Sources: Salazar to become Obama's interior secretary
By M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 15, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.
Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is introduced by Governor Bill Ritter and Sen. Ken Salazar Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo Sept. 15, 2008.
Photo by Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Sen. Ken Salazar embrace the crowd in Pueblo.
Photo by Karin Cooper / Associated Press
Sen. Ken Salazar
WASHINGTON — Sen. Ken Salazar is expected to become Interior Secretary in President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet, with a formal announcement to come within days, sources told the Rocky Mountain News on Monday.
Salazar has long been considered a leading candidate for Interior Secretary, based in part on his past work leading the state Department of Natural Resources.
On Monday, three Democratic sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said Salazar had been offered the job, and the announcement was expected within 48 hours.
"It's a done deal," said one source, although others said it was a difficult decision for Salazar, four years into his first term as U.S. senator.
"He's a very thoughtful guy, and this is a big decision," one source said. "It's a great opportunity, but so is being in the Senate."
At a televised news conference earlier in the day, Obama had to explain why he left out an announcement of the Interior Secretary position while he was unveiling the rest of the team that will oversee energy and environment issues.
The Interior Secretary oversees vast tracts of public lands, including environmentally sensitive areas where President Bush's Interior Department tried to vastly expand oil drilling and minerals extraction.
"In the 21st century, we know that the future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked to one challenge: energy," Obama said. "So today I'm pleased to introduce the majority of the team that will lead our efforts on energy and the environment. I say the majority because we are going to be doing separate announcements for the Secretary of the Interior, who is going to have a lot to do on energy policy."
The Reuters news agency first touched off the new round of speculation with a report calling Salazar "the leading contender." Already, political observers in Colorado were speculating about the political ramifications, since Gov. Bill Ritter would have to pick a replacement to fill out the remaining two years of Salazar's term.
"I have very mixed emotions," Ritter said in a written statement. "Ken Salazar has been an extremely effective United States Senator for Colorado these past four years, particularly as a moderate centrist. But if a nomination to join the Obama administration comes to pass, Sen. Salazar would make an equally outstanding Interior secretary for the country, for the West and for Colorado.
"He has a long and accomplished record on these issues, from his days in the Romer administration to his time as Colorado's attorney general and as a U.S. Senator. For now, though, we shall wait and see what, if anything, transpires."
Brent Wilkes, national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, said that Salazar would be a great choice. But he also raised concerns about the future of the U.S. Senate seat.
"One caveat with Ken Salazar is a concern about his senate seat," Wilkes said. "We only have three Latino Senators. We'd like to hold on to those seats. And that's a seat that could go Republican easily if you don't have the right candidate."
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December 15, 2008
4:51 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
Likely replacements include his conservative brother John, moderate Andrew Romanoff, or liberal Dianna De Gette. My preferences in order are DeGette, Romanoff, Salazar. At the moment only Romanoff is unemployed.
December 15, 2008
4:57 p.m.
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barneyrubble writes:
FRN4U writes "...or worse"
You mean like a Wayne Allard?
December 15, 2008
4:57 p.m.
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rpr9999 writes:
I vote to put the vacant senate seat up on ebay.
December 15, 2008
4:59 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
crtf has made one of the weirdest comments I have seen yet. He did ask: "How do our ex-attorney generals end up as interior secretary?"
from Wikipedia" in 1990, Romer appointed him to his Cabinet as Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. In this position, he authored the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment, which created a massive land conservation program of which he became chairman. Salazar also created the Youth in Natural Resources program to provide for environmental education in public schools. In his cabinet role, he established reforms that forced mining and oil operations to better protect the surrounding environment."
December 15, 2008
5 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Bottom line, is this good for our environment and does Salazar have a good legislative track record on conservation issues? I really don't know, but look forward to intelligently versed opinions. Also, I too wonder how an AG qualifies to oversee complex physical environment issues. A past history of directing large departments and legislative understanding is certainly important, but this is a huge, huge post. Although admittedly anyone even slightly sympathetic to the environment will be an improvement over Gail Norton.
December 15, 2008
5:03 p.m.
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VeryOpinionated writes:
I was just offered the position (Ken Salazar's Senate seat), but I couldn't come up with $500,000.
December 15, 2008
5:13 p.m.
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FCZ writes:
Ebay ?
December 15, 2008
5:20 p.m.
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gary writes:
If only I had enough money to pay the gov so I could obtain his senator seat.
Please send donations so I may apply.
December 15, 2008
5:27 p.m.
