BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL

An effective rags-to-riches biography of a chief's descendant who became a Democratic senator from Colorado after distinguishing himself as a judo teacher, deputy sheriff, and artisan. Treating his subject sympathetically and respectfully, Henry shows how Nighthorse Campbell adapted to the mainstream while maintaining at least some elements of his tribal heritage. The senator's boldness in speaking his mind rather than hiding behind safe sound bites has won him both political victories and enemies; Henry details how his conservative stands on land use and liberal positions on abortion rights placed him outside the power circles of both political parties while in the US House of Representatives, and how his support for mining and ranching have angered environmentalists. Dramatic and well written. Chronology; bibliography; index. No source notes. (Biography. 12+)