January 04, 2009 01:07 AM UTC

Michael Bennet, Everybody!

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• by: Colorado Pols

From the wire story, complete with blessings from President-elect Barack Obama–full Obama statement follows after the jump:

Gov. Bill Ritter on Saturday appointed Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet to fill a Senate vacancy that will be created by the promotion of Sen. Ken Salazar to interior secretary in the Obama administration…

Ritter praised Bennet, 44, as a proven leader and problem-solver in the both public and private sectors.

“This is a critical time in history. The economic challenges facing America and Colorado are unprecedented,” Ritter said in a written statement. “Our challenges are so serious that it will take a new generation of leaders, a new way of thinking and a bold new approach to problem-solving to steer us through this.”

In a statement from his office, Obama called Bennet an excellent choice who will be “a breath of fresh air in Washington.”

“Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve,” Obama said.

“Filling Ken Salazar’s boots in the US Senate is a tall order. But in selecting Michael Bennet, Governor Ritter has made an excellent choice.

“Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve. An innovator in the public and private sectors, he has shown himself willing to challenge old thinking and stale policies.

“His breakthrough work at the helm of Denver’s schools has reflected that commitment, and established Michael as one of the nation’s leading education reformers.

“He will be a breath of fresh air in Washington,” said President-elect Obama.

Outgoing Sen. Ken Salazar offers a friendly-but-stern
headpat to Sen.-designate Michael Bennet.