Search on for secretary of state

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Gov. Bill Ritter is poised to appoint a new secretary of state - no doubt a fellow Democrat.

Republican Secretary of State Mike Coffman won the 6th Congressional District primary. Because the district is heavily Republican, Coffman is expected to win the seat in November.

Among the names often mentioned as possible appointees to the $68,500-a-year-post are House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon. Both Democrats are term-limited.

Some believe Ritter will bypass the two, however, because they are from Denver. Ritter, Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien, and State Treasurer Cary Kennedy all live in Denver.

Former Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, who lost her 2nd Congressional District bid, also is expected to be in the mix. She served as Jefferson County's first female clerk and recorder.

Evan Dreyer, the governor's spokesman, said Ritter would give the appointment "careful consideration" if Coffman wins in November.

"There's no hurry, so he'll take some time and make a thoughtful decision," Dreyer said.

Governors traditionally appoint someone from their own party to fill vacancies. GOP Gov. Bill Owens appointed Republicans to every statewide office vacancy.

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