Wayne Newton asks for Indian tribal recognition

RICHMOND

The elevator doors opened and the sixth floor of the General Assembly building was set aflutter Tuesday afternoon when Mr. Las Vegas himself stepped through them.

Wayne Newton was greeted by a mass of cell phone cameras. Staffers who looked too young to be fans still jumped in line for a kiss and an autograph.

Even a few legislators seemed star-struck - House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, introduced himself, then posed for a picture with Newton.

The "Danke Schoen" singer and Vegas icon was in town to testify in support of legislation that would extend state recognition to Newton's tribe, the Patawomeck Indians.

Newton wore a shiny light blue tie and matching pocket square along with his trademark jet black, slicked-back hairstyle. He told members of the House Rules Committee the story of how, when he was a child growing up in Norfolk with asthma, he would spend afternoons inside with his grandfather.

Newton, 67, said he learned to be proud of his heritage. He passed around a picture of his grandfather in full headdress and a peace medal he said was given to members of his family from George Washington.

State recognition would help the Patawomeck, or Potomac, Indians protect their burial grounds and sacred sites, said Chief Robert "Two Eagles" Green, who is Newton's cousin.

Newton said the Patawomeck have "so very much work to do here" in terms of protecting and promoting their heritage.

"If I had anything in the world to leave my daughter, it would be that," he said. "That's why I'm here."

The committee voted unanimously to approve recognition. The state currently recognizes eight tribes.

Earlier in the afternoon, Gov. Bob McDonnell met with Newton at the governor's ceremonial office in the State Capitol, an aide confirmed.

During a roughly 30-minute session, the two spoke about their shared passion for Virginia history, which was one of the reasons the meeting was held inside the historic building.

They also spoke about something else they have in common: Both men were raised by military fathers.

McDonnell's father served in the Air Force; Newton's father was in the Navy.

Newton was born in Norfolk and later lived in both the Fredericksburg area and Roanoke as a child before moving to Arizona. He also owned a home in Elizabeth City, N.C., although he never lived there.

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Pilot writer Julian Walker contributed to this story.

Alicia Wittmeyer, (804) 697-1561, alicia.wittmeyer@pilotonline.com