Hourly Update

McCain, Kyl make recommendation for Arizona U.S. Attorney post

PHOENIX - Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl on Thursday recommended Diane J. Humetewa, a member of the Hopi Indian tribe who currently is senior litigation counsel and tribal liaison for the U.S. Attorney's office in Arizona, to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for Arizona. Humetewa, 42, would fill the position being vacated by retiring U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton if President Bush formally nominates her and she is confirmed by the Senate. "I am proud to recommend Diane to serve our country in this noble role," McCain said in a statement. "As a native Arizonan, Diane has a sound appreciation for the culture and legal issues unique to the region." A 1993 graduate of the Arizona State University College of Law, she began her career with the U.S. Attorneys Office as a victim advocate in 1987. She served as a counsel to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs from August 1993 to March 1996, when McCain was chairman. She declined to comment Tuesday, a U.S. Attorney's spokesman said. "Her distinguished career in public service, her experience as a prosecutor, and work on behalf of crime victims make her an ideal nominee for this role," Kyl said in a statement. Charlton praised the recommendation of Humetewa as his replacement, calling her a great prosecutor and person with a balanced sense of judgment. "As Tribal Liaison, Diane has developed outstanding relationships with the Native American community and as an early advocate of victim's rights she has ensured that victims of crime are well represented in the federal system," he said.