Gov. Bill Ritter this afternoon officially named Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet to fill Colorado’s vacant senate seat.
Bennet, 44, will be sworn in as the nation’s youngest Senator after Sen. Ken Salazar is confirmed as interior secretary.
“I am humbled and honored to serve the state of Colorado as your next U.S. Senator,” said Bennet, standing with his wife and three daughters in front of about 200 people gathered in the state capitol. “My experiences, not only in public service but also in business, have taught me that when people come together, put aside partisan differences, and focus on pragmatic problem-solving, we can accomplish great things.”
Ritter said he interviewed 15 candidates for the job, but that Bennet shot to the top because he is “practical, pragmatic, not ideological and he is not dogmatic.”
“This is a critical time in history,” Ritter said. “Our challenges are so serious that it will take a new generation of leaders, a new way of thinking and a bold new approach to problem-solving.”
Bennet has never held elected office. Prior to becoming superintendent, he was Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper’s chief of staff. Before that he was a corporate turnaround expert for billionaire businessman Philip Anschutz’s investment company.
Salazar, whose confirmation hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15, appeared emotional as he ushered in his replacement and set the stage for his departure to Washington, D.C., in the Obama administration.
Forecasting that Bennet would be a “spectacular senator,” Salazar said that while some were putting a “question mark on whether Michael Bennet could be elected in 2010,” those same naysayers said the same about Salazar and Ritter.
Bennet said he intended to run to keep the seat in 2010, and that he intended to win.
Bennet declined to elaborate on his stance on the issues of the day.
That wasn’t lost on Colorado GOP chairman Dick Wadhams, who stood in the back of the capitol foyer.
“Gov. Ritter apparently didn’t mention to Mr. Bennet that senators have to vote on issues. His continued refusal today to state his positions on issues suggests someone who isn’t clear where he stands.”
