"It’s a darn good question. Where is the distinguished competition? There should be a scramble for the votes of Indian Country, not just Democratic jaunts into sovereign territory. Why is it that I can’t find anything on Google News about Sen. McCainvisiting a Reservation?

Sen. McCain has done much for Native Americans during his two terms as chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. He played a pivotal role in transforming Indian Gaming into the multi-billion industry that it is today and a McCain was a principal sponsor of the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994, so he’s aware of the issues of Native Americans. He even almost delivered a video message at the National Congress of American Indians 65th annual convention, but had to withdraw a week before.

But why not visit a reservation this election season? While McCain has shown much interest in Native American issues in the past, they don’t seem to be a priority now. What’s worse, this isn’t the exception, but rather, the standard for his party. I’m trying very hard not to demonize any party here and would love some evidence to the contrary. While Indian Country votes predominantly Democratic, I can’t help but find it amazing that there aren’t even attempts to sway some of that vote. If it smells like apathy.

I certainly hope it’s not, though. It would make me immensely happy to know that Republicans do care about Native Americans. I just can’t seem to find much to support such a statement. "

Get the Story:
Off the Reservation: Why Isn’t McCain Visiting Indian Country? (New West 10/22)

Related Stories:
McCain and Obama address NCAI via video messages (10/22)
Deron Marquez: McCain's actions matter more (10/22)
McCain's Indian backers to meet in Minnesota (10/21)
The Atlantic: McCain cabin not on sacred site? (10/17)
Backers cite Sen. McCain's Indian Country history (10/17)
Opinion: Sen. McCain's link to anti-union casino (10/17)
Sen. McCain to deliver video message at NCAI (10/15)
Sen. McCain was planning tribal event in Arizona (10/10)
Sen. McCain sends campaign bus to Navajo Nation (10/2)
Column: John McCain, the tale of a gambling man (10/1)
Blog: 'Hatchet job' on McCain and Indian gaming (10/1)
Elmer Savilla: A Native veteran questions McCain (9/30)
McCain cancels Nevada visit after gambling story (9/30)
McCain opposed one casino but protected another (9/30)
McCain's inner circle boosted by Abramoff scandal (9/29)
Column: DNC goes after Sen. McCain on gambling (9/28)
Campbell blames NIGC for McCain's gaming bill (9/28)
Gawker: 'No one' noticed McCain gambling story (9/28)
NYT: Sen. McCain and ties to gambling industry (9/28)
Opinion: McCain-Palin 'old school' on Indians (9/23)
Turtle Talk: Sen. McCain and future of Indian law (9/22)
Sen. McCain returns Cherokee Nation donation (9/17)
Former McCain staffers turn into tribal lobbyists (9/12)
Nighthorse Campbell snubbed by RNC planners (9/5)
McCain cites tribes in GOP acceptance speech (9/5)
California tribes back events at Republican convention (9/4)
Red Lake veterans present colors at GOP convention (9/3)
Choctaw man heads to Republican convention (9/1)
McCain picks Alaska governor for running mate (9/1)
Sen. McCain to announce vice presidential pick (08/28)
Native Democrats tie Abramoff to McCain campaign (8/26)
Howard Dean slams McCain for treatment of Cobell (8/26)
Sen. McCain doesn't know how many homes he owns (8/22)
Jodi Rave: McCain cozies up to Abramoff associate (8/19)
Abramoff figure a no-show at Sen. McCain fundraiser (8/19)
Opinion: Who is John McCain, the candidate? (8/18)
Opinion: Sen. McCain loses image as reformer (8/15)
McCain denies Abramoff figure works for campaign (8/14)
McCain urged to kill fundraiser with Abramoff figure (8/13)
Sen. McCain snubs tribes on South Dakota visit (8/12)
Nighthorse Campbell stumps for Sen. McCain (8/12)
Sen. McCain campaigns with Abramoff associate (8/11)
Abramoff raised $30K for potential McCain pick (8/7)
Jodi Rave: McCain's stop at Sturgis bike rally (8/6)
Potential McCain VP pick has ties to Abramoff (8/6)
Sen. McCain to campaign at Sturgis biker rally (8/4)
Lobbyists contribute $181,000 to Sen. McCain (7/28)
Indian gaming non-lobbyist part of McCain team (7/8)