DENVER—A group of state legislators said told University of Colorado Regents Monday they are concerned about Bruce Benson, the lone finalist to be CU’s next president.
The move comes a day after Democratic Regent Cindy Carlisle told the Boulder Daily Camera she would not support Benson’s nomination.
The lawmakers criticized Benson’s lack of an advanced degree as well as his role as a Republican activist in the state.
Benson was on a committee that shaped the overhaul of Denver Public Schools and was co-chair of a successful campaign in 2005 that—in part—increased funding for higher education by allowing the state to keep tax surpluses . But he is also a key Republican fundraiser and strategist and a former state party chair.
More than a dozen legislators signed a letter to the Regents Monday, including Senate President Peter Groff and House Majority Leader Alice Madden.
Regents plan to question Benson during a closed session Wednesday.
