Colorado’s newest state senator spent Thursday accepting congratulations and signing away his interest in the lobbying firm where he has worked for 14 years.
Pat Steadman said he was overwhelmed by all the calls, e-mails and text messages pouring in.
“I hope one year from now they keep saying nice things about me,” he said.
Steadman and another new state senator, Michael Johnston of Denver, likely will be sworn in to the legislature next week in a joint ceremony.
The Denver Democrats were selected by vacancy committees in their respective Senate districts.
Steadman was a partner in Mendez, Steadman & Associates, a firm formed in 1983 by Flo Mendez and eventually run by her daughter, Fofi Mendez, and by Steadman. The firm now will be known as Mendez Consulting.
Steadman said that when he campaigned for the Senate seat, he was asked several times about whether his loyalty would be to his former clients or to his district.
“I don’t really feel conflicted about taking positions on things my former firm may have lobbied on as long as they are true to my values and the interests of the people I represent,” Steadman said.
He pointed out that his clients, such as Planned Parenthood, were involved in issues “I care about and support.”
Steadman’s salary will drop to $30,000 a year.
“It’s a challenge,” he said of the pay cut. “I gave that a lot of thought in making my decision, but at the end of the day it’s not about financial rewards. Nobody does this for the money.”
Steadman won the Senate job by beating out nine contenders after three rounds of voting Wednesday. He finally bested former state Rep. Ann Ragsdale of Westminster 92 to 63.
He succeeds Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, who resigned to move to Australia with her partner. Steadman also is gay and has been with his partner, Dave Misner, for eight years.
Johnston won the seat last week after beating three opponents in the first round of voting.
He succeeds Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver, who took a post with President Barack Obama’s administration.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
