Three choices among the candidates

Now that Bill's out, it's a tough call for Indian Country"On the Democratic side, it's a toss up between two individuals (Clinton and Obama) who have both initiated advisory committees on Indian Affairs," García said, who will deliver the annual State of the Indian Nations address later this week from the nation's capital. He emphasized that NCAI, as a nonpartisan organization, cannot officially endorse any candidates. He then mentioned that Sen. Clinton participated in the NCAI meeting in Denver (in November) via satellite and Sen. Obama recently had a teleconference with tribal leaders, in which he (García) was a participant.

"On the GOP side, one of Sen. McCain's strong points is that he has served as a long-time member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee," García said. He added that McCain is familiar with Indian issues and that he has been a supporter of tribal self-determination on many issues. He pointed out the AIPC is open to endorsing a particular candidate. García says tribes need to be prepared for whoever takes office and said tribal leaders are convening in D.C. next week to begin talks.Comment:  McCain may know Indian issues, but that doesn't mean he generally takes a pro-Indian position. He's still a right-wing conservative on most issues.