Romanoff receives national award

Dem honored for House speaker role

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

This just in - House Speaker Andrew Romanoff is not running for governor (although he already announced that in January.)

And he's not getting engaged.

But rumors flew when the Denver Democrat, in his electronic newsletter, said he planned to make a "special announcement" Tuesday evening at the Washington Park Boathouse Pavilion.

"There's been a lot of guesses," said Romanoff, who followed up with a disclaimer, nixing rumors about governor and marriage.

It turns out that he is formally announcing his re-election bid, which isn't exactly news.

But talk about timing.

He makes his announcement on the same day he learned that he had won a national award for his role as House speaker.

The 39-year-old Romanoff is the youngest recipient of the William M. Bulger Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award.

The award is given by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

It goes to the "legislative leader who has worked to preserve and build public trust in the institution of the state legislature and whose career embodies the highest principles of leadership - integrity, compassion, vision and courage."

Romanoff was nominated by former Democratic Gov. Dick Lamm; House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder; and Rep. Mark Larson, R-Cortez.

"I can think of no one more deserving to receive this award," Larson said in a statement.

"Andrew has always been someone who puts the work of the people above politics, which is why I nominated him for this award.

"I want to congratulate him and his family."