Colorado Senate to begin confirming governor’s appointees

Now that the opening-day speeches are done and the real work is about to begin in the 2011 legislative session, Senate Republicans say one of their early tasks will be to give close scrutiny to the cabinet choices of new Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The Senate chamber has the responsibility of confirming appointees of the governor. The appointees have a hearing before a Senate committee where a recommendation is made for the full chamber’s up or down vote. Typically, appointees sail through the process. This time however, Senate Republicans say the process will not be on auto-pilot.

“The confirmation process should not be a perfunctory rubber stamp—that’s not what it’s about,” said Republican Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp, of Littleton.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader John Morse, of Colorado Springs, said he already anticipates robust debate from the Republicans, but he doesn’t believe there will be an all-out brawl.

“There’s going to be some fundamental disagreements, but we’re going to have those disagreements in a very respectful way,” said Morse. – More -

Via - Colorado News Agency