Rep. Cole, Republican, praises Obama's re-election efforts

Tuesday, September 18, 2012  

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), the only Native American in Congress, says President Barack Obama is running a great re-election campaign.

“They’re running a great race, well-conceived and well put together,” Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, told Politico.

Despite his party affiliation, Cole has frequently praised Obama and his administration. From the Cobell settlement to the nomination of Kevin Washburn, a fellow Chickasaw, the Republican has offered favorable words for the president's Indian record.

He also told Politico that the Obama's election in itself is cause for celebration. “This is a huge thing in American history,” Cole said of the first African-American president.

Cole has appeared with Obama at signings for pro-tribal bills and even spoke at the annual White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Get the Story:
Why Barack Obama is winning (Politico 9/18)