BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell said Tuesday he would not try to win the Republican nomination for governor of Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain News reported Wednesday that Campbell said he is enjoying his lucrative private life too much to join the race.
"Very frankly, a governor's seat in this state is a very unappealing job," Campbell said. "It's long hours, low pay, high stress, there's no advancement and you're under constant attack."
The governor of Colorado is paid $90,000 a year.
"I seriously thought about it, but I kind of lost interest along the line," said Campbell, a Democrat-turned-Republican. "I ran a lot of races in Colorado and never lost one. I was more afraid of winning than losing."
Since leaving office, Campbell, the only Native-American U.S. senator, has represented the lobbying firm Holland & Knight in its dealings with American Indian tribes. He also has endorsed a line of outdoor equipment, makes paid appearances as a motivational speaker and has described his total annual compensation as a "seven-figure" package.
