Democratic Congressional Candidate Joe Pakootas highlighted his early interest in tribal governments, and the focal points of his campaign, in a presentation in the Foley Speaker’s Room Wednesday.

Now running to represent Washington’s fifth congressional district, Pakootas grew up in Inchelium, Washington, on the Colville Indian Reservation. He received his master’s degree from the University of Washington in 2006.

“Part of the reason for that was need for Indian tribes and businesses to start thriving in today’s world,” Pakootas said.

After earning his degree, Pakootas went back to the Colville Reservation, where he was hired for a job in tribal government.

“Our businesses were $8.1 million in the red and they were considering bankruptcy,” he said. “Within nine months we were $2.3 million in the black.”

Now in a race for a seat in Congress, Pakootas faces the challenge of defeating incumbent Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers. His campaign manager Susan Brudnicki said they have tried to attend as many public events as possible.

“Being a newcomer on the scene, were trying to get his name out there so people know who his is,” she said. “We’ve been to every county fair in the 10 counties in eastern Washington.”

Given the stage however, Pakootas was not shy to outline his political principles.

He identified himself as an environmentalist, and specifically talked about his recent efforts in stopping pollution, and restoring the Columbia River.

“I’ve always been taught that whatever I receive in my life, I need to pass on and leave it in better shape for my children and my grandchildren, and that’s my focus,” Pakootas said.

In addition to environmental concerns, Pakootas spoke about the financial state of Washington’s fifth district. He said one in six people are below the federal poverty line.

Pakootas also responded to a question about government budget cuts for higher education in this state, and across the nation.

“They’re giving those huge tax breaks to the rich people,” he said. “And where do they balance that loss? Back to the middle-class people, middle-class Americans, the students, the veterans.”

Near the end of the event, Pakootas had criticism for his opponent Representative McMorris Rodgers, who Pakootas said is the fourth-ranked Republican in office. He added that Congress had a recent approval rating of nine percent.

“I say it’s a 91 percent disapproval rating,” he said. “She’s the leader of the most dysfunctional Congress, most ineffective congress in history.”

Afterwards, Taewoo Kang, fourth year Ph. D. student in political science, commented on the Foley presentation.

“I had more questions than impressions, I think,” he said.

Kang said he was interested to hear Pakootas talk about the treatment of Native Americans after colonization, and wondered how his message would factor into his campaign.

“I was wondering how he’s going to persuade the voters who are not related to a Native American,” Kang said.