A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT PARTY

Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell bolted the Democratic Party for the Republican corral today, proclaiming sharp differences with his former party over the defeated balanced budget amendment. It was good news to Republicans, for a change, the day after their amendment was defeated in a close vote. They used the announcement by Campbell -- a 61-year-old who sports a ponytail and rides a motorcycle -- to celebrate GOP diversity. Senate Majority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.) pointed out that his great-grandmother was a Chickasaw Indian. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) wore a beaded Navajo tie. Democrats suggested Campbell should quit the Senate and submit himself to a special election to find out how voters feel about his switch. TIME congressional correspondent Karen Tumulty said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle's staff was surprised by Campbell's decision, but "they insist there are no other potential switchers out there."