Replacing Salazar

Now that the failed Dairy Queen franchise operator’s days as Colorado Attorney General are coming to a close, the spotlight has been on Gov. Owens to see who will be appointed to replace him.

Attorney General Ken Salazar is soon to become US Senator Ken Salazar. But who will replace him? If Owens has his way, it will be loyal Republican John Suthers, who ran against Salazar for the statewide office in 1998. According to the Rocky’s Lynn Bartels, Suthers likely won’t have problems being confirmed by a closely divided State Senate.

On Suthers’ resume?

1. Bush-appointed U.S. Attorney for Colorado

2. Owens-appointed state Department of Corrections chief

3. District attorney, El Paso and Teller counties

What this sets up, as the Rocky points out, is a Republican sweep of elected statewide executive offices:

1. Gov. Bill Owens

2. Lt. Gov. Jane Norton

3. Treasurer Mike Coffman

4. Attorney General John Suthers

But that’s okay. We’ll need something to balance the Democrat-heavy General Assembly and Supreme Court.