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Thursday, October 2, 2003

"Historically, American Indians have been one of the nation's smallest and least influential minorities. Now, they're emerging as a political powerhouse. Tribes are pouring millions into California's gubernatorial recall race, the latest example of a remarkable turnaround that's taking place nationwide.

For generations, descendants of the country's oldest inhabitants have felt cheated and belittled by the political system. ''When we were kids and we played cowboys and Indians, even the Indians didn't want to be Indian,'' says Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.

Today, politicians are scrambling to get the Indians on their side. In state after state, Native Americans have proved they have the money and the votes to be kingmakers."

Get the Story:
The newest kingmakers: Indian tribes (USA Today 10/2)
Chart: Native Americans' votes especially significant (USA Today 10/2)

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