Governor-elect John Hickenlooper has found his “director of legislative affairs and strategic initiatives.” As Education News Colorado points out, in plain English, we “assume that translates into chief lobbyist.” Her name is Christine Scanlan, a Democratic state representative from Dillon who has played a key role in the education reform bills, including the controversial educator accountability law. Scanlan is expected to lead the Hickenlooper administration’s legislative strategies and help oversee issues such as economic development, education reform, I-70 transportation, and forest health.

Scanlan defeated Tea Party candidate Debra Irvine of Breckenridge in the recent midterm election, notes The Colorado Independent. Scanlan says “it is extremely difficult leaving a job I love representing people who I deeply respect, but I plan to continue serving the hardworking people of my district while working for a governor dedicated to turning Colorado around and positioning the state for great things in the future” (via CW2). A Democratic vacancy committee will oversee her replacement.