Mississippi Choctaw Chief Martin concedes election

Friday, July 6, 2007  

Longtime Mississippi Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin conceded defeat after losing his re-election bid by 211 votes.

"I'm disappointed that I didn't win but that's O.K. That's life! The election process has worked," Martin told WTOK-TV. "The people have decided who they want as their leader and that's enough."

Beasley Denson, a former vice chief, said he was "thrilled' with his victory. "My campaign volunteers worked tirelessly," he said in a statement, The Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported.

Denson will be sworn into office on July 10. One of his first decisions affects Martin's push for an off-reservation casino.

Get the Story:
Recount Done, Martin Concedes Defeat (WTOK 7/6)
Challenger tops chief, but Martin may contest count (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 7/6)
Choctaws may not pursue Jackson County casino (The Biloxi Sun-Herald 7/6)
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Relevant Links:
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - http://www.choctaw.org

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