By AP
Tahlequah, OK – Former Cherokee chief says he'll still help tribe
TULSA, Okla. (AP) Former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith says he'll continue to improve the well-being of Oklahoma's largest American Indian tribe even though he isn't in office.
Smith, an attorney, told The Associated Press on Thursday that his 12 years of leading the tribe was a "dream come true" for him and touted his record of service to his people.
Smith lost his bid for a fourth term Wednesday when the tribe's Supreme Court denied his appeal of a Sept. 24 special election that had his opponent, Bill John Baker, winning by nearly 1,600 votes.
Baker was sworn in as the tribe's principal chief Wednesday night. A ceremonial inauguration is planned for Nov. 6 in Tahlequah.