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Abramoff Scandal
Indian vote targeted in Burns-Tester matchup


Montana's Indian vote could make the difference in the hotly contested race between Sen. Conrad Burns (R) and Democrat Jon Tester.

American Indians and Alaska Natives make up about 7 percent of the state population. In 2004, about 42,000 Indian people were eligible to vote.

"In close races in Montana, the Indian vote makes a difference," Stan Juneau, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, told The Great Falls Tribune. "I think this year, in the race between Burns and Tester, the reservation vote � the Indian vote � is going to be the deciding factor."

Burns and Tester have been actively courting tribes, who by and large do not endorse any particular candidate. By the end of the campaign, Burns and Tester will have visited all seven reservations. Burns also met with the landless Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.

Get the Story:
Indian vote could be the difference (The Great Falls Tribune 11/1)
Abramoff pal highlights Burns staff�s handouts (NBC News 10/31)

Relevant Links:
Jon Tester for US Senate - http://www.testerforsenate.com
Conrad Burns for Senate - http://www.conradburns.com
Sen. Conrad Burns - http://burns.senate.gov
Montana Republican Party - http://www.mtgop.org
Montana Democratic Party - http://www.montanademocrats.org

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