DENVER (AP) — Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former senator and U.S Representative of Colorado known for his passionate advocacy of Native American issues, died Tuesday. He was 92.
Campbell died of natural causes surrounded by his family, his daughter Shanan Campbell confirmed to The Associated Press.
Campbell, a Democrat who stunned his party by joining the Republican Party, stood out in Congress as much for his unconventional attire—cowboy boots, ties, and a ponytail—as for his advocacy of children’s rights, organized labor, and fiscal conservatism.
A member Northern Cheyenne tribeCampbell said his ancestors were among more than 150 Native Americans, mostly women, children and old men, killed by U.S. soldiers while encamped under a grim flag on Nov. 29, 1864.
He served three terms in the House, beginning in 1987. He then served two terms in the Senate, from 1993 to 2005.
His accomplishments included helping to sponsor legislation to upgrade the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in southern Colorado to a national park.
“He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond Colorado,” Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper said on the X show. “I will never forget his acts of kindness. He will be greatly missed.”
Seen as a maverick
The motorcycle-riding and cattleman lawmaker was considered a maverick even before he abruptly defected to the Republican Party in March 1995, angry at Democrats for killing a balanced budget amendment in the Senate. His change outraged Democratic leaders and was seen as a coup for the GOP.
“I get hit from the extremes,” he said shortly afterward. “I’m always willing to listen… but I just don’t think you can be all things to all people, no matter what side you’re on.
Considered a shot for a third Senate term, Campbell stunned supporters when he dropped out of the race in 2004 after health concerns.
“I thought it was a heart attack. It wasn’t,” Campbell said. “But as I lay on the table in the hospital, looking at the faces of all those doctors, I decided, ‘Do I really have to do this for six more years after being away from home for so long?’ I have two children that I didn’t see grow up, frankly.’
He left to focus on Native American jewelry, which helped make him rich and was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
He also worked on a line of outdoor gear with California-based Kiva Designs and became a senior policy advisor at the powerful law firm Holland & Knight in Washington.
Campbell founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, which focused on federal policy, including Native American and natural resource issues. The former senator also took the Capitol Christmas tree across the country to Washington, DC several times.
“He was truly one of a kind, and my thoughts go out to his family after his loss,” said Colorado State Rep. Diana DeGette.
Campbell was born on April 13, 1933 in Auburn, California. He served in the Air Force in Korea from 1951 to 1953 and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957 from San Jose State University. He attended Meiji University in Tokyo from 1960 to 1964, captained the U.S. judo team4 at the 19th Pan Olympics6 and won a gold medal at the 19th Olympics.
Leave a Reply