Former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter has decided to run for Governor, according to the Larimer County Democrats, which sent out an e-mail message last night.

Where is former Rep. Scott McInnis these days, other than sharing a law office at Hogan and Hartson with Ritter? He’s been defending embattled Aspen D.A. Colleen Truden.

In a telephone interview Monday, McInnis said he has been following the press coverage of the controversies swirling around Truden’s administration. Truden once worked for McInnis when he had a law practice in Glenwood Springs.

Political observers say McInnis’ endorsement of Truden last year played a vital part in her triumph, thanks to his popularity in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, which, along with Pitkin, make up the 9th Judicial District.

McInnis says the complaints about Truden sound like sour grapes of holdovers from prior DA Administrations.

“(Former DA) Mac Myers’ had intense loyalty from his staff. When you take out the popular guy, you’re not going to win the support of his team. It’s expected. Mac’s people worked for Colleen’s opponent. They’re not going to be your pals. … (The decision to keep existing staff) is going to continue to haunt you because these people’s interests don’t match yours,” McInnis said.

He added: “My guess is these (political attacks) are self serving.”

So, has Ritter’s decision to run mean McInnis has decided against it?