CRIT Chair Urges VP Harris to Nominate Kelly

PARKER — In a significant political development, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., has been endorsed as a candidate for Vice President by Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT). The endorsement came via an “open letter” emailed to the Pioneer on July 25.

In her letter, Flores emphasized her status as a pledged delegate for Vice President Kamala Harris. She asserted that Kelly’s inclusion on the Democratic ticket would be beneficial. “Sen. Kelly knows how to talk to Indian country,” Flores stated. “He has been here, he understands our issues, and he will be an asset to your ticket.”

Flores highlighted the strategic importance of Native American voters in states like Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. “Adding him to your ticket will help in November and advance our shared vision of an America that lives up to its treaty and trust responsibilities,” Flores added. She also expressed her eagerness to continue working on tribal sovereignty and economic development in Indian country.

This endorsement follows recent political shifts within the Democratic Party. Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the Democratic front-runner after President Joe Biden exited the Presidential race on July 21, throwing his support behind Harris. Biden had previously secured victories in all Democratic primaries and caucuses, except for American Samoa, and amassed 3,049 delegates ahead of the Democratic National Convention, which will be held from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.

Biden’s withdrawal came after a lackluster debate performance on June 27 against former President Donald Trump, who secured the Republican nomination. Concerns about Biden’s age and mental fitness had been mounting among Democratic leaders, adding pressure for his exit from the Presidential campaign.