NA Times (May 31, 2006)

Oklahoma Indian group invites California rep. to voter training sessions

TULSA OK
Native American Times

An Oklahoma-based group dedicated to electing American Indian Democrats to office has invited a California congressman to attend a Tulsa event on June 10.

Mike Honda will participate in what is being dubbed "From the Table to the Ticket" training.

INDN's List, headed up by Kayln Free, a Choctaw, is co-sponsoring the event, which is "focused on inspiring and encouraging Oklahoma Democrats of color to seek public office," the organization said.

"INDN's List seeks to represent both the diversity and unity of cultures across the nation by enabling public servants to gain a spot at the table and a voice in the circles of power," said Free. "This work will build on that mission in practical ways for the people of Oklahoma."

Other groups sponsoring the event include the Tulsa County Democratic Party, the Hispanic Democratic Caucus, several labor groups and a gay rights organization.

"We will join a diverse number of organizations as partners in building democracy and bettering communities," Free said.

A Japanese-American, Honda is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and is the current vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, serving directly under chairman Howard Dean.

Honda represents a district that includes Silicon Valley, and was first elected to Congress in 2000. Prior that he served in various state and local governments.

"This training is a first step in giving Oklahomans the skills they need to run and win," Honda said.