Colorado Gov. Ritter to Appoint Michael Bennet to Senate

Susan Davis reports on Congress. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to appoint Denver schools superintendent Michael Bennet to serve out the term of Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar , who is leaving the chamber to join President-elect Barack Obama ’s cabinet as Interior secretary, the Rocky Mountains News reported today. Michael Bennet (Photo Courtesy: www.dpsk12.org) Ritter is expected to make his announcement Saturday. The Senate reconvenes on Tuesday, although Salazar is not expected to formally resign from office until after his confirmation hearing and anticipated vote of approval. Ritter’s announcement is the least dramatic of the ongoing battles over Senate seats in Minnesota, New York, and Illinois. Bennet took over as superintendent of the Denver public school system in July 2005, and he is a former chief of staff to popular Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper , who was also rumored to be in contention for the Senate seat. (link)