Elected leaders of two South Dakota tribes say they are encouraged by the visits to their state by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York).

Carol Crazy Thunder O'Rourke, a council member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said the candidates are finally paying attention to Indian issues. Clinton visited the Pine Ridge Reservation on Wednesday.

Robert Moore, a council member for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, supports Obama. But he said the Democratic candidates, as well as presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), could help Indian Country down the line regardless of the outcome of the election.

Obama hasn't visited a reservation in South Dakota but he met with about 50 tribal leaders on May 16. Most Sioux leaders in the state have endorsed him.

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Candidates' attention gives tribal leaders hope (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/30)

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