RBC | Colorado State Sen. Randy Baumgardner officially announced his retirement from his senate seat earlier this week, following a tumultuous year that involved accusations of sexual harassment and an expulsion hearing called for by 16 Colorado Senate Democrats and one Republican. Baumgardner survived the hearing along party lines, but was stripped of his positions on several committees and was not assigned to serve on any committees in 2019.
In a letter dated Dec. 17, Baumgardner stated, “During my time under the Golden Dome, I’ve learned many lessons, with none being as important as to always put your family first. My family’s resilience and love have given me the grace to continue forward under the most difficult of circumstances, and in light of new opportunities, I must put them first in order to fulfill my obligations as a father and as a husband.”
Baumgardner’s departure will be effective Jan. 21, 2019, leaving a vacancy in Senate District 8, which includes Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Garfield and Summit counties.
Twenty-five states fill vacancies through special elections. Colorado is one of 22 states that fills vacancies in the Colorado General Assembly (House and Senate) through appointments. A vacancy committee, consisting of members who represent the political party holding the vacant seat, will select someone to hold the office until the next scheduled election (2020). That person will then be eligible to run again.
According to www.coloradopolitics.com, Rep. Bob Rankin, who represents Garfield, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties for House District 57, has previously said he would consider a run for the senate seat in 2020.
By HT Staff
