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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) held a forum for

"Brad Carson speaking at the CNO candidates forum in Tahlequah."

candidates for Oklahoma’s Second U.S. Congressional District on Thursday, July 27, 2000. The Cherokee Nation will not endorse political candidates, but hopes to work cooperatively with all elected officials. All candidates were invited to attend and speak to the crowd of nearly 200. Those who declined were Republicans Tennie Rogers, Terry Gorham, Mark Detro and Andy Ewing.

"I’d like to apologize for the so-called leading Republican candidate," said Money, referring to Ewing. "He apparently didn’t think your votes were important enough to be here."

Candidates made the following statements at the forum:

Brad Carson, Democrat, Cherokee tribal member: "I support Indian sovereignty. Oklahoma has the largest population of Indians of any state in the union, but doesn’t have a single Indian advocate among the state’s current congressional delegation. I will be a strong voice for Native Americans in Congress…"

Bill Settle, Democrat, Muskogee (Creek) tribal member: "In Washington, I will join the Native American congressional caucus. By providing leadership in Congress, I will assist the tribes in acquiring better health care for Indians, a reasonable settlement for the Arkansas Riverbed claim, and a revision of the 1947 Reform Act."

James R. "Jim Bob" Wilson, Democrat, Cherokee tribal member: "I’m a life-long resident of the Second District. The Cherokee Nation should get some help out of the sale of the Corps of Engineers land, which is part of my plan to help all the people of the Second District of Oklahoma."

Steve Money, Republican: "I’m the only candidate running who has any experience representing and fighting in court for tribal sovereignty. I have represented an Indian Nation in legal and economic development matters. I don’t need education about Indian issues. I don’t need on the job training to fight for better health funding or economic development. I’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt."

Jack Ross, Republican: "Sometimes Indian people feel like the only time they see politicians is when they come around every two years at election time asking for something- money or votes. I have the interests of Native Americans at heart, because my wife and family are Cherokee."

Eric Troutt, Republican: "I don’t claim to have the answers to all Indian problems just because I have Indian blood. I will work with tribal governments. But I won’t tell you what I think you want to hear. I will tell you what I believe. I believe in ‘One Nation Under God’ and that we are in danger of losing an entire generation of our youth. I believe our tax burden is far too great."

Neil Mavis, Libertarian: "I’m for doing things a different way. Our government is too big; our taxes our too high…. Indian businesses on Indian land should not have to collect taxes for the state."

The Cherokee Nation will host candidate forums for candidates in Adair and Cherokee County races August 3, 3:30-5pm. The Cherokee County candidate forum will be at the tribal Council Chambers in Tahlequah. The Adair County candidate forum will be at the Wilma P. Mankiller Clinic in Stilwell. The Cherokee Nation encourages all citizens to be registered and to vote in the upcoming primary races as well as the general election.