Daily Reformer: What Peggy Flanagan's victory would mean for Indian Country

Good morning, Reformers. 

Not surprisingly, Peggy Flanagan’s Native American identity has figured prominently in her campaign for the U.S. Senate. If elected, she would be the first Native woman to serve in the country’s most powerful legislative body (along with Alaska’s Mary Peltola if she wins her race). 

But the coverage largely stopped there, with little examination of what her election would actually mean for Indian Country.  

That’s what I dug into in my story today: what Flanagan’s personal and political experience brings to issues affecting Native Americans, what she might accomplish and the inherent tension of working within a federal government whose interests often conflict with those of tribal nations. 

As I reviewed the record of the Walz and Flanagan administration, I was surprised by just how much policy significant to Native people had been passed: a nation-leading tribal relations office, the first state Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office, funding for Indigenous language instruction, thousands of acres of land returned, a new state flag and seal, favorable terms for opening cannabis dispensaries and more. 

But there was also tension, notably over Line 3 construction when Flanagan’s limp resistance angered tribal leaders and Native activists, some who started calling her “Pipeline Peggy.”  

I trailed Flanagan at campaign events across three reservations — White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake — to talk to tribal leaders and voters about what they think of Flanagan’s candidacy and its promise for Indian Country. You can read it here. 

By Kevin Hardy

Americans’ growing frustration over high prices has defined many political campaigns ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Rising costs of healthcare, gas and groceries during President Donald Trump’s second term have put Republicans on defense, not only in Washington, but in statehouse and gubernatorial races across the country.

As the political environment continues to sour for Republicans, a new analysis released by the Urban Institute on Monday underscores just how expensive everyday life has become in America: Gas and electricity prices are rising much faster than paychecks. Housing, childcare and healthcare are becoming a bigger strain for millions of people. 

A song for a rainy, fall day: Geese by GoldenOak.

Correspond: [email protected]