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Albuquerque Tribune Online Page 2 of 28 operates a casino that is regulated by the state Gaming Control Board. The Downs also rents the racetrack and casino facilities from the New Mexico State Fair. The state recently sued the Downs on behalf of the State Fair for more than $100,000 in back rent that has not been paid. Paul Blanchard, the president of the Downs, was a key player in helping Richardson raise campaign money. He donated $10,000 of his own money. Blanchard's wife, Kandace, also donated $10,000. Other major gambling contributors include Riviera Gaming Management Inc., a Las Vegas corporation that is working with partners in New Mexico, including Ken Newton, to get a license to open a horse racetrack and casino in Hobbs. Riviera donated $50,000 to Richardson's campaign. The Pueblo of Sandia contributed $56,148 in cash and in-kind donations to Richardson. Sandia operates the state's largest tribal casino. Democratic organizations: $490,751 The Democratic Governors Association chipped in $427,500 to help elect Richardson. That amount ea was minor compared with the money advertisi the DGA funneled to gubernatorial n md Poe candidates in more competitive races, El Print Edition Nevertheless, the association was counting on Richardson, who was one of a half-dozen candidates who helped Democrats take control in states where Republicans had been [x] Print Edition chief executives. Now, the DGA is turning to Richardson to serve as its top federal liaison. The former congressman and cabinet member will speak for Democratic governors during negotiations with the White htth'7abqtrib.com/archives/news02/120702_hees?ablfte.shtml PPublig Reootds Requeat No. 17 aa00e DOJ-OGR-00031202