January 23, 2006 09:00 AM UTC

Grossman Makes it Official: No Re-Election Bid

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• by: Colorado Pols

The rumors started about this weeks ago, but early this morning in an e-mail to supporters state Sen. Dan Grossman announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2006.

There was talk that Grossman might actually resign his seat rather than finish out the 2006 legislative session, but he made it clear in his e-mail that he will finish out the session. Grossman’s departure will not likely cost the Democrats this seat, but it will open up an interesting free-for-all in a Democratic primary. Former CU Regent candidate Jennifer Mello will run, and term-limited state Rep. Fran Coleman will also likely make an attempt. Former Denver DA candidate Beth McCann was also rumored last spring to be interested.

The wild card here will be Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, because Grossman’s seat was the next available step for him after he is term-limited in 2008. Most challengers would likely step aside for Romanoff if he wants to run for this seat, but if he does not, then he’ll need to find another, more difficult race in four years.

As for Grossman, the decision not to run for re-election is not thought to be anything other than his need to find a better-paying job and to spend more time with his family. You can’t fault him for either of those reasons. 

To read the full e-mail from Grossman, click below…

Ten years ago this month, I wandered into the State Capitol as the youngest member of the General Assembly. I was energetic, idealistic and more than a little naive about the legislative process. Three terms in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate later, I haven’t changed much.

P.S.  Although I am gravely disappointed by the Broncos’ loss today in the AFC Championship (I tend to bleed orange and blue), the outcome of that game had no influence on my decision explained above.