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chickenlittle1234 writes:
VeryOpinionated and gary - Y'all really need to finish writing the joke, because I think you might have something. I was thinking along the lines of "A governor walks into a bar with a senate seat under his arm. He sets the seat up on the bar and...." Take it from there!
December 15, 2008
5:49 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
This appointment will not go down well in the Indian community. Salazar bragged a couple weeks ago his family was involved with the founding of Santa Fe in 1608. That means he’s associating himself with the genocidal Juan Martinez de Montoya and Hernando Cortez. The Interior secretary is the dictator of the reservations. And Salazar has shown he’s Mussolini in a cowboy hat, closing 77,000 acres of natural gas development. Indians want to drill on their lands. Interior says, yeh or neh. Turning them down, as we expect from an ecomentalist, would be seen as more genocide. It never ends. And it would have that effect, fewer Indians going to college, fewer Chevy Silverados. Indian culture is conservative. Salazar’s liberal pal, Phil Doe is attempting to acquire Ute water rights in court. These rights would be used in the production of oil shale. Liberals care about urban minorities, not Indians.
December 15, 2008
5:56 p.m.
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badbob writes:
Talk about failing upward!
December 15, 2008
6:16 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
badbob,
You've given the best short phrase definition of the Peter Principle ever.
FRN4U
We've had little opportunity to really participate in the American economy until Reagan allowed us casinos. Now, and I doubt anyone would doubt this, the very best artistic production in the world is coming out of the reservations. Ben Nighthorse gets it.
I'm concerned a man related to de Montoya would be very destructive to us.
December 15, 2008
7:11 p.m.
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Oklahoma22 writes:
Folks, the smart money is on Bernie Beuscher from Grand Junction. He and Ritter are buddies. You read it here first.
December 15, 2008
7:31 p.m.
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The_Punnisher writes:
Hopi MM:
I called Salazar a NEW CONQUISTADOR via e-mail at his site because he SUPPORTED the giveaway called AMNESTY last year.
I expect no better from this man who has the blood of BARBARIANS in his veins..
Just ask any of the indigenous tribes about that...if you can find any surviving members...
December 15, 2008
7:34 p.m.
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gr8fun4me writes:
Ken Salazar has my vote. He and his staff have always responded well to suggestions. I'm very pleased with this selection.
December 15, 2008
9:04 p.m.
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me2 writes:
You guys sound like Iraqis going back generations for blood feuds.
HopiMedicineMan could you be specific, what 77,000 acres and where?
Thanks in advance.
December 15, 2008
10:24 p.m.
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jaybyrd writes:
Whichever lib Ritter picks to fill out Salazar's term, they will be history in 2010. Pick your poison, Dems. Salazar is certainly happy to get out prior to the 2010 midterms, where the out-of-power party typically picks up seats. Mad scramble by the GOP to run against Ritter's SuperLib loser in 2010.
December 15, 2008
10:30 p.m.
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tibercio writes:
Salazar would have been hard-pressed to gain re-election, after voting for the Military Commissions Act -- and as a former attorney general at that!
I hope he's not too milquetoasty at Interior.
Fitz-Gerald to replace his Senate seat?
December 15, 2008
11:56 p.m.
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jrhino writes:
Richard Lamm would be a great choice for the Senate seat. (had to use the name richard the Rocky would not let me use his real name. maybe that is why they are headed for never never land.)
December 16, 2008
3:05 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Lets talk about Mr. Obama's chief of staff offering up four candidates to fill the vacant seat left by Mr. Obama can we? Is the RMN going to gloss over the truth and live in denial? From Al Capone to Richard Daily, when it comes to political earmarks in Chicago, those are the actual scars left when they slice of your ear. I like Mr. Obama, but I expect the truth when it comes to reporting. Mr. Obama's chief of staff offered up four candidates that were suitable to Mr. Obama. It's 3 am, get some coffee and get on the job Rocky, I like you, but you have to keep up, especially online, there's no excuse! Ken Salazar? I liked Pete Coors verses Salazar. but ken beat him fair and square. It's good to see a Coloradoan move up to a cabinet level position either way. As an independent, I always felt the news shouldn't take sides.
December 16, 2008
5:27 a.m.
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ham writes:
So I guess I can stop emailing Salazar begging him not to vote along with the Reid/Frank/Dodd Dogma, which he always did anyway. These Democrats in Congress seem to have a penchant for voting against what a majority of the public believes.
December 16, 2008
6 a.m.
