Michael Bennet wasn’t our first choice to become Colorado’s next senator, but we’ve found a lot to like about him over the years. He’s smart, capable, successful and has boldly pushed much-needed reforms in Denver Public Schools.
However, he’s never served one day in elected office, which is a bit unsettling considering the federal government is about to dole out billions in stimulus money and Colorado’s senior senator, Mark Udall, has yet to serve one day in that chamber, either.
Had Gov. Bill Ritter appointed Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper — a proven, popular and pragmatic leader who has had measurable success leading Colorado’s largest city — it could have immediately elevated Colorado’s stature in Washington, D.C., at a time when states will be jockeying for that money.
With his thin political resume and what will be a steep learning curve, Bennet will be tested immediately as the new administration tackles the economic downturn.
Fortunately, Bennet has been successful in his many endeavors and could very well be successful in this venture as well. Like Hickenlooper, he surrounds himself with the best and brightest. He served as Hickenlooper’s chief of staff for two years and has many of the same qualities that we admire about the Denver mayor.
Some Democrats think Ritter gambled by picking a political neophyte who’s known only in Denver power circles. Can Bennet, someone with no public persona outside Denver, win statewide in two years and keep the seat in Democratic hands?
It’s true that most Coloradans have no idea who Bennet is, and no one — except, we assume, the governor and a small circle of family and friends — knows where he stands on issues important to the country. Iraq? The economy? Health care?
We’re certain he’ll continue to push for reform of education and No Child Left Behind, which is good. But where will he stand on the Employee Free Choice Act, which takes away workers’ right for a private vote on unions? He has bucked the teachers union in Denver, but can he withstand the intense pressure from party leaders and labor interests inside the Beltway? We hope so.
The bright side for Bennet is that his blank political slate actually can be a benefit as he crafts an election campaign for 2010. He can mold himself into a politician who stands a chance at being elected statewide.
Bennet, a Yale law school graduate, has the veneer of a classic East Coast liberal and could have trouble outside Denver’s borders, especially if his competition is formidable, such as former Gov. Bill Owens or former Congressman Scott McInnis. By selecting Bennet, Ritter may have unknowingly drawn some tougher competitors to the table who might not have challenged Hickenlooper and his unusually high approval ratings outside of Denver but who may want to take a shot at the newcomer.
Bennet already has a website up and running for his election campaign. It’s expected he’ll need to raise about $1 million each month for the race.
He’ll spend the next 23 months getting to know the Senate as well as Colorado and its voters. If he proves to be weak and ineffective on the stump, he could be a drag on the ticket and ultimately hurt Ritter, who also will be on the ballot.
We wish him well. His success would equal success for Colorado.
