"As U.S. House candidates vie for Montana's sole seat in Congress, Montana tribal leaders are asking candidates to be a voice for them in the nation's capital.
With the Nov. 7 election nearing, Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg and Democratic challenger Monica Lindeen are positioning themselves to represent the Chippewa, Cree, Gros Ventre, Assiniboine, Sioux, Blackfeet, Pend d'Oreille, Salish, Kootenai, Crow, Northern Cheyenne and Metis.
Tribes' historical government-to-government relationship with Washington, D.C., often finds them looking east and to Montana's congressional delegates.
"If there's one group of people who've figured out how to get to Washington, D.C., it's tribal members," said Rehberg, who's serving his third term.
While in office, he's supported tribal causes ranging from water rights, pre-trial advocacy and federal recognition to American Indian health care.
Lindeen, who is also from the Billings area, brings most of her tribal political experience from the Montana Senate, where she chaired two prominent education committees - Quality Schools Interim and House Select Education. Her leadership helped move state lawmakers to pass historical legislation, which promises to have a long-term effect on the quality of education for all Montana students."
Get the Story:House foes vie to be tribes' voice (The Billings Gazette 10/23) Relevant Links:
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