Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey has announced his endorsement of Kenneth Boyd to succeed him in office.
Morrissey’s endorsement comes as the crowded race ramps up for the March 1 caucus and primary election in June.
“I’ve worked with Kenneth for almost nine years and have witnessed firsthand his commitment to Denver and its citizens,” Morrissey, who is term-limited in 2016, said in a statement. “It’s my opinion that Kenneth is the best choice to lead this office into the future.”
Boyd, who is a at the Denver office, specializes in white-collar crimes and the financial exploitation of seniors. He has prosecuted thousands of cases, including homicides, domestic violence, crimes against children and financial crimes.
Boyd welcomed Morrissey’s support.
“Mitch had several choices in this race and had no obligation to endorse any of us, so I’m gratified that he thinks of me as the most worthy successor,” Boyd said in a statement. “We share a commitment to pursuing the latest technological advances in law enforcement and in finding alternative means of achieving justice where appropriate. I’m thrilled to have his support.”
Morrissey succeeded Bill Ritter, Boyd’s uncle, who went on to become governor. Ritter also has endorsed Boyd.
Four candidates have entered the race.
, who was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 2004 and 2010, launched his campaign in January 2015.
State Rep. Beth McCann, the former manager of public safety for Denver, entered the race shortly before Carrigan. McCann served as a deputy and chief deputy district attorney in the Denver office before being elected to the legislature in 2009.
Helen Morgan, Denver chief deputy also has entered the race. Morgan has been a prosecutor with the Denver office for 21 years.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794, jsteffen@denverpost.com or @jsteffendp
