Begay changes parties

WINDOW ROCK

Arizona State Sen. Carlyle Begay (Dist. 7) said he switched to the Republican Party on Monday because “they were the party that was willing to listen.”

Begay said over the last two years in the state legislature, he was feeling “increasingly isolated within my own (Democratic) caucus,” even being “ridiculed” by his colleagues when he cast the deciding vote with the Republicans to pass the state budget.

Meanwhile, he said, Republican leaders have repeatedly accepted his invitation to visit the Navajo Nation, including on Code Talker Day, Aug. 14, when, according to Begay, Gov. Doug Ducey became the first Arizona governor to visit the reservation since Janet Napolitano made a campaign stop here in 2002.

“It was important for them to see and to touch and to feel why our (Native American) needs are different,” Begay said.

“They understand it. They feel it.”

Meanwhile, he said, he was becoming increasingly frustrated with the Senate Democrats and their “you versus us” mentality.

“Every time something didn’t pass,” he said, “it was the Republicans’ fault. “If I’m not effective,” he asked rhetorically, “isn’t it at least partially my fault? Isn’t it up to me to become more effective, regardless of the letter after my name?”

The Republicans, in contrast, “seemed to be the party of action.”

Begay said his constituents won’t see a change in his priorities.

“I have always looked at the issues on their merit and not through the prism of ideology,” he said, adding he will continue his quest for better education, living conditions and infrastructure for Arizona’s tribes.

“I will continue to be a voice for a district that, in my opinion, is often overlooked.”

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