Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) said he was "relieved" not to be seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate this year.

In an interview with The Denver Post, Campbell said that stress has been affecting his health and job performance. "I should be healthy. I work out at the gym. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I take about 30 vitamins a day," he told the paper. "Stress will kill you."

Campbell, 70, also said he was influenced to retire because of his family, including his 3-year-old granddaughter. "I didn't get to see my kids grow up because of 22 years in politics," he said. "It's time to get a life again."

Campbell, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, is the only American Indian in the Senate. He is currently serving as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Get the Story:
'Time to walk away ... get a life again' (The Denver Post 3/4)
Health issue, stress faded campaign enthusiasm (The Denver Post 3/4)
Campbell calls an end to 12-year Senate ride (The Denver Post 3/4)
Campbell a political paradox (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 3/4)
Campbell calls it quits (The Durango Herald 3/4)
U.S. Senator a 'leader,' jewelry artist, Harley rider (The Durango Herald 3/4)
Colorado GOP Senator Won't Run Again (The Washington Post 3/4)
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G.O.P. Senator Campbell of Colorado Will Retire (The New York Times 3/4)
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Relevant Documents:
Campbell Statement | White House Statement | Reaction to Campbell's Decision | Sen. Wayne Allard

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

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