Ritter Meets With Baca To Discuss Senate Replacement

While the mainstream media simultaneously creates and follows the drama concerning Caroline Kennedy's attempt to become appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat a much more deliberate and thoughtful process is occurring in Colorado. The seat being vacated by Senator Ken Salazar, while not attracting a cable media frenzy, may in fact prove to be a far more strategically important choice. And the fact that long time Democratic stalwart, political moderate to progressive, former State Senator Polly Baca is today quietly meeting with Colorado State Governor Bill Ritter shows that the square state executive gets it.

Senator Ken Salazar while only being elected four years ago now seems like a veteran reminder of a distant political past. Salazar will remain a symbol of a red to purple state that now can only be seen in a rear view mirror as Coloradans drive into the uncertain but newly blue future before them. Senator Salazar brought together a then newly energized Latino voter base, new Democrats, and independents to seal an election bid that a decade before would have been impossible. While the center right coalition succeeded brilliantly as a campaign Senator Salazar's ability recognize "the center" in order to be only slightly to its right has been hit and miss. The mood of independents shifted away from the right almost visibly. The shift has left Salazar navigating a new seat during one of the most historic political mood swings since FDR took the presidency.

Governor Ritter now has the chore of not only figuring out who is most qualified to fill the seat but also who will face the best chance in 2010 of retaining it. Therefore it is no surprise that today, just a few days after casting a vote for President Elect Barack Obama as one of Colorado's presidential electors, Polly Baca finds herself once again sitting in Ritter's company discussing another historic choice.

Baca, whose Colorado family roots are literally older then most of its counties, is no novice when it comes to navigating change and choppy political waters. Like Caroline in New York, Baca is part of the Kennedy legacy, not by blood but by politics. Baca cut her coalition building skills as the National Deputy Director of "Viva Kennedy!" that was in the process of securing the Democratic Presidential nomination of Bobby Kennedy. While every four years brings changes in politics Baca's history shows someone that can not only survive but prosper amidst change. In fact a look at her bio is a primer on our country's political moods, its most brilliant moments, and its recoveries from its sometimes bad political choices.

Baca has seen and maneuvered political waters that were at times conservative, at times liberal, and at times such as these, confusing and unsteady. Like Colorado itself Baca has proven resilient and practical while carving history.

While the Salazar coalition still exists its mood has changed. Ritter has to find a candidate that can hold on to Latino voters that are even more energized than when Salazar ran for his seat , understand the changes that independents and younger voters are now demanding, while still holding a steady course that will assure the states rural voters that they are not forgotten. Ritter needs a moderate to left political veteran that not only speaks up for Colorado values but embodies them. So today he has the pleasure of meeting with Senator Polly Baca.

Mario Solis-Marich is a progressive talk show host that can be heard on www.am760.net Colorados Progressive Talk. Mario also can be heard at www.GoToMario.com

Comments

[virginianative]

As I have reviewed the potential candiates to replace Sen. Ken Salazar, I find Polly Baca the most compelling by far. For all of the reasons that have been shared, Polly would make an excellent Senator and has the ability to organize the resources to be re-elected in 2010. In addition, Polly would bring wisdom, vision and compassion to this position.

[sierraclan]

This is in support of Miss Polly Baca...having known her my entire life of over fifty years, I'm in a unique position of knowing her personally and politically...I have and will continue to endorse and support her in any endeavor she pursues...Terry Sierra

[LMonte]

KimK3 - Many progressive talk radio programs make lot's of money. Mario is still on KTLK in LA, his time was moved to 4pm Pacific Time on Sundays. Why the station never announced his hour change on air, I'll never know, I had to call the station to find this out. Mario is a talk show host I really like listening to, I use to set my alarm clock to his show on Sunday mornings. It is my understanding that he will not be on this Sunday, he will be preempted by a sports game.

[kimk3]

I totally miss hearing Mario on KTLK in LA. That station seems to be having problems, unfortunately, and not sure what's going on with it. Why does progressive radio have such a hard time making money and staying on the air and prospering as it should??

[henson42]

Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!
I could not think of a better choice than Ms. Polly Baca. She has helped shape and fought exhaustive battles for Colorado and our Nation. She is Colorado! Governor if you would just review Polly Baca's "portfolio" and I know that you have. I think that you would have to agree her credentials are outstanding not to mention that she has stood along side and worked hard with the majority of our greatest political leaders for the betterment of our State and Nation. I believe in my heart that we could not find a better person with her extensive experience, dedication, leadership and continual vision for the people of our State and Nation. Governor Ritter Ms. Pauline Baca is the choice.

