Arizona Gov. Napolitano Says Obama Strongest Candidate for Indian Tribes By Tanya Lee DENVER, Colo., Aug. 24 -- Gov. Janet Napolitano, D-Ariz., told NewsWatch that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was the 2008 presidential candidate who would best serve Native American interests. "Sen. Obama is strongest on tribal issues, including recognizing tribal sovereignty and treaty rights," she said. "He understands the importance of consulting with tribes, not issuing edicts." Napolitano hails from the state that is home to 21 Native American tribes and the presumptive Republican nominee for president, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. She said the impact of the Native American vote in this election could be very significant. "For example, New Mexico has been very close in the past few elections,Ó Napolitano said. ÒIf Native Americans turn out for Obama, the state could go Democratic this time." In 2004, President Bush won 49.84 percent of the popular vote, while Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., won 49.05 percent. A difference of less than 1 percent of the popular vote gave the Republicans New Mexico's five electoral votes. In 2000, Vice President Gore won New Mexico. Napolitano also said the Obama ticket could win Arizona.