Denver – Gov. Bill Owens named former Pueblo lawmaker Gigi Dennis as secretary of state today, replacing Donetta Davidson, who resigned to join a federal election panel.
Dennis, like Owens a Republican, has spent the past five years as Colorado director of rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She represented Pueblo in the state Senate.
“She brings valuable management experience as well as a proven record of public service to the citizens of Colorado,” Owens said.
He cited her good relationship with the Legislature and praised her understanding of both urban and rural areas.
Dennis will be sworn in on Sept. 26 and faces a confirmation vote in the Senate when the Legislature convenes in January.
She said it was too early to decide whether she will seek a full term in the 2006 election.
“I have to take this one day at a time,” she said.
She said her top priority would be ensuring fraud-free elections.
“I’m awe-struck and just truly excited about this appointment,” she said.
Dennis and her husband, Dean, now live in the south Denver suburb of Littleton.
Davidson, a Republican, was appointed to the federal Election Assistance Commission, which sets guidelines and standards for states trying to implement the federal Help America Vote Act.
Davidson, who is term-limited, was first appointed to the job by Owens in 1999 after the death of her predecessor, Vikki Buckley.
She won elections in 2000 and 2002.
