Politics

Navajo woman suggested for New Mexico Senate

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Lynda Lovejoy, who lost her bid to become the first woman president of the Navajo Nation, could be appointed to the New Mexico State Senate, The Gallup Independent reports.

Lovejoy's name has come up as a replacement for Leonard Tsosie, who resigned from the Senate in order to serve in the Navajo Nation Council. "I know that he (Begaye) and a few others have recommended me in conversation," Lovejoy told the paper. 'Exactly how much of this is getting back to the governor, I don't know."

Gov. Bill Richardson (D) has asked six counties to submit replacement names by Friday, The Albuquerque Journal reported. Senate District 22 includes parts of the Navajo Nation, six Pueblos and parts of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

Tsosie submitted his letter of resignation on Monday and was sworn in to the Navajo council that day. He gave up his Senate seat because the Navajo Supreme Court said he can't serve both at the same time.

However, some delegates raised questions when Tsosie showed up to the State Capitol in Santa Fe on Tuesday. He said he was only there to ensure his successor, whoever that may be, knows of pending issues in the district.

Get the Story:
Lovejoy could replace Tsosie (The Gallup Independent 1/23)
Navajo delegates question Tsosie's resignation from N.M. Senate (AP 1/23)
Five counties asked to recommend nominees by Friday (The Albuquerque Journal 1/23)
Tsosie sworn in (The Gallup Independent 1/23)