Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter is expected to announce today that he has picked Barbara O’Brien of the Colorado Children’s Campaign to be his running mate, according to sources close to his campaign.
The early choice of a woman appears to be an attempt to balance the ticket for Ritter, the former Denver district attorney who is opposed by some traditional elements of his party because of his stance against abortion rights.
O’Brien is known for her support of such rights.
Ritter’s early pick also may indicate that despite speculation that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper may enter the Democratic primary, Ritter is committed for the long haul.
“It’s a bold move on Ritter’s part to pick someone so early. It’s also an out-of-the-box move to pick someone on the nonprofit and advocacy side and not the elected side,” said consultant Eric Sondermann, who once did work for the Children’s Campaign.
O’Brien could not be reached for comment. The Colorado Children’s Campaign is a bipartisan group that focuses on expanding access to quality health care, early childhood experiences and K-12 education.
O’Brien has been known to use her political savvy to affect legislation for children at the state level.
“I would pick her to be a lieutenant governor,” said Denver City Council President Rosemary Rodriguez, when told O’Brien was being selected. “She’s done more to shape equity in education in the state of Colorado than anyone else, including previous governors.”
O’Brien was also a member of former Gov. Roy Romer’s Cabinet.
Despite speculation that Ritter’s opposition to abortion rights could make him attractive to moderate Republicans in the 2006 statewide election, some Democrats have been actively trying to recruit Hickenlooper and others to run against him in the primary.
Last year, three prominent pro-choice women publicly came to his defense, but the debate still rages within the party.
While many Democrats say being a supporter of abortion rights is not a litmus test for a candidate, others believe it’s nonnegotiable for a gubernatorial candidate.
Currently, Ritter’s only challenger from within the party is freshman Rep. Gary Lindstrom, 63, a former coroner.
Some states elect lieutenant governors separately, but other states such as Colorado vote for both positions on one ticket.
The role of a lieutenant governor is to assume the full powers and responsibilities of the governor when he or she is absent or unable to perform the duties.
Staff writer Karen Crummy can be reached at 303-820-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com.
