partnership have been registered as representing the Shinnecock Indian Nation but neither firm has been paid by the tribe for its lobbying support during that period.
Wheat Government Relations registered these lobbyists to represent the tribe:
- Fein, Amanda Minguez, Annie (former aide to Rep. Charles Rangel)
- Sapio, Maryanne
- Shroyer, Julie E
- Wheat, Alan (former Missouri Congressman)
- Guzik, John (former finance director, Michigan GOP; former deputy exec. dir. National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee; campaign strategist for Rep. Thad McCotter)
- Rose, Pete
While Guzik and Rose don’t appear to have been paid by the Shinnecock to represent the tribe's interest since they’ve been at Franklin Partnership; in 2004, when they were part of the Williams Mullen firm, the Shinnecock paid them $200,000.
Both Wheat Government Relations and Williams Mullen indicated, on amended lobbying registrations, they were not being paid by any "affiliated organization."
From 2004 through 2008, Gateway Casino Resorts, the Detroit-based casino syndication organized by Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Marian Ilitch to bankroll the Shinnecock tribe's effort to realize federal recognition and develop a casino resort on Long Island, reports it paid D.C. lobbyists an additional $600,000.
In combination, Gateway Casino Resorts and the Shinnecock Indian Nation have paid D.C. lobbying firms $1.45 million since 2004.
In combination, Gateway Casino Resorts and the Shinnecock Indian Nation have paid D.C. lobbying firms $1.45 million since 2004.
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