TULSA—Chadwick "Corntassel" Smith formally announced his intention to seek re-election as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation at a news conference in downtown Tulsa.

"I have done what the Cherokee people asked me to do when they elected me three and a half years ago," Smith said. "I have restored order to our government, I have created jobs for our people, I have increased funding for health care and housing and I have brought the language back to our children by funding all-Cherokee speaking Head Start classes. I only ask the Cherokee people to let us finish what we have started and continue our service to the Cherokee people."

Smith, who defeated controversial incumbent Joe Byrd in 1999, selected Joe Grayson, Jr., as his running mate earlier this week.

"Joe Grayson and I share a vision for the Cherokee Nation," Smith said. "Joe Grayson has long been practicing the Cherokee concept of ga-du-gi, coming together to work for a common purpose. I am pleased that he would join me in serving the Cherokee people for the next four years."

Grayson is the son of former Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member and community representative Joe Grayson, Sr., and the father of five. He and his wife Gwen live in Cherokee County.

Joe Grayson, a full-blood Cherokee, is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He is knowledgeable about Cherokee culture and regularly participates in Cherokee cultural activities. Grayson has also co-chaired the Cherokee National Holiday, the Tahlequah Public Schools Indian Parent Committee, and served as Chairman of the Cherokee United Way. He currently serves on the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission, but will resign effective today, January 15 to run for the office of Deputy Principal Chief.

"My large extended family asked me to seek the office of Deputy Principal Chief and they made a commitment to be actively involved in my campaign," Grayson said. "With such strong, enthusiastic family support, I feel I am doing the right thing by entering this campaign."

"Family is important to me. I have five children, fifteen nieces and nephews and dozens of young cousins. I want to be part of making the future a secure one for younger Cherokees by doing everything in our power to make sure they have a good education and become healthy, successful adults."

Filing period for the upcoming Cherokee elections opens on February 3 and runs through February 12. Cherokee citizens have until March 3 to register to vote. The General Election takes place on May 24, with a run-off, if necessary, to be held July 26.

For more information on the Smith/Grayson campaign or voter registration for the Cherokee Nation elections, please visit the Smith/Grayson campaign web site at www.chadsmith.com.