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Mashantucket Pequots elect new chairman

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) - The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council has elected Rodney Butler as chairman of the panel, which governs the eastern Connecticut tribe and oversees its two casinos.

Butler was elevated from treasurer to chairman by fellow council members Sunday after he won a third three-year term to the council. He replaces Michael Thomas, whom the council ousted in August for his handling of the tribe's finances.

Revenues from the two casinos, Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods, have taken a huge hit from the recession, and the tribe is seeking to restructure more than $2 billion in debt.

Butler will become chairman Jan. 1. Tribal members also elected Crystal Whipple and Thomas' brother, Steven Thomas, to the seven-member council.

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