This day in history, on January 23rd, 1907, Charles Curtis of Kansas became the first person of Native American ancestry to serve in the U.S Senate. His long popularity and connections in Kansas and national politics helped make Curtis a strong leader; he marshaled support to be elected as Senate Minority Whip from 1915 to 1925 and then as Senate Majority Leader from 1925 to 1929. In these positions, he was instrumental in managing legislation and accomplishing Republican national goals. He later served as vice president under President Herbert Hoover from 1929-33.
