“Over the past four years in the Senate, he has served Colorado well as a moderate and a centrist. He has been a champion of Colorado’s New Energy Economy and he has brought much-needed clarity and balance to complex issues such as domestic energy drilling, land management and water. I will miss him in the Senate, but I look forward to working with him in his new role as we rebuild and reinvigorate the federal-state partnership. This is great for Colorado, for the West and for the country.”
-Gov. Bill Ritter
“This is great news for Colorado and the nation. Given Ken’s unique roots and history as a Westerner, I believe he will make an outstanding Secretary of the Interior. … I will miss the opportunity to serve with him in the Senate, but I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.”
-Senator-elect Mark Udall
“President-elect Obama has made another excellent choice in selecting a preeminent legislator, attorney, and policy maker with extensive experience in natural resources, water rights, energy development, and wildlife issues. Our nation needs a strong Western voice like Ken’s when it comes to the most pressing issues facing the Department of Interior such as conserving our natural resources, enforcing a balanced energy policy, protecting our wild places, and ensuring the safety of our endangered species.”
— Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver
“During his time in the U.S. Senate, Salazar has proven himself as a strong and thoughtful leader. He knows the American West, he knows the importance of working across party lines to get things done, and he is committed to providing the leadership we need to meet some of our nation’s greatest challenges – including increasing our energy security and meeting the water needs of the coming century.”
– Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
