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Obama opens office on Navajo Nation, Clinton organizing |
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Main NEWS Section -
Mainstream Politics
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Albuquerque, New Mexico (AP) 2-08
Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are making a push to gain votes on the Navajo Nation.
Obama opened an office in Shiprock during late January, and volunteers for Clinton are mobilizing on the reservation.
The Navajo Nation is the country’s largest reservation, and its population is second only to the Cherokee Nation.
“Our support and organization in Shiprock reflects Senator Obama’s
strong commitment to tribal communities, including the Navajo people
throughout New Mexico,” said Carlos Monje, state director for Obama’s
campaign.
Clinton already has a history with the tribe, her campaign said.
Navajos remember Clinton as the woman who rode alongside former Navajo
leader Peterson Zah in the 1992 Navajo Nation Fair parade. She also
signed the guest book at the Tuba City trading post during the visit.
While president, Bill Clinton visited Shiprock to encourage economic development in depressed areas.
About half of the Navajo Nation’s work force is unemployed, and many
residents live without basic necessities, such as running water,
electricity and telephone service.
Obama and Clinton have voiced their respect for tribal
sovereignty and said they will work to remain
government-to-government relationships with tribes.
Don Benally, an Obama supporter and vice president of the tribe’s
Shiprock Chapter, said he believes people want a change, and Obama best
represents that.
“They believe he’s going to provide better health care for the American
people and also stimulate the economy for the reservations, which is
badly needed,” Benally said.
Brian Lee, a Clinton supporter and Shiprock native, said Clinton knows
the struggle Navajos have had to boost the economy on the reservation,
secure water rights and obtain basic necessities.
“Navajos aren’t going to be ignored with Hillary as president,” he said.
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