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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Navajo Council Falls Short Again on Legislative Complex Vote


Associated Press
      WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Council today shot down a measure that would have financed a new legislative complex and other buildings.
    The measure failed on a vote of 54-21. It required 59 affirmative votes to pass.
    When Navajo Nation lawmaker Ervin Keeswood realized the bill would fall short of the required number of votes in an initial vote Wednesday, he voted no. That strategy allowed him to move to reconsider the bill Thursday.
    The legislation originally specified a loan of $50 million, but council delegates added $75 million more to include financing options for other facilities, including police stations and jails.
    The council voted 54-17 for the bill Wednesday — five votes short of the two-thirds needed for passage. Keeswood and other supporters hoped they could sway some delegates who didn't vote Wednesday.

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