Walter Phelps of Leupp, Ariz., will join Lovejoy of Crownpoint, N.M., as she campaigns to become the first woman to lead the nation's largest Indian reservation.

Shirley of Chinle, Ariz., has selected Ben Shelly, a 16-year tribal council delegate from Thoreau, N.M., as he seeks re-election to a second term.

Lovejoy and Shirley emerged as the top two contenders earlier this month during the primary election and will face off in the Nov. 7 general election.

Shelly and Shirley once sat side by side while serving as council delegates and also served on the National Association of Counties - Shirley as a former Apache County supervisor and Shelly as a former member of the Gallup-McKinley County Commission. Shelly currently is the chairman of the council's Budget and Finance Committee.

Shirley said Shelly's background as an entrepreneur and his understanding of budgets, finance and tribal government make him well-qualified to serve as vice president.

''I feel like he's very well seasoned, an all around legislator and all around leader,'' Shirley said.

The two share similar views on the tribe's priorities - economic development, increased revenue and jobs - and outlined them during an announcement at campaign headquarters in Window Rock.

Shirley said he's looking forward to working with Shelly as a team - something Shirley has been criticized for in his current administration.

Shelly commended Shirley because of the way he communicates with the Navajo people. ''When I hear someone talking from the heart . . . by golly, I'll get on their wagon any day,'' Shelly said.

Lovejoy's running mate, Phelps, is an American Indian liaison for Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz. She that connection with Congress as well as Phelps' knowledge of tribal government made him a great choice.

''What was so impressive for me about Walter is that he would be a person I would highly trust and a person with a wealth of knowledge,'' she said, noting that he also has qualities that would make him a hands-on vice president.

Lovejoy, a member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, said it was only recently that she met Phelps and his family but it was instantly that she knew he was ''just the kind of person I would want to be associated with.''