PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Karen Francis,
Public Information Officer
Navajo Nation Council
Office of the Speaker
(928) 871-7160
karenfrancis@navajo.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, October 19, 2004
NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL ENDORSES JOHN KERRY
On October 19, 2004, during the second of its fall session,
the Navajo Nation Council voted to endorse the Democratic candidate for
United
States President – John F. Kerry – by a vote of 61 in favor and 8
opposed.
Legislation 0649-04 to endorse John Kerry was sponsored by
the Council delegate from Hogback, N.M., Ervin
Keeswood. Larry Anderson (Fort Defiance)
made the motion to
consider the legislation and Raymond Maxx
(Coalmine
Canyon/Toh Nanees
Dizi) was the seconding party.
Mr. Keeswood, along with Speaker
of the Council Lawrence T. Morgan and President of the Navajo Nation
Joe
Shirley Jr., previously met with John Kerry during Mr. Kerry’s train
ride from
Gallup, N.M. to Flagstaff, Ariz.
The Council met with Mr. Kerry’s sister, Diana Kerry, at a
luncheon where she thanked the delegates for their endorsement.
“It’s a great honor for me to accept the endorsement for
John Kerry,” Ms. Kerry said. “John Kerry has pledged to make a better
America
for all Americans.”
She said that her brother would respect the sovereign status
of Native American tribes and make sure that Native Americans are at
the table.
“John Kerry understands the contributions of Native
Americans. . . He understands what it is to be in uniform. He will make
sure we
only go to war when we have to,” Ms. Kerry said.
Speaker Morgan addressed the leaders present at the
luncheon, encouraging them to get out the vote among Native people and
to let
the Navajo people know that the Council has endorsed John Kerry.
Other leaders present at the luncheon included members of
the 20th Navajo Nation Council, President Shirley, Arizona
State
Senator Albert Hale, New Mexico State Senators Leonard Tsosie
and John Pinto, and Eddie Basha.
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