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AUGUST 30, 2000

For both Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore, the road the White House might be harder than expected, with the two fighting for the same voters in many states.

Both candidates recently visited New Mexico, one of the 17 key states in the race. And like many in the West, the state has a sizable Native population -- about 12 percent of voters.

Naturally, Gore and Bush are courting the Native vote. While in Albuquerque on Tuesday to unveil a $100 billion guaranteed health care for all children plan, Gore met with tribal leaders throughout the state.

Just a little over a week before, Bush also met with tribal leaders to address education in Indian Country. As part of his the Tribal School Capital Improvement Fund, he proposed to dedicate nearly $1 billion to help schools all over the United States if elected.

Bush also took time out to resolve questions on his commitment to sovereignty. Many have wondered about Bush's views, given his record with the Tigua tribe in Texas and statements he made last year that state law should be supreme in tribal matters.

As president, Bush said he would uphold the government-to-government relationship with tribes. But while in New Mexico, Gore used the occasion to attack Bush.

"I want those in the tribal nations to know that I support the principle of sovereignty within this sovereign nation. Not everybody in this race does," Gore said on Monday at a rally in Albuquerque.

If endorsements are an indicator of a potential outcome come November, Gore may have won with Native voters already. The All Indian Pueblo Council, representing the governments of New Mexico's 19 Pueblos, endorsed Gore last Friday.

Other states with sizeable Native populations include Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. California tribes in particular have been instrumental in capturing the attention of politicians, particularly Democrats.

Relevant Links:
The All Indian Pueblo Council - www.aipcinc.com
Al Gore - www.algore2000.com
George W. Bush - www.georgewbush.com

Related Stories:
Tribes real winners after convention (The Talking Circle 08/23)
Lieberman addresses tribes (The Talking Circle 08/16)
Donkey delivers to Indian Country (The Talking Circle 08/14)
Gore meets with tribal leaders (The Talking Circle 06/08)