Labor and women’s groups are pressing Democratic state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald to vie for governor in 2006.
“If Joan ran, it would energize labor and we would bust our humps to get her elected,” said Colorado AFL-CIO president Steve Adams.
“There are women all across the state who are strongly urging her to run because she’d do a terrific job,” said Gail Schoettler, the Democrat who narrowly lost the governorship to Bill Owens in 1998.
Fitz-Gerald – the first female Senate president in Colorado history – demurred recently when asked if she wants to govern the state. For now, the Jefferson County resident said she is focusing on running the Senate.
“People are encouraging me. But I’m much too busy right now to think about it. I’ll make a decision after the session ends,” she said.
Colorado’s General Assembly adjourns May 11.
Labor groups’ money and activism are credited largely for the Democratic takeover of both legislative chambers in 2004. Union brass are looking for a gubernatorial candidate to back next year.
Mitch Ackerman, president of Colorado’s 5,000-member Local 105 of the Service Employees International Union, lauded Fitz-Gerald’s record for “working people” in the state. Specifically, he cited her work this year on a bill to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
“Our members appreciate her efforts and know she’d keep working on their behalf as governor,” he said.
Mark Schwane, executive director of the 2,000-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, credits Fitz-Gerald for championing higher wages and better health care for state workers.
“There’s been a lot of talk about her candidacy. Our members would support her if she made the decision to run,” he said.
Unions are planning a poll to weigh Fitz-Gerald’s popularity statewide.
Miffed that Democratic leaders didn’t seriously consider any female candidates for the 2004 U.S. Senate race, women’s groups are seeking a female contender for governor.
In case of a Democratic primary, many have pledged to work against former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, a Catholic who opposes abortion rights.
Cherry Hills Village entrepreneur Rutt Bridges, a politically moderate Democrat, also is considering a run for state government’s highest elected office.
Schoettler says a network of Coloradans dedicated to electing women to top political seats will be eager to cut checks should Fitz-Gerald enter the race.
“A lot of us have a lot of energy that we’re willing to put into electing Sen. Fitz-Gerald,” said Meg Froelich, a board member of NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado.
In Washington, the well-heeled EMILY’s List – a national group that funds female candidates who champion abortion rights – also is eyeing a possible Fitz-Gerald candidacy.
“We’re watching the Colorado race with a great deal of enthusiasm,” said spokeswoman Ramona Oliver. “If Joan, a pro-choice Democrat, decides to get in, we’ll seriously consider getting involved.”
Staff writer Susan Greene can be reached at 303-820-1589 or sgreene@denverpost.com.
