The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians ousted longtime chairman John A. James in an election last week, The Palm Springs Desert Sun reports.

James, 78, joined the tribal council in 1977 and began serving as chairman in 1989. Citing the economy, he sought to keep his seat but said the tribe decided to vote for change.

“They decided to go with the young bloods,” James told the paper.

James has since been named to the tribal elder post, a paid position. David Roosevelt is now serving as chair.

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James out as Cabazon tribal chair (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 5/10)