Retiring Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Photo © Indianz.Com A DAY AT THE RACES South Dakota Heated Senate race targets Native voters. California Governor makes issue of tribal gaming. Again. Oklahoma Cherokee tribal member eyes open Senate seat. Alaska Two strong candidates bank on Native vote. Washington Washington tribes battle gaming measure. Nebraska Nebraska tribes could finally get Class III gaming. Montana Cyanide mining initiative irks tribes. Colorado Retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell prompts battle.

Indian Country is minding the Senate race here because Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R) is retiring after more than two decades of public service. Campbell, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, will be stepping down in January.

Democrat attorney general Ken Salazar, fond of cowboy hats like the departing senator, is in a tight race with Pete Coors of the Coors beer company. The state only has two recognized tribes, who make up less than 1 percent of the population, so Native voters don't carry much weight here.

But the race is one of those that will help determine which party controls the Senate. The Democrats think the state is their best chance at picking up one seat in the deeply-divided chamber.