Here’s the Associated Press’ latest election night story from Arizona:

Ben Shelly (Courtesy of KOB.com)

Navajos elect tribe’s vice president to top post

By FELICIA FONSECA
Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Navajos have chosen the tribe’s vice president as their next leader.

Ben Shelly defeated New Mexico Sen. Lynda Lovejoy in Tuesday’s election, becoming the first vice president elected to the tribal presidency. Shelly had 32,910 votes to Lovejoy’s 29,535 votes with just two precincts outstanding.

Shelly and his running mate, Rex Lee Jim, won despite criminal charges they face in an investigation of slush funds that were revealed just ahead of the election. Shelly has pleaded not guilty to fraud, conspiracy and theft.

Shelly says his 16 years as a tribal lawmaker and four as vice president will ensure stability in the tribal government that has been mired in political conflict. He plans to focus on government accountability, creating jobs and education.

Lovejoy has said that Navajos needed a leader with fresh ideas, not a career tribal politician.

Jenna Cederberg

Tags: ben shelly, election night, lynda lovejoy, Navajo Nation, navajo nation president, rex lee jim