DFER-CO's press release

Here's DFER-Colorado's press release on the Bennet pick:

For Immediate Release:

January 3, 2009                   

Contact: Moira Cullen 303.868.8452

Statement on Reported Selection of Denver School Superintendent Michael Bennet For United States Senate

Democrats for Education Reform-Colorado (DFER-Colorado) issued the following statement following news reports that Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is prepared to tap Denver Superintendent Michael Bennet to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Ken Salazar, who will become Interior Secretary:

 "We congratulate Governor Bill Ritter for making the courageous decision to appoint Denver Superintendent of Schools Michael Bennet to represent Colorado in the US Senate," said DFER-Colorado advisor and Obama advisor Michael Johnston.

"Colorado is now the proud home of the most thoughtful and informed education advocate in the US Senate. Bennet understands that rebuilding the American economy must begin with taking the bold steps that are necessary to transform America's education system into the envy of the world."

DFER Executive Director Joe Williams also lauded the choice.

"Michael Bennet is an excellent choice to represent the State of Colorado, but the real winners here are the school children nationwide whose futures require smart, pragmatic leaders who are willing to come together and focus on finding new ways to solve old problems."

"Bennet has been part of a growing movement around this country which understands that saving public education requires a major transformation in the way we think about schooling. That kind of fresh approach extends beyond education. The boldness he brought to the superintendent's office in Denver will make him an important player in a Washington which has been put on notice by American voters. It is hard to think of a more appropriate leader to question 'business as usual' than Michael Bennet," said Williams.

About Democrats for Education Reform: DFER supports Democratic candidates committed to progressive ideas like greater accountability for schools; adjustments in teacher licensing requirements; changes to teacher compensation to reward our best educators; and a renewed focus on early childhood education (in particular, linking early childhood education with charter schools, which usually do not include Pre-K).