With endorsements from over 100 leaders representing some of the largest tribes in the U.S., Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) is not lacking for support in Indian Country.

But the Democratic candidate for president is attracting a different sort of Indian voter: the "Obamacans," as Indian Country Today calls them. They are Indian Republicans who aren't supporting Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the former chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

Among them: Roy Sampsel (Choctaw/Wyandotte), who has worked for Republican administrations; Myrna Gardner, an Alaska Native executive ; Tim Wapato (Colville), a well-known advocate; and Billy Mills, the Olympic sports legend. "I just really believe that Obama is the person we need in there in terms of making significant change in the way programs and resources are treated at the presidential level of the federal government," Sampsel told ICT.

Get the Story:
‘Obamacan’ sightings abound in Indian country (Indian Country Today 10/17)
Obama’s support is widespread in Indian country (Indian Country Today 10/17)
Biden joins ‘fight for First Americans’ (Indian Country Today 10/17)
Past performance may shed light on Biden’s positions’ (Indian Country Today 10/17)

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