February 25, 2009 12:47 AM UTC

Rodriguez Resigns to Head Bennet's Office

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• by: Colorado Pols

According to a press release issued today (full release after the jump), U.S. Election Assistance Commission member Rosemary Rodriguez is resigning in order to take the job as Sen. Michael Bennet’s State Director.

Rodriguez had tried unsuccessfully (and with much foot stomping by others) to be appointed to the Secretary of State seat that Gov. Bill Ritter eventually gave to Bernie Buescher.

Commissioner Rodriguez Resigns

Transparency and Voter Access Hallmarks of her Tenure

For Immediate Release                                                                                   Contact:  Jeannie Layson or Sarah Litton

DATE                                                                                                                                                      (202) 566-3100

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commissioner Rosemary E. Rodriguez today announced her resignation from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), effective February 28, 2009.  She is returning home to Denver to serve as the State Director for United States Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado.

“It has been an honor to serve with Commissioners Beach, Hillman, Davidson, and former Commissioner Hunter,” said Commissioner Rodriguez.  “They are committed to implementing the Help America Vote Act and are distinguished in their service to their Country.  I am proud to know them.  I urge my colleagues to continue directing resources to the federal government’s first voting system certification program. Conducting thorough reviews of voting systems and holding program participants accountable is more important than ever, and we must properly fund and support these efforts.”

“It has also been an honor to work with the EAC’s staff,” Commissioner Rodriguez continued.  “Due in large part to the hard work and diligence of its staff, the EAC has accomplished a great deal with very few resources.  In just a few years, we have adopted voting system guidelines, built a voting system certification program from the ground up, provided training materials for election officials, conducted research on a host of issues, and provided voter resources in six languages. I am very proud of them, and I will always be grateful for the work they have done on behalf of America’s voters.”

During Commissioner Rodriguez’s tenure at the EAC she focused on transparency, accountability and increased voter access. As EAC chair, she also focused on making internal improvements and providing more support to EAC program staff.  

Using her national platform as chair, she urged the recruitment of 2 million poll workers in 2008, more cooperation between voter registration groups and election officials and better service for military and overseas voters and veterans in long-term care facilities. Other initiatives include brown bag lunches with the public to get additional input; establishment of “Notes from the Road,” an online journal; and a policy requiring the release of public meeting agendas 21 days prior.