Kirkpatrick to replace Rick Renzi

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — During the Obama support-watch party on Tuesday evening, cheers not only rang out for Obama when he won the race for president of the United States, but also for other Democrats who were winning races.

The seat to represent Arizona District 1 in the House of Representatives was up for grabs this election cycle after Republican Rick Renzi did not run for re-election.

Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick beat out Republican Sydney Hay to replace Renzi in Congress.

Kirkpatrick, a former state legislator, had much support on the Navajo Nation after she won the primary election to become the Democratic candidate, receiving endorsements from President Joe Shirley Jr. and former President Peterson Zah.

On Tuesday night, with 96 percent of precincts reporting, Kirkpatrick had 55 percent of the vote to Hay’s 40 percent.
Winning re-election on Tuesday was Democrat Albert Hale for Arizona state senator of District 2. Hale easily won over Republican Royce Jenkins. With 83 percent of precincts reporting, Hale had 72 percent of the vote and Jenkins had 28 percent.

Hale is a former Navajo Nation president.