Lovejoy could replace Tsosie

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

GALLUP — With Leonard Tsosie resigning his position in the N.M. Senate to take a seat in the Navajo Nation Council, the N.M. Governor's office is looking to appoint someone to finish out his term.

Tsosie, who has been a Senator in District 22 for more than 15 years, chose a seat in the tribal council over his position as Senator after the Navajo Supreme Court declared that he must choose one position.

While its not official, a former Navajo Nation Presidential candidate, former state representative, and Public Regulation Commissioner has been recommended to serve out his term. Ray Begaye, state representative from Shiprock, said in an Independent interview on Sunday that Lovejoy's name had been suggested.

"I know that he (Begaye) and a few others have recommended me in conversation," said Lovejoy in a Monday morning phone interview. "Exactly how much of this is getting back to the governor, I don't know."

The N.M. Governor's office could not confirm whether Lovejoy has been recommended.

Lovejoy's term as N.M. Public Regulatory Commissioner expired in December, and since then, Lovejoy has been working as a tribal liaison for the New Mexico Office of Homeland Security.

"I'm certainly interested," said Lovejoy, regarding the possibility of taking over Tsosie's seat. "I have the credentials, and I would hit the ground running."

Lovejoy, who came in 4,599 votes behind Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. in the November 2006 election, said she is still very much interested in tribal government affairs, though she is not certain if she plans to run for Navajo Nation President next election.

"It's too early to tell," said Lovejoy. "So much can happen in four years."

And while many Navajo voters and Lovejoy supporters believe that she has the election "in the bag" if she decides to run next election, Lovejoy remains modest.

"I've been in politics long enough to know that nothing is ever a guarantee," she said.