The Republican National Convention has 36 Native American delegates, according to The Tacoma News-Tribune.

That's less than half the number of Native delegates at the Democratic National Convention. A record 87 attended the party's convention in July.

Rod Van Mechelen, a member of the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington, said Republican principles more closely match Indian ideals. But he said more Indians are Democrats because of Democratic policies target poor communities.

John Guevremont, a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, said Indians historically are not politically active. He said he encourages more to participate in the process.

The Republican convention wraps up today in New York City with a speech from President George W. Bush.

Get the Story:
Republicans find tribal supporters (The Tacoma News-Tribune 9/2)

Relevant Links:
Republican National Convention - http://gopconvention.com
Democratic National Convention - http://www.dems2004.org

Related Stories:
Indian issues discussed at Republican caucus (9/1)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe rubs elbows at RNC (9/1)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe rubs elbows at RNC (9/1)
Indian delegates tout GOP at national convention (8/31)
Indians getting ready for Republican convention (8/27)
LaMere: 'Damn, there�s a lot of Indian people here' (07/30)
Indian delegates at DNC bunk in college dorm (07/30)
Native American caucus at DNC a popular stop (7/29)
Peltier supporter finds a little love in Boston (7/29)
Democrats note importance of courting Indian vote (7/28)
Tohono O'odham Nation takes spotlight at DNC (7/28)
NIGA lobbies Democrats on gaming, soveriegnty (7/28)
Indian delegates make noise at Democratic convention (7/27)
Indian Democrats plan big showing at convention (07/06)
Democrats turn to Indians to help draft platform (06/21)
Navajo leader disinvited to Democratic convention (05/10)