News leaking out of Colorado has Governor Bill Ritter tapping the superindendent of Denver’s Public School system, Michael Bennet, to replace Ken Salazar in the Senate. Mr. Bennet was the former chief of staff to Denver mayor John Hickenlooper. Bennet was seriously considered by the Obama Transition Team for the position of Education Secretary. My limited sources from Colorado are expressing surprise at these rumors but they aren’t objecting on ideological grounds. I don’t think the progressive movement knows enough about Bennet to have strong opinions one way or the other. If there is an early concern it is limited to Bennet’s ability to win election to a full-term in 2010.
The announcement is supposed to take place tomorrow, which will be somewhat risky considering that Salazar has not yet been confirmed as Secretary of Interior. I don’t expect Salazar will have any problems, but you never know. I think Ritter will be most concerned with avoiding the kind of drama we’re seeing in Illinois and New York.
