Morongo Band hosts Democratic candidates

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians welcomed more than 60 Indian candidates and their staff to the Indigenous Democratic Network List campaign camp on Monday.

Chairman Robert Martin encouraged more Indians to become involved in the political process. "It is only when we are united behind common causes that effective political involvement becomes possible," he said, The Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.

The camp teaches candidates how to run for office. It is organized by Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw Nation who founded INDN'S List.

Free also organized Prez on the Rez, a forum for Democratic presidential candidates. But the three leading contenders -- Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina -- refused to attend. Only New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio and former Sen. Mike Gravel of Alaska will attend.

Get the Story:
Tribe members unite for political address (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 8/21)

Relevant Links:
Prez on the Rez - http://www.prezontherez.org
Indigenous Democratic Network - http://www.indnslist.org

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