Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton attracted a lot of attention in the Virginia state capitol on Tuesday as he testified in favor of recognition for his tribe.

The state recognizes several tribes but the Patawomeck Indians aren't one of them. Newton, who was born in Virginia and learned about his Indian roots from his parents and grandparents, said he wanted to preserve his tribe's heritage.

"If I had anything in the world to leave my daughter, it would be that," the 67-year-old Newton said, according to news reports. "That's why I'm here."

Six other Virginia tribes have a federal recognition bill pending in Congress.

Get the Story:
Wayne Newton advocates for Virginia state recognition of Patawomeck Indian tribe (The Washington Post 2/3)
Newton returns to back his tribe (The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star 2/3)
Wayne Newton asks for Indian tribal recognition (The Virginian-Pilot 2/3)
Newton asks for Indian tribal recognition (AP 2/3)
Mr. Las Vegas Performs for Virginia Lawmakers (NBC Washington 2/3)
Wayne Newton urges recognition of Va. tribe (The Richmond Times-Dispatch 2/2)

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Wayne Newton to testify on state recognition measure (2/2)