Cherokee Nation deputy chief running for top job

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) _ The Cherokee Nation's deputy chief will seek eletion to a second term as an independent candidate. <br><br>Hastings Shade, a tribal historian, won his first term as Chief Chad

Tuesday, January 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) _ The Cherokee Nation's deputy chief will seek eletion to a second term as an independent candidate.

Hastings Shade, a tribal historian, won his first term as Chief Chad Smith's running mate. Smith is running this time on a ticket with a different deputy chief candidate, Joe Grayson Jr.

Shade and Smith said their decisions to run separate campaigns were reached amicably.

Shade ``has expressed ... that he could spend more time being the culturalist and traditionalist than he has been,'' Smith said.

Shade said he interested in preserving his tribe's language, history and culture.

``There are things that I have to finish up,'' he said.

The filing period is Feb. 3-12, with the general election scheduled for May 24. A runoff election will be held July 26 if needed.