Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper endorsed Bill Ritter for governor today, bringing with him a wide cross-section of supporters including some moderate Republicans.
The endorsement was not a surprise to many, as both Hickenlooper and Ritter are Democrats. Also, Ritter is the former Denver District Attorney.
Ritter hugged Hickenlooper and thanked him.
“It’s great to run a positive campaign and not have to jump out of an airplane,” said Ritter, referring to Hickenlooper’s pro-Referendum C ad last year.
“I intend to borrow some pages out of his playbook,” said Ritter, referring to Hickenlooper’s efforts to work with business leaders and forge consensus with regional leaders.
Hickenlooper, an immensely popular first-term mayor, considered a run for governor earlier this year, bowing out in February well after Ritter had already declared his candidacy.
Asked Tuesday why he waited so long to endorse Ritter, he said, “I try not to rush quickly and make knee-jerk decisions based on parties or personal friendships.”
Hickenlooper said he tried to contact Beauprez before making the announcement, but couldn’t reach him.
“You’re not going to ever hear me say bad things about Bob Beauprez.”
