http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1116nominee1116.html

Bush taps Hopi for Ariz.'s U.S. attorney
Nomination for U.S. attorney for Arizona still needs OK from Senate

Lindsey Collom
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 16, 2007 12:00 AM

A member of the Hopi Indian tribe could be the first Native American to
serve as the U.S. attorney for Arizona.

President Bush on Thursday nominated Diane J. Humetewa, who has spent most
of her career as a federal prosecutor and is currently the senior
litigation counsel and tribal liaison with the Arizona U.S. Attorney's
Office.

Humetewa, 42, said she was "extremely honored" by the nomination but
declined to comment further, saying it was too early in the process.

If the U.S. Senate confirms the nomination, Humetewa will fill the position
vacated by Paul Charlton, one of eight U.S. attorneys forced to resign
nationwide in a Justice Department purge. Daniel Knauss has served as the
interim U.S. attorney since January.

Charlton said he and Humetewa have discussed the job in recent months and
he feels she is a "perfect fit."

"I tried a case with Diana about 10 years ago, and it was there that I saw
this extraordinary combination of outstanding prosecutor and an individual
with a clear moral compass who understood what was right and demonstrated
good judgment consistently," Charlton said. "One of the qualities you need
to be a U.S. attorney in Arizona is to have a great deal of sensitivity to
issues in Indian country, and no one has been better able to exemplify that
than Diane."

Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl in January recommended Humetewa for the post.
Humetewa served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
during both of McCain's tenures as committee chairman.

In a joint statement Thursday, the senators urged a swift confirmation.

"Diane has demonstrates a devotion to public service and commitment to
justice, and I believe she is uniquely qualified to address legal issues in
the state of Arizona," McCain said in the statement.

Humetewa began her career with the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1987 as a
victim's advocate. Six years later, she graduated from the Arizona State
University College of Law. Humetewa sits as an appellate court judge for
the Hopi Tribal Court.

Associated Press contributed to this article.