What all this means, for the Pequots and the Democrats, is an open question. And with total donations of $315,000 over the last two years, it has become one of the single largest contributors to the Democratic Party's National Committee, joining the ranks of huge corporations like Time Warner and big unions like the National Education Association. It has pledged $250,000 for other state campaigns still to be named. In just the last few months, the tribe - whose roughly 300 members are expected to earn about $600 million from the casino this year - has given $100,000 each to the Democratic Party organizations in New York and California and $50,000 to the state party committee in Iowa, all at the direction of national party leaders. And virtually all of it is going to Democrats. As the November elections approach, Pequot money is flowing across the country in abundant and increasing amounts, to Albany and Hartford as well as Des Moines and Sacramento.

The Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe, having earned millions from the gambling business at its Foxwoods casino in Connecticut, is investing its profits in a new game: politics.