Reznet

Native Vote Washington congratulates Native women delegates

By Anonymous

On Saturday, May 17, 2008, three Native American women were elected as Congressional District delegates for Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Their selection means that they will represent Senators Clinton and Obama at the Democratic Party's state convention in Spokane on June 13-15 and the national Democratic Party's convention in Denver in August 24-28.

Delegate          Tribe        Candidate WA Cong. Dist.

Lona Wilbur      Swinomish Obama     2nd

Julie Johnson    Lummi      Clinton     6th

Patsy Whitefoot Yakama   Obama     4th

Native Vote Washington Co-Chairs Theresa Sheldon (Tulalip) and Matt Tomaskin (Yakama) said, "This is the start of something big. There are going to be more Indian delegates coming out of Washington. You can count on it."

Sheldon added, "Our vote and our voice can make a real difference in Indian Country. We are Native Americans first! Let's make our voice loud and clear by registering and voting in every election! Native Vote Washington is here to educate, activate and empower all Native people."

There are nearly 160,000 Native Americans in Washington who account for 2..7% of the State's total population. Washington is home to 29 federally-recognized Indian tribes.

Native Vote Washington is non-partisan, non-profit organization that supports and encourages Native American men and women to run for elected office and participate in the political process in any way they can. Native Vote Washington is in the process of finalizing its statewide Get Out the Vote campaign which will include a statewide bus tour, rallies, concerts, and receptions at important statewide conventions.

For more on Native Vote Washington, click here.