Wesley Clark’s campaign has done well in recent weeks picking up endorsements from American Indian groups, including support from the Native American Times, the nation’s largest independent newspaper focused on issues of concern to American Indians and Alaska natives.
Today, however, Clark’s team seemed particularly excited to announce the endorsement of the Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi. It’s easy to understand why the campaign is proud to have this one: it’s a Vermont-based tribe.
“The Abenaki Nation has endorsed General Clark for President because of his record of leadership and his concern for the key issues facing Native Americans across the country,” said Chief Rushlow.
While I have every confidence that Chief Rushlow is sincere, and his support for Clark’s campaign is based on his record, I think there’s something more to this.
The Abenaki Nation really doesn’t like Howard Dean.
As governor, Dean refused to extend state recognition to the tribe because, according to tribal leaders, Dean didn’t want the Abenaki to open a casino on their lands in northwest Vermont.
What really pissed the Abenaki off is when Dean then launched his presidential campaign and told the National Congress of American Indians about his enthusiastic support for casino gaming on tribal land.
“He’s talking out of both sides of his mouth,” April St. Francis, chief of the Abenaki tribal organization in Vermont, told the Burlington Free Press. “I’m outraged.”
Outraged enough to back Dean’s main rival for the Democratic nomination? Definitely.