Senate Foes Both Claim Navajo Support

U.S. Senate candidates Heather Wilson and Martin Heinrich each insist they have the endorsement of the Navajo Nation Council, the legislative arm of the nation’s largest American Indian tribe.

It turns out both candidates have some support within the council, but it appears that neither has a formal endorsement passed into law.

Wilson has touted support from Council Speaker Johnny Naize, who praised Wilson’s commitment to support coal-generated electricity. Coal mines and the power plants they fuel are a major employer on the Navajo reservation in northwestern New Mexico.

“Our nation and Navajo people are in dire need of leaders such as you who can advocate for sensible solutions and sustainable economic development,” Naize said in a letter to Wilson earlier this month. However, Naize , who represents a Navajo district in Arizona, was the only Navajo tribal delegate signing the letter.

Wilson told the Journal on Tuesday that she considers the Naize letter supporting her to be an endorsement by the Navajo Nation Council.

“They endorsed me,” Wilson said. “It’s a letter of support and it’s very clear.”

Meanwhile, Heinrich points to a Navajo Nation Council committee vote to endorse him taken on Monday by 12 of its 23 voting members.

The resolution endorsing Heinrich passed 11-1 through that committee, which includes all members of the council.

“Our vote signals to all Navajos in New Mexico that the Navajo Nation sees value in Martin’s unwavering support for Social Security, veterans benefits, and Indian health care — issues of great importance to Navajo,” said Council Delegate Russell Begaye, the Shiprock representative who sponsored the endorsement vote.

Heinrich said he was proud to have the support of the council.

“It’s very meaningful for us. It’s been the cumulation of a lot of grass roots support, largely worked through the (Navajo) chapter houses,” Heinrich said

But the committee resolution endorsing Heinrich isn’t finalized, said Tom Platero, director of the council’s Office of Legislative Services.

All votes from the committee go on for a final vote at the following general council meeting, Platero said. After that council vote, legislation and resolutions become law, he said.

The next general council meeting is not scheduled until after the Nov. 6 election, he said.

MITT ON TV: Less than a week before Election Day, a super PAC backing Mitt Romney is buying advertising for the first time in New Mexico, where the Journal Poll has shown the Republican presidential contender trailing President Barack Obama.

The PAC, Restore Our Future, is spending $700,000 to run two commercials—one promoting Romney and another attacking Obama — in the Albuquerque and El Paso markets.

“Polls have shown that the race is tightening in New Mexico,” said Brittney Gross, a spokeswoman for Restore Our Future.