Sources: Salazar accepts Interior spot

[El Supremo]

Source: The Denver Post

Sen. Ken Salazar has agreed to become Secretary of Interior pending the outcome of a background check, The Denver Post has learned.

Democratic sources who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak on Salazar's behalf, said Monday that Salazar is all but certain to be appointed to president-elect Barack Obama's cabinet.

Salazar's office declined comment.

If Salazar is confirmed for the post, Gov. Bill Ritter, a fellow Democrat, would name his replacement. U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, an Eldorado Springs Democrat, would become Colorado's senior senator, even though he was elected to the Senate in November.

The move would also set off a scramble to fill out the remainder of Salzar's term, which runs through 2010. Names floated as possible successors include Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; Reps. John Salazar, Ed Perlmutter and Diana DeGette; Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet; outgoing state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff; and former U.S. Attorney Tom Strickland, among others.

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_11238804

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My opinion is that he will do a lot better as Secretary of Interior than he has done as a Senator. And we will surely fill his seat with another Democrat.

[blueclown]

1. This is a stupid move by Obama.

Not because he won't be a good Interior Secretary, but because it pretty much hands the Rethugs a Senate seat in 2010. Who the hell are we going to run in 2010 who as much a chance as Salazar did?

[FrenchieCat]

2. Salazar is a paragon of moderation. I'd rather see him in the administration

then to see him in the senate.......being one who's vote cannot be depended on.

Colorado is now a Democratic state....they will not want to give this status up anytime soon, considering that Obama won the state by 9 points. They will elect another Democrat, and whichever one is appointed will get a head start on 2010.

So as I see, it's all good.

[blueclown]

4. It is a little too early to call Colorado a Democratic state.

Colorado is not New York or Illinois or Massachusetts.

We will have a fight on our hands to keep this seat Democrat in 2010.

I would have preferred somebody else.

Let us hope that the Colorado Dems have a deep bench.

[FrenchieCat]

7. On this basis you are calling this a stupid move?

Are you in Colorado? Because if you are, I disgress. If you are not, then I'd like more data on your objection via the "Stupid move" proclamation.

[paulk]

17. if the Republicans are smart enough to run Mike Coffman

we will for sure have a real fight on our hands...

this is not a good move by Obama, imo, even though I think Salazar is a good pick for the job.

[cyclezealot]

6. and what is the dem voter registration percentage.

we'll all hope your optimism is warranted.

[senaca]

22. He seems to be a good pick.

With his ranching background he knows what farmers/ranchers are dealing with as far as energy development and environmental backlash. He is familiar with the NREL and is from a state that has been actively seeking alternative energy. I believe he has helped promote open space in Colorado. He, also, knows about the upcoming water disputes that will happen in the West. Clean water may very well be one of the major issues in the next 4 to 8 years.

Shile I would have liked to see RFK jr. in this post. Ken Salazar could be good in this position.

[Kolesar]

3. Better hope the Colorado Dems have a really deep bench ... eom

[damntexdem]

5. Not another senator!

We have had enough trouble getting Dem guvs to appoint new Dem senators. ;-)

[cyclezealot]

8. ps. Is he the best choice

does he not have some kind of Coor's connection.?>

[El Supremo]

10. He sure does.

He beat Pete Coors for the senate seat in 2004.

[villager]

9. well, I sure *hope* he's a better Interior sect'y than he's been a Senator. The earth can't "abide"

...anymore chickenshit environmental policies from any administration...

After the Chu appointment, I had much higher hopes for Interior Sect'y...

[KoKo]

11. He has voted many times with Repugs...don't see him as qualified...

Maybe his name is just a "floater?" :shrug:

[Hotler]

12. No god damn it!

he and Udall voted for immunity for the telecomms. More status quo folks. There will be no change.

[Phlogistician]

13. Salzar is a very bad choice

As Colorado's Attorney General, Salazar actively opposed endangered species listing of the black-tailed prairie dog, which, despite its population declines, is still listed as a "pest" by Colorado.

In 2005, Salazar voted against increasing fuel-efficiency standards (CAFE) for cars and trucks, a vote that the League of Conservation Voters notes is anti-environment. In the same year, Salazar voted against an amendment to repeal tax breaks for ExxonMobil and other major oil companies.

In 2006, Salazar voted to end protections that limit off-shore drilling in Florida's Gulf Coast.

In 2007, Salazar was one of only a handful of Democrats to vote against a bill that would require the US Army Corps of Engineers to consider global warming when planning water projects.

According to Project Vote Smart, Ken Salazar received a 25% vote rating for 2007 by the Humane Society of the United States, a 0% vote rating for 2005-2006 for Fund for Animals, and a 60% vote rating for 2007 by Defenders of Wilderness.

[El Supremo]

14. I question those votes.

If I had the time to look them up, I could find as many if not more, good environmental votes.

And I must say that The HSUS is nothing but a front for PETA.

[depakid]

15. Great- reward a far right enabling member of the gang of 14

Well, at least he won't be doing any more damage by voting with Republicans in the Senate.

[senaca]

20. That's one reason it is a good pick.

One less gang of 14 member to obstruct, especially in court picks. We have some really talented people in the Colorado Dem. Party. Andrew Romanoff, Mayor John Hickenlooper, and Ed. Perlmutter would work as Senatorial candidates. I'm sure there are others that would work.

As far as Coffman being a strong candidate it would be hard to say. He essentially ran for a spot that was essentially a given. His stint as S.O.S. was marred by the disenfranchising moves he made during this past election. It seems a conflict of interest to be S.O.S. when the S.O.S. head is running for another office. I think we have a good chance of keeping Salazar's seat depending on how the Congress does in the next two years.

[Alexander]

16. Could Bill Ritter appoint himself?

[WriteDown]

18. Now approve the reservation for the Akwesasne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hillary promised it, Obama and Salazar better get to it.

[WriteDown]

19. I meant approve the casino...

got too excited that the interior secretary was changing.

[Runcible Spoon]

21. oh for fuck's sake!

:puke: