DeGette: Colorado's Senate seat not for me

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, today withdrew her name from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat appointment that will be made by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. The statement from her office is below...

December 30, 2008

DeGETTE WITHDRAWS FROM U.S. SENATE CONSIDERATION

Cites Leadership Position in the House as Chief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of Energy and Commerce Best Serving the People of Colorado

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today officially withdrew her name from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat vacancy created upon the confirmation of Senator Ken Salazar as the Secretary of the Interior:

"Today I informed Governor Bill Ritter that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate vacancy created upon Senator Ken Salazar’s confirmation as Secretary of the Interior.

“After serious deliberation and consultation with my family, supporters, and colleagues in Congress, I have concluded I can best serve the citizens of the First Congressional District and Colorado from my current leadership positions in the House of Representatives. As a Chief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I will play a significant role in formulating critical legislation, including measures addressing health care reform, global climate change, energy policy, and public lands, in the 111th Congress. Moreover, I can be more effective in ensuring that the upcoming stimulus package and highway bill benefit our state in my capacity as the most senior member of the Colorado Congressional delegation than as the most junior Senator.

“I want to thank the many people who contacted me and my staff to share their views about the course I should take. I value all of their thoughts and am gratified to receive their support. Governor Ritter has a talented pool of leaders from which he will select Senator Salazar’s successor. I look forward to serving with our new Senator and the rest of the Colorado delegation to ensure a bright future for this state and this great country."

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