MAGAZINE
October 2010
Next in Line
If Mayor John Hickenlooper goes to the governor’s mansion, who will lead our left-leaning city? Here, a look at some top job candidates.
By:
Patrick Doyle
Terrance Carroll
Experience
Speaker of the state House, lawyer, and pastor.
Mile High
Well-liked politician in need of a job after being term-limited out of the House.
Mile Low
Has Washington, D.C., written all over him; does he really want to be mayor?
Michael Hancock
Experience
Three-term city councilman and former CEO of the Urban League.
Mile High
Born, raised, and wired in northeast Denver.
Mile Low
The council doesn’t provide high-profile job experience for a mayoral candidate.
James Mejía
Experience
CEO of the Denver Preschool Program, managed the Justice Center project, and worked for the Webb administration.
Mile High
At press time, the only candidate to have officially entered the race.
Mile Low
Has been a political insider for years, but is his name recognizable enough to voters?
Andrew Romanoff
Experience
Well-connected and well-known adjunct college professor and former speaker of the state House.
Mile High
Has a powerful constituency in the Washington Park area; talented and experienced legislator.
Mile Low
Will Dems forgive him for battling against Michael Bennet in the Senate primary?
Chris Romer
Experience
State senator and financial consultant on public transportation projects like RTD’s FasTracks.
Mile High
Innovative legislator with strong connections through his father, Roy, a former governor.
Mile Low
Upset some people with proposed bills on I-70 tolls and medical marijuana regulations.