There’s going to be a tough primary in the seat being evacuated by Republican congressman, Rick Renzi(R-AZ-Corrupt). It smells like a Democratic year for this district and Howard Shanker is the progressive, grassroots candidate. He's an environmental attorney who has been representing Native American nations and environmental issues for many years.
He previously represented the Black Mesa Trust, a coalition of Navajo and Hopi who were fighting to stop Peabody Coal from draining the "N" aquifer to slurry coal to the Mojave generating station. Shanker is also an attorney on the case that recently kept the Desert Nesting Bald Eagle from being taken off of the endangered species list – a case in which many of the Apache tribes filed amicus briefs.
In short, Howard’s from the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party.
Take a look at a live blog session with Howard to get a feel for what a really exceptional candidate he is. Or look over his excellent website.