Cedric Black Eagle, the interim chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, fired eight people, including a rival candidate in an upcoming election.

Black Eagle said the layoffs are part of a tribal reorganization. He said the people he removed were political appointees.

But Edwina Little Light said the move was punishment for her decision to run against Black Eagle for chairman. She is the former wife of Carl Venne, who died on February 15 after serving as chairman. Black Eagle was his running mate.

Get the Story:
Crow chair candidate calls layoff political (The Billings Gazette 3/4)
Interim Crow Tribe chairman lays off 8 workers (AP 3/3)

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Editorial: Carl Venne a leader for Crow education (2/19)
Jodi Rave: Carl Venne a man with 'great vision' (2/17)
Secretary Salazar statement on Carl Venne's passing (2/17)
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