Gigi Dennis Sworn In As Colorado Secretary of State

Denver, September 26, 2005 - Gigi Dennis was sworn in today as Colorado's 34th Secretary of State. Secretary Dennis' swearing-in comes after Governor Bill Owens appointed Dennis to fill the vacancy last month. Secretary Dennis is the fifth woman to serve as Colorado Secretary of State.

"I am humbled and honored by the support I have received today," Secretary Dennis said. "I am looking forward to working with the Secretary of State staff to carry out my duties as Secretary of State."

Secretary Dennis recently ended her tenure as the State Director in charge of rural development in Colorado for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, appointed to that position by President George W. Bush in 2001. Prior to being Colorado's State Director, Dennis was the first woman to be elected to the State Senate from Pueblo County. She served in the State Legislature from 1995 to 2001 and served on several committees, including Local Government, as chair, and as a member of committees of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Judiciary, and Transportation.

"A lot of hard work needs to be done," Dennis added. "My first priority is to meet federal requirements to reform our election process. I'm eager to take on this task."

Secretary Dennis will be serving an interim appointment and will need to go through Senate confirmations when the Colorado General Assembly reconvenes next year.

Pueblo County Judge Adele Anderson administered the oath in a ceremony with Governor Bill Owens, members of the Executive cabinet, and members from the Colorado General Assembly. Secretary of State employees and Dennis' family and friends were in attendance.

Dennis replaces Donetta Davidson, who resigned on August 19 to accept a federal appointment to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.