DeGette Withdraws From U.S. Senate Consideration

Cites Leadership Position in the House asChief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of Energy and Commerce Best Servingthe People of Colorado

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) today officially withdrewher name from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat vacancy createdupon the confirmation of  Senator Ken Salazar as the Secretary of theInterior:

"Today I informed Governor Bill Ritter that I am withdrawing my namefrom consideration for the United States Senate vacancy created uponSenator Ken Salazar's confirmation as Secretary of the Interior.

"After serious deliberation and consultation with my family,supporters, and colleagues in Congress, I have concluded I can bestserve the citizens of the First Congressional District and Coloradofrom my current leadership positions in the House of Representatives. As a Chief Deputy Whip and Vice Chair of the House Energy and CommerceCommittee, I will play a significant role in formulating criticallegislation, including measures addressing health care reform, globalclimate change, energy policy, and public lands, in the 111thCongress.  Moreover, I can be more effective in ensuring that theupcoming stimulus package and highway bill benefit our state in mycapacity as the most senior member of the Colorado Congressionaldelegation than as the most junior Senator.

"I want to thank the many people who contacted me and my staff  toshare their views about the course I should take.  I value all of theirthoughts and am gratified to receive their support.  Governor Ritterhas a talented pool of leaders from which he will select SenatorSalazar's successor.  I look forward to serving with our new Senatorand the rest of the Colorado delegation to ensure a bright future forthis state and this great country."