Before a room packed with political allies and occasional foes, former state Rep. Bernie Buescher was sworn in as Colorado’s secretary of state Wednesday.
“I regard the secretary of state’s office as, in many ways, the guardian of our constitutional democracy,” Buescher, a Democrat from Grand Junction, said after taking the oath of office. “I will do everything in my power to make the process as transparent and as effective as it can be.”
In a testament to Buescher’s popularity at the Capitol, Republican and Democratic state lawmakers alike came out to watch an event also attended by a number of other state officials, lobbyists and political players. They gave Buescher a standing ovation after his swearing-in, then crowded around to offer their congratulations.
“Secretary Buescher is the right man at the right time for this job,” House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, said in a statement.
Buescher, who led the legislature’s mighty Joint Budget Committee before losing his re-election bid in November, was appointed to his new job by Gov. Bill Ritter. Former Republican Secretary of State Mike Coffman left the position following his election to Congress.
Ritter on Wednesday praised Buescher’s professionalism and his “passion for democracy.”
Earlier in the day, the state Senate unanimously confirmed Buescher’s appointment, with both Republicans, who sometimes clashed with Buescher over legislative proposals, and Democrats speaking in his favor. Lawmakers lauded him for working across the aisle and pledging to be nonpartisan.
“He is the right choice, and a smart choice on the part of Gov. Ritter,” Sen. Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, said.
The secretary of state is Colorado’s chief elections official and also oversees business filings and certain nonprofit organization activities. Buescher has vowed to work closely with Colorado’s county clerks and make the office more efficient and accessible.
The position is up for election in 2010, and lawyer Scott Gessler, a Republican, has already announced plans to run. Buescher said he would prepare his campaign paperwork shortly.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com
