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MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2002

The Navajo Nation's lawsuit against the largest coal company in the world is becoming a campaign issue in the tribe's election.

The tribe sued Peabody Coal after it discovered the company played a part in the federal government's breach of trust dispute. The Department of Interior suppressed a decision made in favor of the tribe after meeting with a close friend who happened to be a Peabody lobbyist.

President Kelsey Begaye filed the suit in 1999. But his opponent, Joe Shirley, wants to settle the case.

Citing campaign contributions, Begaye claims Shirley is being influenced by the mining industry. Frank Dayish, Shirley's running mate, is a lobbyist for a mining company.

The Peabody suit is separate from the Navajo Nation case currently before the Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
Begaye doesn't trust Shirley (The Farmington Daily-Times 10/26)

Relevant Links:
Joe Shirley for President - http://joeshirleyjr.com/mainpage.html
The Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

Related Stories:
Navajo debates refused by challenger (10/21)
Tribes rally Navajo Nation on trust case (10/17)
Candidates promise business friendly tribe (10/10)
Navajo ticket called 'big business' (09/25)
Navajo candidate is mining lobbyist (9/24)
Navajo candidate chooses running mate (9/18)