May 12, 2009 07:45 AM UTC

SD 33: MIKE JOHNSTON WINS ON FIRST BALLOT!

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• by: ptarmigan

(Once again – nobody can predict what a vacancy committee will do. – promoted by Colorado Pols)

Mike Johnston, a 5-yr resident of Denver and principal of MESA Charter School in Thornton, swept out old political wisdom and trounced Former State Representative Rosemary Marshall in the SD 33 Vacancy Committee meeting tonight at Smiley Middle School.   He will complete the term of former State Senator Peter Groff, who resigned his seat to take a position within the Obama Administration.  

First ballot and final vote:

Mike Johnston: 64

Rosemary Marshall: 41

Anthony Graves: 18

Renee Blanchard: 0

“The District is changed,” bemoaned one old pol, referring to the de-emphasis on race in the choice, both Marshall and Graves being African American.  SD 33 comprises both House Districts 7 and 8, and a large part of 7 is contained in Stapleton.  However, Johnston earned voters from throughout both Districts to win a majority on the first ballot.

Though this writer voted for Marshall for the most logical of reasons, I am thrilled at Mike’s selection. He will have a tough row to hoe, but he’s got a very strong back.  I’d love to hear what he says about his job – honestly – come next February.

Wow.  It was an exciting evening where democracy worked very well.