Crittenden Named Cherokee Deputy Chief In Cherokee Runoff

NewsOn6.com

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma -- S. Joe Crittenden will be sworn in  as Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation after winning Saturday's run-off election, according to certified poll results. Crittenden received 6,748 votes to Chris Lee Soap's 5,706.

There is still no decision on when the new election will be held between Chad Smith and Bill John Baker for Principal Chief. According to an opinion by the Cherokee Attorney General Diane Hammons, the deputy chief will assume the duties of principal chief should that office expire before a new election can be held.

Soap was Smith's running mate while Crittenden ran with Bill John Baker.

7/22/2011 Related Story: Cherokee Nation's Run-Off Election Is Saturday

Other official results listed on the Nation's web site:

Council Member District 1, Seat 3: David Walkingstick 1,886; Mark Vance 827.
Council Member, District 2, Seat 3: Jodie Fishinghawk, 1,795; Harley L. Buzzard 989.
Council Member District 4, Seat 2: Dick Lay 812; Bradley Cobb 732

Cherokee Nation voters were back at the polls Saturday for run-offs the positions, including the race for the Deputy Chief.

The polls closed at 7:00 p.m. Saturday.