McCain's agenda not always in sync with Indian Country

[NVMojo]

This week's hearing on a bill to overhaul the $20 billion tribal casino industry again highlighted the rift between Indian County and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who has long been considered an advocate for tribal issues.

Since he took over as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee a year ago, McCain has primarily focused on two controversial issues: the Jack Abramoff scandal and Indian gaming. The fallout from both has been negative, with tribes scurrying to defend their right to participate in the political and economic systems.

"The current political and often difficult media environment we find ourselves in today in the wake of the Abramoff scandal makes it even more imperative that we make our presence known in Washington," Joe Garcia, the new president of the National Congress of American Indians, said last week.

Tribes consider a slate of issues, such as education, health care and law enforcement, to be worthy of attention. But of the 27 hearings McCain has held in Washington since February 2005, half of them have dealt with Abramoff, gaming and the closely tied federal recognition and land-into-trust processes.

more...

http://64.62.196.98/News/2006/012915.asp