Colorado Senator Stepping Down

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, beset by health problems and an office scandal involving a longtime aide, announced Wednesday he will not seek a third term this fall.

"After a great deal of soul searching and reflection I have decided not to seek re-election," the Republican said in a statement. "I feel the time has come to pass that duty on to another and return to my ranch with my family that I love."

Campbell, 70, has faced questions about his health since last year, when he acknowledged undergoing treatments for prostate cancer. Last week, he was examined in a Washington hospital after experiencing mild chest pains that turned out to be heartburn.

"After spending another night in the hospital, I realize the deteriorating health may hamper my ability to serve," Campbell said. "Doctors have assured me that after treatment for prostate cancer, the recovery rate is 98 percent. But I believe Coloradans deserve a 100 percent guarantee of service."

The retirement gives Democrats an open seat to target in the coming fall campaign. Republicans hold a majority of 51-48 with one Democrat-leaning independent. The GOP hopes to pad its majority by winning some or all of a string of Southern seats where Democrats are retiring.

Campbell is the third Republican Senator to retire this year; five Democrats also have announced retirement plans.

Campbell, the only American Indian in the Senate, had spent weeks promising to mount a vigorous campaign. He had been considered a difficult incumbent to oust and Democrats have had trouble finding a big-name candidate to challenge him, but his announcement threw the Senate race wide open.

Former Sen. Gary Hart and Rep. Mark Udall had declined to run, leaving the party with wealthy think-tank founder Rutt Bridges, little-known attorneys Brad Freedberg and Larry Johnson, and educator Mike Miles.

Chris Gates, the state Democratic Party chairman, called it a "beautiful day" and said he expected Gov. Bill Owens to seek the Republican nomination.

Owens was not immediately available for comment. In a statement, he thanked Campbell for his years of service and called him a "Colorado legend."

State GOP chairman Ted Halaby declined to speculate about a Republican candidate.

"I'm sure it will take a few days for things to filter out," he said. "But we expect to field a very strong and credible candidate and it certainly will be our purpose to keep that seat in the Republican column."

Campbell's office was rocked last month when it was alleged that a longtime aide had been taking kickbacks. The senator reported the matter to the Senate ethics committee.

At issue are allegations from former staffer Brian Thompson. He claims chief of staff Ginnie Kontnik gave him bonuses with an understanding that he would return $2,000 to her so she could pay a lawyer handling her divorce.

Campbell said he knew Thompson was receiving bonuses, but if money was given back to Kontnik, it happened without his knowledge. "I did not know about it," he said. "Absolutely not."

"All of the paperwork has been turned over to the ethics committee," Campbell said. "I'll get a complete report and I'll make that public after."

Campbell was first elected to the Senate in 1992 as a Democrat, then switched parties three years later.

A Northern Cheyenne tribal chief, he cuts a distinctive figure in the Capitol, sporting a ponytail and ornate jewelry and eschewing neckties in favor of string ties.