US Attorney for Arizona resigns..

As reported tonight:

"

Amid fallout from Operation Fast and Furious 

Dennis Burke, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, has delivered his letter of resignation to President Obama - effective immediately.

The move comes amid fallout from Operation Fast and Furious, that was designed to track gun buyers and major weapons traffickers along the border.  One of the guns was linked to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry last year.

“My long tenure in public service has been intensely gratifying.  It has also been intensely demanding.  For me, it is the right time to move on to pursue other aspects of my career and my life and allow the office to move ahead," Burke said in the letter.

Burke was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona in 2009.

Burke's departure comes the same day as the transfer of ATF acting director Kenneth Melson to a new post."

So what difference does that make for Indian Law and the practitioners thereof?

1)  Arizona contains a big part of Indian Country....the Navajo Nation, Tohono O'odham, and others.

2)  Burke was a VERY political appointee......and was appointed when his predecessor, the only Native American woman to be appointed as a US Attorney, well-respected Diane Humetewa, resigned on request to provide the space for Mr. Burke.

Perhaps next time it would be better to leave the competent and knowledgable person in the office in the future, rather than appoint the political hack?  Just a thought.........just a thought......

 

twp