Bruce Whalen, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, has a big task this year: to convince American Indians in the state to vote Republican.

Whalen says the Republican Party is aligned with the Lakota ideals of respect for life, limited government, sovereignty and local control. He blames poverty, alcoholism, abuse and other problems on government programs and tribal governments that depend on government money.

As he campaigns for the GOP, he says he is happy to know that fellow Republicans accept him. "That says to me inclusion," Whalen told The Rapid City Journal.

Get the Story:
GOP eyes American Indian vote in traditional Democratic stronghold (The Rapid City Journal 3/5)
pwlat

Related Stories:
Thune gains endorsement from odd source: Russell Means (02/05)
Thune urges GOP to reach out to Indian voters (01/26)
CNN host unapologetic for Indian vote 'uproar' (1/12)
Tribal official says host hurts Republican Party (01/12)
CNN host accuses Indians of stealing Senate election (1/9)
Indian vote eyed in race between Thune, Daschle (1/7)
Indian voter fraud claims linger after election (12/10)
Indian votes helped Johnson (11/7)