Democrat Tony Knowles (top) and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. 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.

Boasting 16 percent of the population, Alaska Natives are a significant voting block in their home state. But they haven't been actively courted in recent years.

That is changing and the results will be seen in the race between Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Tony Knowles, a former governor. The candidates are neck-and-neck in the polls after engaging in an occasionally bitter campaign.

Murkoswki, appointed to the seat vacated by her father, Gov. Frank Murkowski, has earned praise from Native leaders through her short time in the Senate. She frequently attends Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearings and voices support for proposals to increase health care and education funding.

Back home, Knowles has tremendous support for his celebrated decision to drop the Katie John subsistence rights case. He was treated as a hero at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in 2001 for the move, and was heartily welcomed by group just this past Friday, when he appeared at a forum with Murkowski.

At the forum, both candidates said they oppose regionalization of tribes, one of the most controversial issues in the state. During his administration, Knowles recognized tribal sovereignty and sought to work more closely with tribes. Last year, Murkoswki opposed a regionalization rider introduced by colleague Sen. Ted Stevens, also a Republican.

Like most Alaskans, Murkowski and Knowles support drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a hot-button issue. Inupiat Eskimos who own land in the region want development but Gwi'chin Natives who depend on caribou there oppose it.

Relevant Links:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski - http://murkowski.senate.gov
Lisa Murkowski for Senate - http://www.lisamurkowski.com
Tony Knowles - http://www.tonyknowles.com