January 15, 2011 08:56 PM UTC

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Election

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• by: nancycronk

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

I will be very sorry to see Pat Waak go. In my contacts with her, she has always been extremely generous with her knowledge and time, sharing her wisdom and expertise on all kinds of state and national Democratic issues. She is kind yet assertive, down-to-earth yet highly skilled at networking. She excelled at the full-time volunteer job of Chair, a position which caused her to spend money out of her own pocket at times (she did not mention this until I pressed her directly about it). Pat went above and beyond in her duties these past six years, and it paid off for Colorado Dems.

When I asked her who she supported for her replacement, she had only good things to say about all of the candidates who have formally announced their interest: Adam Bowen, Polly Baca and Rick Palacio. She did say she hopes the state party will recognize the need for a paid Chair, and hopefully, in the not too distant future, the position will be compensated with a salary. The fact she is lobbying for this change after her tenure as Chair is over, speaks to the impressive character of Pat Waak. She will be greatly missed, and impossible to replace.

On behalf of Colorado Democrats all over the state, thank you for your service, Pat!

The new Democratic Chair will bring with him or her a new set of skills. Of the three candidates, one is from the northern front range, one from Denver, and one from the southern front range. Each is active in their respective geographic communities, as well as their own identity groups and interests.

I would like to learn more about each of these candidates. Please share what you know about their strengths, skill sets, backgrounds and experience if you know them. (Being respectful is my goal here — I hope you share that goal.)

Thank you, Colorado