An age-bias suit against retiring Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) can proceed, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday.

Rita Bastien sued Campbell in 2001 after losing her job in one of his Colorado offices. She said she was fired due to her age. She was 62 at the time.

Campbell, who is being represented by the Senate's chief counsel for employment, argued he was immune from suit under the "speech and debate clause" in the U.S. Constitution. But the court said that lawmakers must follow the same laws as everyone else under the Congressional Accountability Act.

After more than 20 years in public service, Campbell retired this year.

Get the Story:
Court OKs ex-Campbell aide's age-bias suit (The Denver Post 12/12)

Get the Decision:
Bastien v. Campbell (December 10, 2004)

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