New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) is the only candidate to confirm attendance at the "Prez on the Rez" Democratic presidential forum that takes place August 23 on the Morongo Reservation California. Kalyn Free, the organizer of the event, says she expects all the other contenders to follow. "The real practical reason (the candidates will come) is that they need us," she said, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. The candidates need votes, particularly in swing states where Native voters can make a difference in elections. They also need money in the form of campaign contributions from some of the more successful tribes. Free, a member of the Choctaw Nation, said the format of the debate has not been decided but will probably include a media moderator. Get the Story:
Indian group hopes to lure presidential candidates to Inland debate (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 3/18)
pwpwd $rl Indigenous Democratic Network - http://www.indnslist.org
Related Stories
NCAI 2007: Updates from
winter session in Washington (03/02) NCAI 2007: Updates from winter session in Washington (02/27)
NCAI in Washington this week for winter meeting (02/26)
INDN's List to launch 'Prez on the Rez' at NCAI (02/19)
Editorial: Group only backs Indian Democrats (2/15)
Montana Republican lashes out at Indian Democrats (2/9)
NCAI staffer seeks public office in Minnesota (11/28)
INDN's List draws top Democrats to camp (10/19)
Howard Dean, Al Franken at INDN's List boot camp (10/12)
Editorial: Indian candidate starts outreach (06/08)
Kalyn Free: DNC treats tribes like 'ATM machine' (02/14)
Group seeks to put more Indians in public office (2/10)
Choctaw Nation denies endorsement of non-Indian (01/19)
Choctaw chief won't back tribal member for Congress (1/16)
Tribal members announce bids for U.S. Congress (10/15)
