January 08, 2009 03:50 AM UTC

Bennet Sets Off for a Ride Around Colorado

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• by: Jeff Bridges

Governor Bill Ritter’s pick to replace the promoted Senator Ken Salazar, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet, will depart Denver on Friday to head out on a tour of the entire state.

Officially announced today, the tour has been in the works for a while now – and it’s good thing, too. Earlier today Colorado Pols echoed pretty much everyone’s sentiments and called for, “Less gladhanding in DC, more bus touring in Colorado–and right now, please.”

Governor Ritter (who few can call loathe to make his own decisions after this stunner) will accompany the superintendent cum senator on the tour.

According to the release, Bennet will listen “to local concerns about the economy and other challenges.” Huh? I’ll give Bennet the benefit of the doubt on this one, but “economy and other challenges” doesn’t give me quite the same assurance Bennet understands rural Colorado like Salazar’s “land, water, and people.” Though I’ll wait to hear what Bennet says outside of Denver before passing judgment.

Details after the jump…

Bennet’s out-state swing schedule, from today’s release:

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009: Denver, Loveland and Fort Collins

11:15 a.m. to Noon            Gov. Ritter will attend the annual Boots ‘N Business luncheon at the National Western Stock Show. He will enter the arena on horseback as part of the Color Guard procession, and then provide remarks prior to the start of the luncheon. Location: National Western Stock Show, 4555 Humboldt, Denver.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at the Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland.  

4:15 to 5:45 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at the Aztlan Community Center, Eagle Room, 112 Willow St., Fort Collins.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009: Glendale, Colorado Springs

9 to 9:45 a.m.            Gov. Ritter will address the Metro Mayors Caucus, Infinity Park Events Center at 4400 E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale.

Noon to 1 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at Colorado Springs Library/Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs.

2 to 3 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will meet with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and others to discuss the economy and state and federal recovery efforts. Location: Colorado Springs Conservatory and Galileo Math & Science School, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs.

Monday, Jan. 12, 2009: Steamboat Springs and Grand Junction

8 to 9:30 a.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering and pancake breakfast at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, 2200 Village Inn Court, Steamboat Springs.

3:45 to 5:15 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will meet with community members and students at Mesa State College, Science Center, Room SL 100, 1100 North Ave., Grand Junction.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009: Pueblo and Alamosa

8 to 9:30 a.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering and pancake breakfast at the Pueblo Union Depot, 132 West B St., Pueblo.

9:45 to 10:30 a.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will dedicate the Colorado State University-Pueblo’s new solar park with Black Hills Energy and BP Solar. From I-25 South, take Exit 101.Turn left onto Colorado 47 East. Take Bonforte Boulevard exit, then turn left (North) onto Bonforte Boulevard. Turn right on Bartley Boulevard, stay on Bartley Boulevard as it bends around to the North.

2 to 3:30 p.m.            Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering, discussing the economy and local, state and federal recovery efforts. Location: Alamosa Family Recreation Center, 2222 Old Sanford Road, Alamosa.

I’m waiting to hear back from the campaign about Bennet’s horseback riding experience.