Gambling drew most lobbying cash.

Byline: Patrick Sweeney

Mar. 25--Indian tribes and three gambling companies spent more than $2.8 million in high-profile lobbying campaigns aimed at persuading the Minnesota Legislature to change the state's gambling laws in 2004, according to a new report.

A still-incomplete report, released this week by the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, documents more than $41 million in lobby spending in 2004 by about 850 organizations and businesses seeking to influence lawmakers and state agencies.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce topped the list by spending $1.1 million on lobbying the Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission. Education Minnesota, the state's biggest teachers union, was second with $980,000. The report is available at www.cfboard. state.mn.us.

Minnesota law requires all organizations …