Audio Clip
Begaye Can Run In Navajo Presidential Race
Courtesy of Rusell Begaye Campaign
A special election will be held between third place finisher Russell Begaye and Joe Shirley Jr.
In the latest chapter of the Navajo Nation election saga, a presidential candidate can campaign now that a tribal judge ruled he is qualified.
Primary contender Myron McLaughlin tried to remove Russell Begaye from the ticket alleging financial improprieties. He also questioned Begaye’s loyalty to the tribe.
Chief hearing officer Richie Nez decided Begaye didn’t receive any money he wasn’t owed for attending Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company meetings. Nez said none of the evidence showed Begaye was serving his own interests.
Begaye testified that he would defend the Navajo Nation at all costs. McLaughlin plans to appeal to the Navajo Supreme Court.
The presidential election was initially postponed after Chris Deschene was disqualified for not proving his fluency in the Navajo language.
