Republican state Sen. Norma Anderson resigned today just a week before the Legislature convenes, bringing a sudden end to her 19-year career as a lawmaker.
Anderson blamed term limits and the increasing partisanship at the Legislature for her departure.
“It’s just time for me to quit. It’s too partisan now for me.
When I came in, there was a lot of respect for the process,” Anderson said.
Anderson, who would have to step down after this year because of term limits, said she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren in Texas.
During her 19-year career as a representative and a senator, Anderson sponsored legislation creating statewide tests for public education, a new school finance act to equalize funding across the state and a new law imposing lifetime parole and probation for sex offenders.
She also helped transform the old highway department into the Colorado Department of Transportation, broadening its focus.
As a member of the Legislative Audit Committee, Anderson often took state officials to task for problems but defended those who worked hard and solved problems.
Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Golden, said Anderson will be missed because of her bipartisan work on major issues.
“It won’t be the same Senate without her. Her experience can’t be matched. Term limits don’t allow for that kind of experience,” Fitz-Gerald said.
Anderson said a vacancy committee will meet to pick her successor before the Legislature convenes on Jan. 11.
Anderson, of Lakewood, was the last lawmaker still in office who was elected before term limits took effect in 1998.
