Isleta Pueblo Gov. E. Paul Torres helped deliver the invocation at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 28, 2016. Photo by Indianz.Com
More tribal leaders are coming out to support Democrat Hillary Clinton for president. The All Pueblo Council of Governors, which represents all 19 Pueblo tribes in New Mexico and one in Texas, endorsed the former Secretary of State last week. E. Paul Torres, the governor of Isleta Pueblo who serves as chairman of the organization, said Clinton will be a "champion" for Indian Country in the White House. "Secretary Clinton is a tested leader who shares our values. She has proven through her record that she is committed to serving those who are most in need, and will continue to do so when elected President," Torres, who delivered an invocation in the Tiwa language at the Democratic National Convention last month, said in a press release. The August 19 announcement adds to a list of tribal endorsements that Clinton has racked up in the state. According to her campaign, the Ten Southern Pueblos Council, six tribes, seven Navajo Nation chapters in the sate and several prominent leaders -- including Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez -- are already on the team. "As one of the first tribal leaders to endorse Secretary Hillary Clinton, I believe she will uphold and protect the sacred trust of the United States and tribal nations," said Nez, who attended the DNC last month as a delegate for the neighboring state of Arizona. "I know firsthand that Hillary is committed to strengthening the government-to-government relationship with tribes and will continue to work with us to get the hard work done." Native Americans represent 10.5 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the state easily went for President Barack Obama in 2012 and in 2008. The one poll that has been conducted in the state shows Clinton with a strong lead over Republican rival Donald Trump. With just five electoral votes, New Mexico is not considered a big prize in the election but Trump has tried to gain some ground there. Just last week, he sent his running Mike Pence to Sandia Pueblo but he failed to mention Indian issues or even thank the tribe for hosting the campaign's first foray in Indian Country. Indianz.Com at the 2016 Democratic National Convention:
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