Editorial: Native vote ignored by top Democrats

Wednesday, August 29, 2007  

"The first attempt to bring a presidential debate to Indian Country was more whimper than bang last week, as only three Democratic candidates for president showed up at the Morongo Band of Mission Indians reservation in Southern California for a scheduled debate, and none were named Hillary or Barack.

It's disappointing, but it's not surprising.

The Native American vote has been consistently ignored in presidential elections, to the chagrin of many community leaders. When the major candidates can't be bothered to show up now, it's hard to imagine they will be attentive once they've taken over the Oval Office.

Certain political realities are to blame. Native Americans make up a relatively small percentage of the electorate. The states in which they are a significant constituency - such as South Dakota - have very few precious electoral votes."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Indian votes do count (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 8/29)

$rl Prez on the Rez - http://www.prezontherez.org
Indigenous Democratic Network - http://www.indnslist.org

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