Farmington graduate tabbed for BIA post

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - Residents are excited about President Barack Obama's nomination of Farmington High School graduate Larry Echohawk to lead the Bureau of Indian Affairs, pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Echohawk, a Brigham Young University law professor and Pawnee Nation (Okla.) member, served as Idaho's Democratic attorney general from 1990-94. He grew up across the street from Farmington High, where he graduated in 1966.

Echohawk was the first American Indian elected to a statewide constitutional office in Idaho. He and his wife, Terry, have six children.

Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Farmington, graduated from high school with Echohawk. Taylor said Echohawk's experience as attorney general and work with American Indians in Idaho qualifies him for the position.

Echohawk declined comment, citing a request by the Obama administration not to conduct news media interviews while confirmation is pending.

Information from: The Daily Times