Navajo Nation VP running for tribal president

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo Nation Vice President Ben Shelly says he has filed his application with the tribe's election administration and is officially a candidate for the president's job.

Shelly has served in Navajo government and as a commissioner for McKinley County in New Mexico. He plans to kick off his campaign for tribal president Saturday morning at his home chapter in Thoreau, N.M.

Shelly is one of at least five candidates expected to run for president and replace Joe Shirley Jr., who took office in January 2003 and is in his second term.

The Navajo Nation is the country's largest Indian reservation and covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The tribe's primary election is Aug. 3 and the general election is Nov. 2.