Residents of the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux reservations are upset over a campaign mailer from Republican John Thune that appears to equate supporters of Sen. Tom Daschle (D) to dogs.

''The dogs are lining up to vote for Tom Daschle," the flyer states. Lakotas said it brought up memories when South Dakota businesses posted signs stating "No Indians or dogs."

Thune's campaign manager apologized for offending anyone with the mailer. Prairie dogs, seen as a nuisance by ranchers but somewhat revered in Lakota culture, have been an issue in the campaign.

Daschle and Thune have actively courted Indian voters but the chief of staff for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe said the mailer turns off tribal members. Both parties have tried to increase voter registration and turnout on reservations, with Democrats claiming greater successes.

Get the Story:
Thune campaign flyer upsets Lakota people (Indian Country Today 10/29)
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Daschle Works to Get Out the Indian Vote (The Wall Street Journal 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Sen. Tom Daschle - http://daschle.senate.gov
Tom Daschle, campaign site - http://www.tomdaschle.com
John Thune for US Senate - http://www.johnthune.com

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