Copyright 2004 Bulletin News Network, Inc.

The Oklahoman (9/17, Casteel) reports, "Current and former Cherokee Nation leaders berated Republican Senate candidate Tom Coburn on Thursday, calling him 'divisive' and an 'embarrassment' to his party because of comments he made last month regarding Indians and treaties." But, "Coburn responded Thursday, saying he was raising questions about which tribal members should benefit from federal aid and that it was a 'legitimate discussion for taxpayers.'" The Oklahoman continues, "The Cherokee leaders cited remarks Coburn made in Altus, where he said, 'Listen, I know the tribal issues; I was a congressman where most of the Indians are in this state. The problem is, most of them aren't Indians.'" The Oklahoman notes, "According to transcribed comments provided in a media release from the Cherokees, Coburn also said, 'I mean, this is a joke. It is one thing for us to keep our obligations to recognize Native Americans, but it's a totally different thing for us to allow a primitive agreement with the Native Americans to undermine Oklahoma's future.'" But Coburn, whose wife is Cherokee, said, "said it was time to discuss how benefits for Indians were apportioned." Coburn said, "Do you still get a fair share if you are one- fifth of 12 percent Native American? ... Maybe it's time to discuss cutting funding on the basis of percentages. The federal government sends tons of money for health care for Native Americans, and the tribes turn around and bill the state of Oklahoma for Medicaid. When things like that are happening, it's a legitimate question."