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SanctuaryCity writes:
Things keep on getting worse. Amnesty Ken is a loser in this sanctuary state.
December 16, 2008
6:37 a.m.
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danirobi writes:
This is just an awful choice. Sen. Salazar hasn't done anything for the State and he claimed to be a Conservative Democrat? HA, yeah right. Sen. Salazar as Interior Secretary is bad. He will not do anything to enhance energy development in this country, ie. Roan Plateau, etc. He will probably use ESA in ways that it is not intended to be used and if I remember correctly, he claimed he didn't know who Gov. Palin was even though he currently sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
I'd much rather have my former boss and current Secretary of the Interior stay than have Salazar there.
December 16, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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sunshinestate writes:
Finally- key conservative outdoor constituency and conservation vote,after used and abused by GOP partisan politics by design since Watt/1980 emerges as no longer "Babes In The Woods" and this is but one unfolding result.
This choice better prove effective for the resource......many are fed up with the interior west choices of the past- and DOI affects the entire nation.
Screw this one up and we will look to the "crowded" Northeast for a candidate.
Review the Field & Stream McCain/Obama interview issue for insights.
December 16, 2008
8:14 a.m.
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Iron writes:
Seems BO is appointing people to his cabinet that have the same qualifications and work history as himself...None.
December 16, 2008
8:44 a.m.
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bronco writes:
Good for Salazar, he's a good man, but who cares if he's Latino. Fill his seat with the best qualified, I'm sick of this affirmative action garbage. If no Latinos step up its not everybody else's fault. Such a whinny constituency, they act like their oppressed or something.
December 16, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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Oh_Wise_One writes:
Latino? I thought he was Hispanic or was it Mexican hyphen American. Someday, we will judge people by their deeds and content of character rather than their heritage.
December 16, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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Willy writes:
Oh_Wise_One writes:
Someday, we will judge people by their deeds and content of character rather than their heritage
I for one am looking forward to that day - when we can applaud good character and despise bad character regardless of heritage/race.
I had hoped Salazar would go to DC and show his independence, but it seems he has become nothing more than a lackey/mouthpiece for the Reid/Pelosi gang.
December 16, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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Diff writes:
Seems these posts and other like them are fast become the new cesspool of misinformation (Like Talk radio) ...
Personally I am please to have a Coloradoan, someone from the West in this post and in a cabinet position in general. I think Ken was OK as Senator... but hopefully we can find someone who is at least as good - and can hold the seat for the Dems, I think Hick might be the one - certainly over DeGette!
One disadvantage tho is we will then have 2 "Freshmen" Senators in our Congressional delegation.
December 16, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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JamesTaylorSucks writes:
I want this Senate Seat. I'm just as qualified as Caroline Kennedy except that my dad wasn't President and I'm not rich.
December 16, 2008
10:14 a.m.
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Spencer writes:
I'm glad he is not one of those from the "End of Days" crowd. James Watt and his disciples. That was a great attitude, go ahead and use up the land cuz' Jebus is coming anyway
December 16, 2008
10:15 a.m.
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danirobi writes:
Hey Diff- Salazar isn't the first Coloradoan to hold this post, nor is he the first hispanic....
December 16, 2008
10:15 a.m.
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chickenlittle1234 writes:
NoDoubt - I typically disagree with your posts, but I think you have a point about many Coloradoan liberal opinions regarding Salazar (and Ritter, for that matter). I like him because he's moderate. I don't universally agree with his votes, but in my 30 years as a voter, I've yet to agree with anyone I voted for 100% of the time. I'm sorry to see he'll no longer represent Colorado in the Senate, but happy to see him at Interior.
December 16, 2008
10:44 a.m.
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roger44 writes:
I think Ritter should call for a special election so the voters make the decision, would keep rumors out of the papers about Ritter selling the seat for sure, I trust him about as far as I could throw the building he lives in.
December 16, 2008
10:58 a.m.
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SFCPAUL writes:
Well, I see the Peter Principle is alive and well. Just move Salazar to a higher level of incompetence. My family has collected $27.63 (not counting the aluminum cans in the garage) to buy his seat. We are truly doomed.
At least I have a full pantry, fuel and ammo to keep me going for a few months. HAH!
December 16, 2008
11:01 a.m.
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windbourne writes:
An interesting person to fill the seat would be Rutt Bridges. Moderate Democrat, and unlike Salazar, I think that he would things for the state.
December 16, 2008
11:08 a.m.