[Stevec9957]

Polly Baca would make a great Senator for all the people of Colorado. She has the legislative experience and worked for both the Carter and Clinton administrations. She has demonstrated over her many years of public service that she can really get things done and works well across party lines. In addition, Polly has a rural background and understands the needs of the agricultural community. I intend to voice my support of Polly for this important post to Gov. Ritter. Please do the same.

[Sopris668]

I agree that Polly Baca "not only speaks up for Colorado values but embodies them." I strongly support her candidacy for Senator because she represents what is best in Colorado: vision, dedication, service to community.

[heritage2]

Paragraph 4 and 5 is information that confirms Polly's commitment to Colorado! She is Colorado! We need Polly to be our voice for the protection of all issues we are faced with today. If we have ever needed a compassionate, commited, and intelligent leader in Washington for Colorado, it is now! And Polly will be that voice.

[pensieroso]

In addition to her may years of distinguished service in Coloradro and to the National Democratic Party, Polly Baca is an effective and thoughtful advocate for the people of Colorado. Those who have met her have been impressed by the kind of presence and quick wit which will make her an effective Senator and senatorial candidate in the next election.

[Beaver63]

It's great to hear that Polly is being considered for this Senatorial seat. She would be a wonderful choice!

[Geronimo08]

Well Colorado needs to be thankful that Polly Baca has the insights, the skills and the community support to be seriously considered by Governor Ritter. I only hope that Governor Ritter selects Polly Baca as she will not only be a history making choice, she has the vision to lead Colorado as Colorado and the Nation face the significant challenges and issues facing our Nation. Governor Ritter's choice of Polly Baca would secure his legacy as well as result in a choice that has a person able to bring various and divergent viewpoints to the table to resolve and implement policy choices.

Governor Ritter, please take a careful and considerate review of Polly Baca's "portfolio" of assets!

[B-Velvet]

I fully and strongly concur with your positive assessment of Ms. Polly Baca and her insight, skill, experience and community support to fill the position. She has the leadership and vision Colorado needs to move into the future. Her long and honorable service to the state of Colorado more than qualifies her as someone who can not only do the job but excel in the position.

I highly recommend and ask that Governor Ritter give Ms. Baca his consideration and approval for the position – there can be no doubt that she is qualified after her lifelong and honorable service to Colorado and the Nation.

[AMpoke]

You are right on Mario. Obama, Caroline and Polly...Now that would be change in America. If this happens it would be overhelming, Colorado would be telling the world that we get it. The name Polly Baca is synonymous with Democratic Politics in the U.S. Someone told me that her family has been in Denver before statehood, she has seen and implimented a lot of change in her lifetime. I can't think of a better candidate. She is smart, a woman, a Latina. She reaches across cultural and political barriers, she is accepted by everyone. She will get things done. I hope the Gov. takes a long hard look at this candidate, she will do great things for the square state.

[ESerafina42]

Sorry, but I live in New York, and hereditary aristocracy is NOT "change I can believe in."

[abogadaDC]

oops! I forgot Federico Pena -- for Secretary for U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Transportation, former Denver Mayor, and played a key role in winning the Latino votes for President Elect Obama. Yes, the bench is very deep in Colorado! Si se puede.

[abogadaDC]

Si se puede (Yes, We Can!) -- is so sweet to utter when you read entries like this one. There are a number of contenders for this seat (including U.S. Congressman John Salazar (another 5th generation Coloradoan), Henry Solano (former Solicitor General of the U.S. Department of Labor and former U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado)). The gravitas that the Colorado governor has brought to the decision makes me proud. The process is in marked contrast to what is going on in New York and Illinois. All the Colorado contenders have a long history of documented public service to the State--all are understated, hard working, and toiled on behalf of the party--even when it was not the popular thing to do. As the demographics of the country change, this bodes well for us as a country. All of these individuals are hard working folks who are able to role up their sleeves to do the heavy lifting and are team players who believe in the land, our collective history, and embody the meritocracy principles that make this country great. Baca, John Salazar, and Solano would all be outstanding selections. I could not be more thrilled.

[Jude2004]

I have the feeling that no matter who is chosen by Ritter, it will be the wrong person for the wrong reasons. My brother is a Democratic Party Chairman, so his advice was formally solicited. He told me he switched from Mike Miles to I can't remember who. I told him I was leaning towards Perlmutter. Somehow, it just doesn't matter.

[TommyMcCarthy]

O.K........

Thanks for clearing that up..

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