Former state Rep. Bernie Buescher won profuse praise and unanimous confirmation as secretary of state by the state Senate this morning.
“I’m thrilled to have you step over to the other side of the street,” said state Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs.
To say that Buescher, a Democrat who was the head of the mighty Joint Budget Committee before losing his re-election bid in November, had an easy time being confirmed is a gross understatement.
Just how certain was Buescher’s appointment? Before Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, even moved for Buescher’s approval, he announced plans for Buescher’s swearing-in ceremony later in the day. More Republicans than Democrats spoke in favor of Buescher on the Senate floor. He received a standing ovation by Senate members after they voted for him.
Bacon praised Buescher’s fairness and professionalism. Cadman cited Buescher’s commitment to be nonpartisan in the role of Colorado’s top elections official and said Buescher was the best person for the job, regardless of party.
“I think in a day when political appointments have raised suspicion, we can’t afford for Colorado to be in that position,” Cadman said. “An appointment to one of the highest-profile position in the state can’t be for partisan interest or political paybacks.”
Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, talked about Buescher’s collaborative nature and said he was delighted Buescher has pledged to work more closely with the state’s county clerks.
“He is the right choice and a smart choice on the part of Gov. Ritter,” Penry said.
Read more about this story, including when Buescher will be officially sworn in at .
