Denson Claims Victory over Martin

Absentee Ballots Still Being Counted

The text of Denson's press release follows:

Philadelphia, MS – After leading in the June 12th general election with 2% of the vote, Beasley Denson has been elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in the runoff with 52.8% of the vote. Turnout was high for a runoff election, with 60% of the 4800 registered tribal members voting. The absentee ballots will be counted on Wednesday, but in the initial count, Denson’s victory margin appears large enough to guarantee victory.

“Together, we have made history and you have my promise that I will never forget those who have honored me with their support during this tough election,” said Beasley Denson.

Denson overcame significant odds to win the race. Chief Phillip Martin had every advantage going into the June 12th election and the runoff. He had access to and made use of tribal employees, tribal funds and controlled all information collected and released by the Tribal election office. Governor Haley Barbour’s political consultants were brought in to manage Martin’s campaign.

“Martin has been a 30-year institution. To say that he was entrenched is an understatement. Tribal members braved thunderstorms and a very real risk of retribution to vote for change,” said Joe Binns, the campaign’s strategist and Vice-President of True Blue, the political consulting firm hired by the Denson campaign.

“What was most remarkable about this effort was the time and sweat put in by my
volunteers and campaign team. They were a never ending source of inspiration for me. We walked in every community and spoke to thousands of voters. Over and over, I heard that people wanted a change in priorities, a change in leadership. I made change the theme of my campaign,” said Denson.

Denson assumes the responsibilities of Chief with extensive experience in Tribal
government and its industries. A graduate of Choctaw Central High School, Denson earned degrees from Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University. He served five terms on the Tribal Council, including time as the Secretary Treasurer and Vice Chief. He served as Chairman of the Tribal School Board for eight years, of the Housing Authority for ten years, the Choctaw Credit Union for two years and was on the Board of Directors for Chahta Wire Harness, Choctaw Development Company, Choctaw Electronics Enterprise, Choctaw Manufacturing Enterprise and the Choctaw Utility Commission. Denson has also served on the Choctaw Gaming Commission for two years and was an officer on the National Indian Education Board and the Board of Directors for United Southeastern Tribes.

Denson will be sworn in as Chief on Tuesday, July 10, 2007.