Tempers flared and voices raised Thursday as the LSU Board of Supervisors delayed an election for chairman-elect until the next meeting.Eight members voted in favor of Alvin Kimble of Baton Rouge, who had been expected to become the new chairman-elect as he was the only candidate initially on the ballot. But the other eight members voted in favor of John George of Shreveport, whose candidacy was a late edition. Board members accused Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration for interfering with the voting process, which resulted in a split vote. Kimble said Board members began changing their votes after Jindal’s chief of staff forced members to vote for George.”This is outrageous that the governor’s office would interfere and try to influence who the chairman-elect would be,” Kimble said. “We lost all independence we had as a board.”Kimble said the governor’s chief of staff calling and forcing members to vote a certain way is “totally unacceptable.” Board member Laura Leach of Lake Charles attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week, thinking there would be no controversy and only one candidate for chairman-elect. She said she received a call informing her of the situation and flew back just to cast her vote for Kimble.   “I do feel there is intervention from the government’s office,” Leach said. “I’m really sorry to see us split like this.” Leach said Jindal’s administration realized she would be out of town and could fix the votes in its favor. Members in favor of George did not admit to being influenced by Jindal’s administration. Henry Barham of Shreveport, who voted for George, said it would be best to maintain a good relationship with Jindal because of the future of health care in New Orleans. “Both men are qualified and want what’s best for LSU,” Barham said. “With all political agendas aside, we have to work together and move forward.” Board member Hank Gowen of Shreveport voted for George and said he has not had a discussion with Jindal about the Board since he took office. “LSU needs support of our new governor,” he said. “For me, it comes down to what is best for LSU.” George said the disagreement is not necessarily a bad thing. “Ever since I’ve been on the Board, it’s been divided,” George said. “This is how the process is supposed to work, and that is why I threw my name in.”The Board swore in James Roy of Lafayette as the new chairman, succeeding Jerry Shea on Thursday. Roy was elected chairman-elect last year, which put him in line to automatically become chairman.—-Contact Leslie Presnall at [email protected]