The leaders of Oklahoma's four largest endorsed Rep. Brad Carson (D-Oklahoma) for U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

Cherokee Nation Chad Smith, Choctaw Nation Chief Greg Pyle, Muscogee Chief A.D. Ellis and Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said Carson supports tribal issues. Smith played a tape in which Republican candidate Tom Coburn suggested treaty rights and the trust obligation was a "joke."

Carson is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Polls show him in a tight race against Coburn, a former Congressman. Two tribal leaders, from smaller tribes, endorsed Coburn on Monday.

Carson served two terms in the House and sat on the House Resources Committee. Trust reform has been one of his most important issues.

Get the Story:
Show of solidarity as tribes back Carson (The Native American Times 10/27)
State's Four Largest Tribes Endorse Carson (AP 10/27)

Relevant Links:
Tom Coburn - http://www.coburnforsenate.com
Brad Carson, campaign site - http://www.bradcarson.com
Brad Carson, U.S. House site - http://carson.house.gov

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Senate race pits tribal member against conservative (07/28)