VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Earlier in the presidential and vice presidential campaigns, Indian Country Today sought answers to some of the most important issues to Native voters during this year’s election.

But the campaign offices and presidential hopefuls have been tight-lipped this election in particular and, in some instances, obtaining answers was a matter of researching the candidates’ past performances and campaign statements.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Joe Biden hasn’t necessarily been a huge advocate of Indian rights, but he has helped in numerous matters relating to Indian country.

His projected answers to ICT’s questions have been extrapolated based on statements and actions during his terms as a senator in Delaware and on the 2008 campaign trail.

Do you support a national apology based on past federal government misdeeds toward tribes and Indians?

In an interview with the Missoulian as a VP candidate, Biden was quoted as saying, “It’s time for the United States to end its ‘ultimate benign neglect’ of American Indians. We’ve walked away from our responsibilities. We haven’t kept our promises. We haven’t abided by the treaties we’ve had. We have not done what we said we were going to do as a nation – period.”

How would you address perennial IHS funding problems if you were elected?

In February 2008, Biden voted against an amendment from Sen. David Vitter that would permanently prevent abortion funding at Indian health care service facilities.

Though not a direct hit on the perennial nature issue of IHS funding, Biden’s action could be viewed as a measure of support in the right direction towards Indian health care.

What is your stance on the National Labor Relations Board decision on unions?

The Employee Free Choice Act is an introduced bill that would allow union bosses to use the National Labor Relations Board and federal courts to obtain internal and confidential tribal documents by making them public.

The NLRB, who has been criticized for opposing sovereignty of Indian tribes, would be granted authority to interview and subpoena tribal employees. The NLRB could also prohibit interactions between tribal employees and other tribal members if they thought it infringed on their investigations.

Sen. Barack Obama has outwardly expressed support of the act and Biden has labeled it a new “social compact.” At a Virginia mine workers fish fry, Biden also stated that the Employee Free Choice Act would be a priority of the upcoming Obama/Biden administration.

Regarding wind power: some of the best wind is available in places like South Dakota and Minnesota that are far from the grid. What’s your position on extending the grid to tribal areas?

As part of the Obama administration, Biden would be taking part in the proposed Wind Jobs Creation Package. This package requires 10 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.

In the face of Obama and Biden establishing this initial 10 percent, it is arguable that many tribal lands in rural areas that experience ideal wind conditions would be perfect candidates for such legislation.

To add to the concept of tribes obtaining self-sufficiency via clean energy, the Rural Energy for America Program is in such demand (a 3 to 1 margin as to the availability of funds) – Obama and Biden have proposed doubling the program’s incentives for wind power that is locally owned.