John Gonzales, past governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo and former president of the National Congress of American Indians, praised President Bush at a campaign rally in New Mexico.

Gonzales appeared with former president George H. W. Bush and President Bush's twin daughters. "Let it be known that the record is very clear: This president worked for all people, and that includes Native Americans as well," he was quoted as saying.

Gonzales, a GOP candidate for state office, is one of the few tribal leaders to publicly support Bush. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) also appeared at the rally. He again criticized Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. for endorsing Democrat Sen. John Kerry for president.

Shirley meanwhile reiterated his support for Kerry. "With the Bush administration, critical issues related to native Americans are sitting on the back burner," he said yesterday. "Our input is not sought, nor do they care to consult with us. Native Americans are not at the table and we need to be.�

Get the Story:
Father, Daughters Stump for Bush in Los Alamos (The Albuquerque Journal 10/29)
Shirley delivers Native vote video message (The Farmington Daily Times 10/29)

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