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opinionatedcolo writes:
Funny how all the rabid righties on here, having been clobbered just a month ago in the senate race, the presidential vote and losing the very conservative 4th district still believe that they are certain to win Salazar's seat in a special election. Hope springs eternal in the far right, contrary to all facts and evidence.
Those who claim Salazar is some kind of Pelosi clone of course would hate any democrat and therefore have no credibility on this subject. He broke with the party on the energy bill, voted for the bankruptcy bill that was essentially written by the credit card companies, and joined with Republicans to stop filibusters on Bush's right wing judicial nominees. Most real liberals I know call him a DINO "democrat in name only". Which I guess means he is pretty much in the middle.
December 16, 2008
11:11 a.m.
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johnson writes:
Diff wrote "One disadvantage tho is we will then have 2 "Freshmen" Senators in our Congressional delegation." Could be worse, we could have a Freshman senator elected to POTUS. Oh, wait, never mind.
December 16, 2008
11:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
danirobi writes:
Broke with the party on the energy bill? He is opposed to our country becoming energy independent! He is against mining for oil shale in Colorado (which would open up the job market). This is an awful choice.
BTW, I didn't lose an election, John McCain did.
December 16, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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shesgotthejack writes:
who cares. . .
December 16, 2008
11:58 a.m.
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law1 writes:
Career wise, why would he take this? Sec. of Interior just doesn't seem to be a step up from a decent committee placement in the Senate.
December 16, 2008
12:23 p.m.
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sunshinestate writes:
Another way to look at it: A person from Colorado was named because Colorado has come under adverse 'energy development' impacts (let alone the normal 'development' impact...a double whammy- glad I'm in the Southeast).The sad news is: the interior west is busted, realities not grasped by many interior west residents or prospective newcommers.
Obama was propelled in to office in part by 'conservatives' and the "hook & bullet' interests in the interior west are reeling from impacts and political abuse.....as in: cancel the NRA membership and join the Elk Foundation and Colorado Wildlife Federation.And respond to the Obama outreach and vote for him.
This is what Obama promised during the campaign...although 'news' to some. (And certainly not covered by "The Rocky")
December 16, 2008
12:27 p.m.
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Willy writes:
opinionated - If Salazar is so independent within the democratic party, why is he continually chosen to give the democratic response to republican press conferences?
December 16, 2008
12:34 p.m.
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opinionatedcolo writes:
Willy
Because the party had a "western strategy" and a "centrist" strategy" both of which worked like a dream and won them the White House and both chambers of congress. The Democrats deliberately presented those who were percieved as moderates to fight the perception that "liberals" are horrible people.
Once again, I know that nodoubt, danrobi and all the other foaming at the mouth righties who populate this board believe they and they alone are correct, but the election results seem to be the other way. Not that the will of the people matters to them.
December 16, 2008
12:47 p.m.
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goodguy writes:
It's a good pick for Obama and Salazar will do a good job. Bad news for Ritter as he was depending on Salazar to run with him in 2010. With his current low approval rating and high disapproval rating, Ritter is struggling and now has to pick someone who will be a strong candidate who can help him through his next election.
December 16, 2008
12:50 p.m.
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anderson writes:
There was a time, not so many years ago, certainly in my lifetime, when the selection of a favorite son to an important cabinet position would be widely celebrated by most in the son's territory. Today, in our talk radio world, there are many whose political conversations consist of not much more than looking for an opportunity to sh__, like a dog, on someone's, anyone's good fortune or any good institution.
December 16, 2008
12:53 p.m.
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anderson writes:
law1, I dont' know, but I would think the Secretary position will open many opportunities in the future for Salazar, whether in Washington, or in the private sector. He is still a very junior Senator, and the Senate is one of those institutions where you have to generally wait a long time to get a plum position (not that being a junior Senator is a bad job).
December 16, 2008
12:58 p.m.
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Willy writes:
Opinionated - I had hoped Salazar would remain in Colorado and run for governor. I think he would have been much better than the guy who currently holds that office. However I cannot agree with you that he has not become a lap dog for the democratic leadership since he has gone to DC.
December 16, 2008
12:58 p.m.
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bronco writes:
I hope he kicks out all the oil and NG companies out of this state for exploiting and ravaging the west for the last 50 years. Energy independence is NOT going to come from drilling in our backyards, mtns and deserts. And there is no such thing as clean coal either so all you righty, drill baby drill scumbags who want to drill here should move to Texas or Venezuela, good riddance to you.