Former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff announced Thursday that he had filed the paperwork with the Federal Election Commission required for him to challenge U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a Democratic primary.
Romanoff could not be reached for comment, but the filing was announced in a news release.
Joelle Martinez, the granddaughter of former Denver City Councilwoman Ramona Martinez, is handling media inquiries for Romanoff. She said Romanoff would talk to reporters next week.
Ramona Martinez said she and her husband, Larry, vice president of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and a person with ties to union leaders in Colorado, also are Romanoff supporters.
“I think it’s important for folks in Colorado, just like those in other states, to have a voice in this election process,” Ramona Martinez said.
Romanoff was one of several high-profile individuals up for consideration for an appointment to the U.S. Senate seat that became vacant when Ken Salazar was named secretary of the Interior Department.
Gov. Bill Ritter ended up appointing Bennet, then the superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
Craig Hughes, manager of Bennet’s campaign, declined to comment.
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
