A Coushatta council member who supported disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff is in the running for chairman of the Louisiana tribe.

William Worfel will face former tribal police chief Kevin Sickey in a fourth runoff next month. Sickey had 36 percent of the vote while Worfel had 20 percent in an election held on Saturday.

Current chairman Lovelin Poncho [pictured at right] did not seek re-election. He also supported Abramoff.

Council member Leonard Battise, another Abramoff supporter, ran for re-election but lost, according to The Lake Charles American Press.

Tribal members tried to recall Poncho, Worfel and Battise over their dealings with Abramoff but the efforts failed.

Get the Story:
Former Coushatta police chief makes runoff (AP 5/30)
Coushatta councilman, former police chief, in runoff (AP 5/29)

Relevant Links:
Coushatta Tribe - http://www.coushattatribela.org

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