Gov.-elect Bill Ritter received a warm reception from Republicans and Democrats alike Thursday as he swept through the Capitol in a series of quick meetings with lawmakers and Gov. Bill Owens.
House and Senate Democrats – with majorities that were bolstered by Ritter’s statewide campaigning efforts – jumped to their feet and cheered wildly when he came into the room.
Perhaps, more surprisingly, House Republicans gave a standing ovation to the man who drubbed their party’s candidate, Congressman Bob Beauprez.
Senate Republicans stood but applauded only after Ritter teased that he received a warmer reception from the House.
“I just really believe that there is so much common ground where people want to work on issues and where people care about how we move forward as a state,” Ritter told Senate Republicans. “And I think we’re going to have an opportunity to do that.”
With the House Democrats, Ritter reveled in the partisan victory, but he also asked for help in passing his agenda – affordable health care, improved education and a commitment to renewable energy.
Ritter stumped around the state for himself, but he often campaigned with candidates in embattled races. With his help, Democrats expanded their lead in the House and the Senate.
Democrats appear to have increased their majority in the House to a 39-26 edge, up from 35-30. Ballots in one race are being counted. In the Senate, Democrats will have a 20-15 advantage, up from 18-17.
“I have said we should never do it for the sake of winning a majority or winning the election,” Ritter said. “It really is about how we govern and at the end of the day we should all be about making a difference in people’s lives.”
Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, said Republicans will have a “diminished role,” but he appreciated Ritter’s “sincere” pledge to work with legislators of all stripes.
“If he continues to steer that middle course, we’ll be able to work with him,” Johnson said.
Ritter met privately with Owens on Thursday morning to talk about the details of handing over control of state government on Jan. 9.
“He offered to be as helpful as possible to make the transition smooth,” Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer said.
On Wednesday, Ritter held a half-hour meeting with top Democratic statehouse leaders: Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Jefferson County; Sen. Peter Groff, D-Denver; House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver; and House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder.
Fitz-Gerald described the conference as a “courtesy” meeting and said officials didn’t delve into the details of policymaking because Ritter hasn’t yet named a chief of staff or legislative liaison, who will lobby on his behalf.
“He doesn’t really have the people in place yet,” Fitz-Gerald said.
Those details are currently under consideration by the transition team. On Wednesday, Ritter said that team is being led by lawyer James Lyons, banker Daniel Yohannes and former Republican state Sen. Norma Anderson.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-954-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
