Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, Won't Run for Re-Election
David Sessions
Washington Reporter
Posted:
01/6/10
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to announce Wednesday morning that he will not seek re-election, the Denver Post reports. Ritter has been calling fund-raisers around the state to notify them of his decision, and asked legislators to be ready for an 11 a.m. press conference.
Polls have shown Ritter trailing former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis, a Republican, in the race. His departure could prove a blessing to other Democrats possibly eying the office, including popular Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter.
According to Politico, the moderate Ritter has a strained relationship with the Democratic base. Shortly after taking office, he killed a bill that would have made it easier for workers to form unions, a move organized labor saw as a major betrayal after they donated heavily to his campaign. He also vetoed a separate pair of bills backed by labor unions.
Polls have shown Ritter trailing former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis, a Republican, in the race. His departure could prove a blessing to other Democrats possibly eying the office, including popular Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter.
According to Politico, the moderate Ritter has a strained relationship with the Democratic base. Shortly after taking office, he killed a bill that would have made it easier for workers to form unions, a move organized labor saw as a major betrayal after they donated heavily to his campaign. He also vetoed a separate pair of bills backed by labor unions.