Earlier this week, Anne McGihon, a Democratic state representative and attorney known for advocating better health care, got misty when she announced her resignation, effective next week. She has rejoined her old law firm and now has to travel to Washington, D.C., triggering a race in House District 3, which spans parts of Denver, Englewood, and Cherry Hills Village, according to The Denver Post.

One potential replacement is T.R. Reid, a former Washington Post bureau chief and author known for his books on health care, reports 5280.

Meanwhile, as McGihon moves on, Governor Bill Ritter will lose a “strong ally,” writes Face the State, noting McGihon championed health reform issues and oil drilling regulations for Ritter, sometimes amid staunch Republican opposition.

McGihon goes to work for the Akerman Senterfitt firm, along with colleagues Andrew Oh-Willeke and Andrea Montague, according to The Colorado Independent.