November 15, 2011 10:33 PM UTC

Pace All In For CD-3, Steps Down As House Minority Leader

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: FOX 31’s Eli Stokols:

House Democrats will meet at 9 a.m. this Friday to elect Pace’s successor.

Among the likely candidates, JBC member Mark Ferrandino of Denver, and Dickie Lee Hullinghorst of Boulder, Rep. Claire Levy of Boulder and Rep. Nancy Todd of Aurora.

Sources close to House Democrats indicate that Ferrandino may be the front-runner.

If elected Minority Leader, Ferrandino would become the first openly gay legislative leader in Colorado history.

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From the Colorado House Democrats release a short while ago:

In his announcement, Pace reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Pueblo and House District 46 for the remainder of his current term.

“I have been privileged to lead our exceptional Democratic caucus in the state House of Representatives for the past year,” Pace said.  “We are an excellent team and it has been an honor to lead the fight on issues that are of vital importance to Coloradans. I am particularly proud of the partnerships we made last session to reduce the cut to our schools in order to provide more resources for our school children.  

“This is my last term in the House. I felt that it was important to provide continuity to our caucus and give a new group of House Democratic members the chance to lead.  We have excellent leaders, and I know that we will continue working together to promote the things that matter most to people – bringing new, good paying jobs to Colorado and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

“This past year has provided experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I thank members of our caucus for allowing me the opportunity to lead them.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Pueblo during the final year of my legislative term, and to partnering with all of my legislative colleagues and Governor Hickenlooper to advance the interests of this great state.”