Cherokee Nation election results upheld

(Tahlequah-AP) -- The Cherokee Nation's high court has upheld the election of Chief Chad Smith by dismissing a challenge alleging voting irregularities. <br><br>The challenge was filed by former Chief

Tuesday, June 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tahlequah-AP) -- The Cherokee Nation's high court has upheld the election of Chief Chad Smith by dismissing a challenge alleging voting irregularities.

The challenge was filed by former Chief Joe Byrd, who had 39% of the vote, compared with Smith's 52%. Robin Mayes and L-S Fields split the remaining votes.

Byrd wanted either a new election or to be included in a July 26th runoff with Smith.

Smith says the challenge was a case of ``sour grapes by a sore loser.''