Tribal leaders in Montana are calling on Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy to apologize for offensive remarks he made about Native Americans during campaign fundraisers. In audio recordings obtained by Char-Koosta News, Sheehy was heard describing Native Americans on the Crow Reservation as being “drunk at 8 a.m.” and throwing beer cans at him during a Crow Fair parade.
Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, is running against Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Tester in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. With backing from former President Donald Trump, Sheehy aims to unseat Tester, a key target for Republicans hoping to gain control of the closely divided Senate.
Offensive Remarks Spark Outrage
In one of the recordings, Sheehy mentions his relationship with a ranching partner who is a member of the Crow Tribe. He commented that being out on the reservation was a “great way to bond with all the Indians” while they were “drunk at 8 a.m.” Another recording captured Sheehy talking about his experience at the annual Crow Fair, where he claimed Coors Light cans were thrown at him during the parade.
These comments have triggered widespread condemnation from Native American leaders, including the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council. The council’s chair, Bryce Kirk, criticized Sheehy for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Native Americans and demanded a public apology. In a letter to Sheehy’s campaign, Kirk wrote, “Native Americans are not your punchline,” urging Sheehy to show more respect for the people he seeks to represent.
Potential Political Fallout
The timing of Sheehy’s remarks may influence the race. Paul Pope, a political analyst and professor at Montana State University Billings, noted that these comments could mobilize more Native Americans to register to vote, potentially benefiting Senator Tester. With Native Americans making up about 7% of Montana’s population, their vote could be crucial in this close race. “This might be a tipping point for some undecided voters,” Pope said.
Sheehy’s Response
Despite the backlash, Sheehy’s campaign has not confirmed whether the candidate will issue an apology. Campaign spokesperson Jack O’Brien defended Sheehy, stating that he has a close working relationship with members of the Crow Tribe and has spent time on the reservation. “He works with them, he brands with them,” O’Brien said, dismissing allegations that the comments reflect Sheehy’s true character.
The campaign has not responded directly to inquiries from Char-Koosta News or other media outlets about the recordings.
The Stakes of the Montana Senate Race
With Montana being home to seven Indian reservations and a significant Native American population, the fallout from Sheehy’s comments could affect his standing with tribal communities, traditionally considered a Democratic-leaning voting bloc. However, in recent years, Montana Republicans have been working to gain support from tribal leaders, making Sheehy’s remarks even more consequential.
As the race between Tester and Sheehy heats up, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Sheehy’s campaign in the long run.
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