Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry will make a campaign appearance in New Mexico today to thank tribal leaders in the state for their support.

The Navajo Nation and the All Indian Pueblo Council, which represents the state's 19 Pueblos, endorsed Kerry. The remaining two tribes with land in the state -- the Jicarilla Apache and Mescalero Apache -- have not said if they are going to endorse Kerry or incumbent President George W. Bush.

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) criticized Navajo leaders as "out of touch" for backing Kerry. He says the Bush administration has improved lives in Indian Country.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. said Bush should come to the reservation and see for himself if anything has changed in the last four years. "If anybody's out of touch with reality it's President Bush and Dick Cheney. Native American issues are on the back burner in their administration and that's why we need a change," he was quoted as saying.

During his appearance in Albuquerque, Kerry will be blessed by Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez, who recently threw out a ceremonial pitch and gave a corn pollen blessing to the Boston Red Sox prior to the team going onto the World Series.

Get the Story:
Candidates Court N.M. Indian Voters (The Albuquerque Journal 10/26)
Election Notebook: Code Talker To Bless Kerry (The Albuquerque Journal 10/26)

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