Openly Gay Colorado Representative Ferrandino Elected House Minority Leader

As expected, Colorado State Representative Mark Ferrandino was elected House Minority Leader by the House Democratic caucus Friday morning. With no other lawmaker challenging Ferrandino, the vote came by acclamation and made Ferrandino the second openly gay lawmaker ever elected to a leadership post in the Colorado House, reports KDRV-TV. Almost immediately, Ferrandino appointed Representative Clair Levy (D-Boulder) to fill his spot on the Joint Budget Committee. "I think our caucus has a clear vision on what we want to do," Ferrandino said. "I'm looking forward to a successful session and to leading the caucus, and I'm humbled that they supported me in being able to do that." Ferrandino promised to work across the aisle with Republicans, but also gave voice to what he described as a rumour that the Republican House Majority plans to block every Democratic bill from moving forward. "I hope that's just rumours and not reality because, I think, people don't want to see that," Ferrandino said. "I think people want to see us work together and find solutions." Speaker Frank McNulty (R-Highlands Ranch) came down to the Capitol basement to congratulate Ferrandino following Friday's vote. He also pushed back at Ferrandino's contention that the House GOP planned to block all Democratic bills. "All bills will get a fair hearing," McNulty told reporters. "But, I suspect if Democrats continue to run union payback bills, they'll have a more difficult time." With the November election as a backdrop, the 2012 legislative session could prove to be especially contentious. Ferrandino told his Democratic colleagues he planned to work hard to help win back a legislative House majority in the fall. McNulty, the architect of the House GOP strategy that gave it a one-seat majority in 2010, also promised to work to grow the Republican majority in the House. Members of Colorado's LGBT community also heralded Ferrandino's election. The sponsor of last year's legislation on same sex civil unions, Ferrandino now becomes the second LGBT politician tapped to lead a statehouse caucus, following former House Minority Leader Jennifer Veiga. "When openly LGBT people are elected, the face of politics is changed," said One Colorado's Brad Clark. "By speaking honestly about their lives and their families, they are giving voice to our community and bravely serving as champions for equality."