Choctaw Nation officials say Chief Greg Pyle's support of a non-Indian for U.S. Congress is not technically an endorsement. But some are criticizing the chief for not backing the campaign of Kalyn Free, a tribal member.

A group called Native Women for Justice says Pyle doesn't speak for all Choctaws. "We at Native Women For Justice, Inc., are supporting Kalyn, not just because she is Choctaw, but she is a woman, with a long history of working very hard for justice," the group's president wrote in a e-mail being circulated.

Pyle called Democrat Dan Boren "a very impressive candidate for Congress." He is running against Free for the party's nomination in the 2nd Congressional district. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Brad Carson (D-Okla.), a member of the Cherokee Nation who is running for U.S. Senate.

Get the Story:
Pyle takes fire for supporting non-Native candidate (The Native American Times 1/19)

Relevant Links:
Free for Congress - http://www.freeforcongress.com

Related Stories:
Choctaw chief won't back tribal member for Congress (1/16)
Tribal members annouce bids for U.S. Congress (10/15)