The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

p> NIGHTHORSE READY TO RIDE OFF br> Rumors are swirling on Capitol Hill that Republican Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell is mulling retirement and may make a decision on that score in the next few months. "We've heard he might exit before the November elections, but that he hasn't set anything in stone," says a Republican staffer on the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which Campbell serves. /p>

Campbell, you'll recall, entered the Senate in 1992 as a Democrat, then changed over when Republicans won the Senate majority in 1994. In 1998, there were rumors back home in Colorado that Campbell might be considering retirement because he failed to announce early on that he would seek re-election. Known as a free spirit, Campbell won his re-election bid then disappeared for several days on a long motorcycle trip, blowing off press queries about his re-election. He says to anyone who listens that he hates Washington and the culture of Capitol Hill.

But Campbell staffers discount the rumors of retirement, instead saying that Campbell has told the Senate Republican leadership that he is interested in giving up his seat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "He's very busy with Appropriations and Energy. He wants off one committee, that's all," says a personal staffer to the Senator.

Another reason Campbell would avoid retirement: Rep. Scott McInnis, a conservative Republican from Campbell's old 3rd Congressional District. In 1998 McInnis considered running for the Senate seat that might have opened had Campbell retired, and he has made no bones about how he'd love to serve in the Senate.

His hard-line conservative views and perceived anti-environmental positions are anathema to the moderate Campbell, who is said by staff to be concerned that Colorado Gov. Bill Owens might appoint McInnis to the Senate if a seat opened up. "He'd hate to see McInnis get that seat because of something he did, like retire," says the Campbell staffer.

p> LITTLE RACICOT br> Someone apparently seriously mulling early retirement is Republican National Committee Chairman Marc Racicot , who RNC staffers say is fed up with a controlling White House that has made political missteps he advised against. "He wasn't part of the recruitment of

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