Democrat Sen. Tom Daschle (top) and Republican John Thune. Photos � AP A DAY AT THE RACES South Dakota Heated Senate race targets Native voters. California Governor makes issue of tribal gaming. Again. Oklahoma Cherokee tribal member eyes open Senate seat. Alaska Two strong candidates bank on Native vote. Washington Washington tribes battle gaming measure. Nebraska Nebraska tribes could finally get Class III gaming. Montana Cyanide mining initiative irks tribes. Colorado Retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell prompts battle.

The biggest race by far is the matchup between Democrat Sen. Tom Daschle and Republican John Thune. Both campaigns have made an intense effort to court the votes on South Dakota's nine reservations.

Daschle is endorsed by all nine tribes while Thune counts activist Russell Means among his Indian supporters. Both candidates pledge to respect tribal sovereignty and improve Indian health care and education.

Daschle, as a senator, has gone further with proposals to reform the Indian trust, make payments for Indian beneficiaries and make significant boosts to the Indian Health Service budget. Thune counters that Daschle, and the Democrats, are keeping tribes dependent on the federal government.

Native Americans make up about 8 percent of the population and played critical roles in the 2002 Senate and the July 2004 special House elections. Reservation voters overwhelmingly vote Democratic, a move that benefits Daschle, who is virtually tied in the polls with Thune.

The Democratic votes also help Rep. Stephanie Herseth, the winner of the July election. She is again facing Republican Larry Diedrich in a close race. Reservation votes will almost certainly play a role in determining the outcome.

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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