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JULY 21, 2000

According to sources within the Republican party, Senator John McCain of Arizona would accept the Vice-Presidential nomination if Texas Governor George W. Bush offers him the No. 2 spot on the ticket.

The news comes as Bush narrows down his list of potential choices for running mate. Along with McCain, the list includes Oklahoma Governor John Keating, Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, New York Governor George Pataki and Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania.

Speaking on conditions of anonymity, GOP officials told the Associated Press Governor Ridge has urged McCain to accept, if asked. McCain, who pulled out of the Presidential race in May, said he would agree, but that he doesn't necessarily want the position.

If McCain accepts, the two would make an interesting couple in the area of Indian affairs. McCain is well-known for supporting Indian issues and sovereignty, having served on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, including as Chairman.

In wake of criticism of the Republican party in Washington state, McCain recently co-signed a letter with National Committee Chairman Jim Nicholson and Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado. The letter, addressed to all tribal leaders, repudiated a controversial "termination" resolution and clarified the national party's stance on sovereignty.

"We, as Republicans, believe people and communities succeed when they are allowed to make their own decisions," write the leaders on Monday, July 17. "That belief extends to all Americans, Indian and non-Indian alike. We also believe this country should honor and uphold promises made in treaties to nations overseas and within our borders."

Bush, on the other hand, has angered many with his views on Indian policy. He has battled at least one tribe in his own state, the Tigua in El Paso, particularly over gaming.

"My view is that state law reigns supreme when it comes to the Indians, whether it be gambling or any other issue," said Bush last year while on the campaign trail.

A campaign spokesman for Bush later stated the Governor "respects" tribal self-determination.

Whatever Bush's official position, those anxious to find out whether McCain accepts or not won't have long to wait. The Republican National Convention begins July 31 and Bush will probably announce his decision before then.

Related Stories:
Would you vote for Bush? (7/21)
Has the GOP blown it? (7/20)
The Second Republican Resolution (7/20)
National GOP repudiates resolution (7/19)
Party chairman defends resolution (7/18)
The original Republican resolution (7/18)
NCAI Vice-Pres: Republicans, Gorton (7/17)
Author advocates termination (7/17)
Support for tribes pours in (7/14)
EDITORIAL: GOP 'embarrasing' (7/14)
Gorton responds to resolution (7/12)
Californians take aim at GOP (7/10)
EDITORIAL: Tribal sovereignty (7/7)
EDITORIAL: Crow leaders important to state, Republicans smelly (7/7) Republicans resolve against tribes (The Talking Circle 7/5)
Miccosukee: The Republican Tribe (The Talking Circle 7/3)

Relevant Links:
Senator John McCain - www.senate.gov/~mccain
The Senate Committe on Indian Affairs - www.senate.gov/~scia
Sign a petition against the resolution - www.PetitionOnline.com/sca12/petition.html
The Native American Caucus of the California Democratic Party - www.nacaucus.com
The California Democratic Party - www.ca-dem.org/dems/cadems.nsf/index
The Nebraska Democratic Party - www.nebraskademocrats.org
The Democratic National Committee - www.democrats.org/index.html
The Washington State Republican Party - www.wsrp.org
The Republican National Committee - www.rnc.org