The new governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has been in office only a few days but faces major challenges to his power.

Larry Nuckolls was elected on Saturday. He defeated rival Kenneth Blanchard by a 419-210 vote, the largest margin in tribal history, The Oklahoman reported.

But a week before that happened, the tribal council voted to strip the governor's position of oversight over the tribe's casino and authority over the tribe's daily operations. Nuckolls said the move was intended to protect Blanchard in case he lost.

Separately, Nuckolls is facing two criminal complaints in tribal court in relation to the election.

Get the Story:
Absentee Shawnee leader faces curtailed authority (The Oklahoman 6/21)
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Relevant Links:
Absentee Shawnee Tribe - http://www.astribe.com

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Absentee Shawnee secretary accused of misconduct (06/09)