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APRIL 12, 2001

Defeated former Senator Slade Gorton, in the words of Ron Allen, Chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington, has finally found a place to land.

Preston, Gates & Ellis announced on Wednesday that Gorton, long considered as a foe to tribal sovereignty, has accepted an offer to join the Washington-based law and lobbying firm. He will assist clients at offices in Seattle and in Washington, DC, and is one of several former members of Congress who have joined the firm's ranks.

"This position gives me the opportunity to continue working on many of the issues I sponsored in the Senate with people whom I like and respect," said Gorton in a prepared statement.

Passed over for at least three jobs in the Bush administration, speculation on Gorton's future has been heavy in and out of Indian Country. He was suggested for Secretary of Interior, Attorney General, and Solicitor at the Department of Justice.

President George W. Bush ended up picking for Gale Norton, John Ashcroft, and Ted Olson for the positions. Olson is still awaiting Senate confirmation.

Despite the rebuttals, tribal leaders haven't rested easy knowing one of their former foes might end up in a position of authority. In February, 49 out of 50 Republican Senators sent a letter to Bush, urging him to consider Gorton for a federal judgeship on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

On either court, he'd preside over a number cases affecting tribes, including those to whom he lost a historic fishing rights case while Washington State Attorney General from 1969 to 1981.

Tribal leaders quickly sprung into action to head off a potential nomination, writing letters and lobbying the administration. From John Echohawk of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) to Ernie Stensgar, Chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho, the message was similar to the one which helped lead to his defeat last fall: Stop Gorton before he goes too far.

Stensgar was unavailable for comment yesterday but Bob Bostwick, spokesman for the tribe, welcomed the Gorton news. He said there was a "groundswell" of support for the movement against Gorton, and if anything, the former Senator has helped mobilize Indian Country.

"Gorton has done tribes a great service," said Bostwick. "He has elevated the interest nationwide in tribal issues and certainly has encouraged tribal leaders across the country that Americans don't want that kind of 'Indian Fighter' in a powerful position."

Aides to Gorton, however, say he hasn't given up hope for a judgeship. But tribal leaders point out that his age, divisive nature, and political history are enough reasons for anyone to oppose his nomination.

Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), considered a friend to tribes, has refused to endorse Gorton because of his views on sovereignty. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) supported Gorton and recently defended his action in an Indian Country Today interview.

In his new position, tribal leaders acknowledge he might still represent anti-Indian interests. Some of the firm's current clients include the fishing industry and Microsoft, fighting the Department of Justice's anti-trust lawsuit.

Past clients include Burlington Northern, a railroad company that has frequently challenged tribal authority.

In the last election cycle, Preston, Gates & Ellis gave to Republican and Democrat candidates almost equally. Gorton was given $1,000 by his new employer.

Get Campaign Finance Data:
Contributions from Preston, Gates at all PAC to Federal Candidates: 1999-2000 (Center for Responsible Politics)
Individual Contributions to Preston, Gates PAC: 1999-2000 (Center for Responsible Politics)

Only on Indianz.Com:
Where are They Now? "Squaw," Slade Gorton, Mi'kmaq (4/3)

Relevant Links:
Preston, Gates & Ellis - http://www.prestongates.com

Related Stories:
Campbell has role in other judgeships (3/02)
Action urged on Gorton judgeship (2/23)
Campbell's support of Gorton raises questions (2/16)
McCain opposes Gorton judgeship (2/15)