The decision by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) to end his political career has Native leaders seeking another champion to replace him.

"It's the end of an era," activist Suzan Shown Harjo told The Lincoln Journal Star. She said Campbell's 22 years in the House and Senate were a golden age for Native rights. National Congress of American Indians president Tex Hall said Campbell "was our No. 1 voice in the Republican Party."

Campbell helped pass repatriation legislation and sought to ensure federal agencies respected Native religions. He helped create the National Museum of the American Indian and beefed up laws protecting Native artisans.

Get the Story:
Natives saddened by Campbell's retiring (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/5)

Relevant Documents:
Campbell Statement | Sen. Daniel Inouye Statement | White House Statement | Sen. Wayne Allard | Reaction to Campbell's Decision

Relevant Links:
Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell - http://campbell.senate.gov

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