Buescher Easily Confirmed as Secretary of State

The Colorado Senate showed no doubts about Gov. Bill Ritter's choice of former Rep. Bernie Buescher as secretary of state this morning.

The vote to confirm the Grand Junction Democrat was unanimous, with praise coming from both sides of the aisle.

"He is the right choice, and a smart choice on the part of Gov. Ritter," Senate minority leader Josh Penry, R-Fruita, said.

Buescher lost his bid to be re-elected to the House of Representatives in November. He had been expected to succeed former Rep. Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, as speaker.

He will be sworn in at 3 pm today.