DENVER – Colorado Democratic Party leadership are gearing up to mount an aggressive campaign to retain the Governor’s office in November’s election and keep it in Democratic hands. We remain united and committed to moving our great state of Colorado forward and building on the progress and success of the Ritter administration.  Following are statements from our party leaders:

U.S. Senator Mark Udall stated, "I thank Bill for his friendship and his dedication to public service.  His decision was difficult and heartfelt, and I was proud to stand with him.  Colorado Democrats have a deep political bench, and I am confident that we will field a successor who will be elected governor in November."

"Governor Ritter is a true public servant with a deep and abiding commitment to the people of Colorado.  Throughout the years, he has shown a tremendous ability to lead, in good times and in bad, and a willingness to do the hard work necessary to move Colorado forward, said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. He continued, "I wish Governor Ritter the best in the coming year, and look forward to building on the progress he has made during his time in office."

U.S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CD-1) stated, "Governor Ritter has illustrated great leadership steering our state forward during turbulent economic times. As his friend, I am proud of his accomplishments as the Chief Executive of our state. While his decision to exit the gubernatorial race was extremely personal, it is one that I support. Democrats are committed to uniting behind a dynamic candidate for the November election. I am confident that we will prevail in retaining the Governor’s seat."
 
"I wish Governor Ritter and his family all the best. He has done a good job within the extremely difficult budget restraints for the state of Colorado. Colorado must find new solutions to get us to long term financial stability and economic growth, I am confident that we will have the best candidate to do so going into the 2010 election," said U.S. Congressman Jared Polis (CD-2).
 
U.S. Congressman John Salazar (CD-3) said, "I respect Governor Ritter’s decision, and want to thank him for his service, leadership and commitment to our great state.  Now, we will move forward and stand united as a party.  We have made considerable progress in Colorado in the last few years, especially in promoting clean energy technologies, and I strongly believe that next November we will elect a Democrat to lead our state in meeting the challenges of a new decade."
 
U.S. Congresswoman Betsy Markey (CD- 4) stated the following, "I thank Governor Ritter for his years of service to the people of Colorado. Colorado Democrats have led this state through tough times, and I look forward to working with our new nominee for Governor to continue to rebuild Colorado's economy, create jobs, and make our state even stronger."
 
"This is a nightmare for the Republican party. This decision is a game changer, and I believe Colorado Democrats have a deep bench of potential candidates who can win this race," stated U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CD-7). "I am confident we will have a candidate who will present real solutions for Colorado instead of the Republicans who want to focus on the status quo by just saying no.  We will retain this seat and continue to move our state forward and ensure Colorado remains one of the best states to live in."
 
Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher stated, "Since I have very much enjoyed my opportunity to work with Governor Ritter over the last three years, I can appreciate his decision to spend more time with his family. Personally, I appreciate the devotion he has shown to the state of Colorado and what he has done and will continue to do for Colorado citizens."
 
"Colorado is fortunate to have many great leaders in the Democratic Party.  We will move forward together to keep Colorado one of the strongest economies in the nation," said State Treasurer Cary Kennedy.
 
Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) stated, "Governor Ritter's service to Colorado has been consistent and positive.  I look forward to continuing our important work during the 2010 legislative session.  We'll move Colorado forward by focusing on what matters to families and small businesses in our state."
 
Speaker of the State House Terrance Carroll (D- Denver) said, "I’m disappointed that Governor Ritter will not seek re-election.  Like everyone, I'm moved by the personal family reasons that underpinned his decision.  I’m confident that a Democrat will be elected to the Governor’s office in November.  The next ten months will be an opportunity to focus on issues that matter most to Colorado’s families: jobs, the economy, and fiscal responsibility.  None of this changes what we’re doing to put Colorado back on the road to recovery."