March 06, 2008

2 Native superdelegates

Native Superdelegates Mulling CandidatesAs two of 794 Democratic superdelegates, Frank LaMere and Kalyn Free are getting a lot of attention right now in a race that many expect superdelegates will play a key role in deciding at the Democratic National Convention in August.

The power to help decide their party's presidential nominee is a trust LaMere and Free aren't taking for granted.

LaMere is endorsing Obama.

Free said this week she remains undecided.

Both agree: The remaining presidential candidates' past work and rhetoric on Indian issues portend better times for Native people.
Why LaMere supports Obama:"Hillary Clinton, to many Native people, represents the status quo, business as usual," he said. "Eighty percent unemployment at Pine Ridge should not be business as usual. High rates of suicide and diabetes on our reservations should not be the status quo."

Indian Country, he said, needs someone willing to think out of the box when it comes to finding solutions to Indian issues. For LaMere, that someone is Obama.

"He has generated a lot of excitement, and I believe he will be an agent of change, something that Native people can appreciate," he said.
Comment:  According to another article, there's a third Native superdelegate: Margarett Campbell, Montana Democratic Party vice chairwoman. She favors Obama but is officially neutral.

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