Bill Ritter

August William Ritter Jr. is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 41st Governor of Colorado from 2007 to 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Ritter was previously the district attorney for Denver before his election to the governorship in 2006. He is notable for being the first Colorado-born individual to be elected as Governor of Colorado since 1975 and the first Democratic officeholder in 50 years to serve with a Democratic majority in the Colorado General Assembly. Ritter chose not to seek a second term in 2010, citing family reasons, and subsequently supported fellow Democrat John Hickenlooper in the gubernatorial race.

Early life and career

Bill Ritter was born on September 6, 1956, in Colorado and grew up on a farm in Aurora, where he was the sixth of twelve children. His parents, Ethel and August William Ritter, instilled in him the values of hard work and community service. He attended Gateway High School in Aurora before transferring to St. Anthony Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he studied from 1970 to 1972. At the age of 14, Ritter began working full-time in the construction industry, joining a local labor union, which provided him with early exposure to labor issues.

Ritter pursued higher education at Colorado State University, where he completed his bachelor's degree. He continued his studies at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder, earning his Juris Doctor in 1981. Following his graduation, he began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney in the Denver District Attorney's Office.

In 1990, Ritter transitioned to the United States Attorney's Office, but returned to the Denver District Attorney's Office two years later. By 1993, he had been appointed as the District Attorney for Denver. In this role, he was instrumental in establishing one of the nation's first drug courts and focused on prosecuting white-collar crime, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. He also worked on cases involving crimes against senior citizens. His expertise led him to advise United States Attorney General John Ashcroft on legal matters following the September 11 attacks.

In addition to his legal career, Ritter has been actively involved in charity work. He served on the Denver Foundation's Human Services Committee, the Mile High United Way Board, and the Denver Public Schools' Commission on Secondary School Reform. In 1987, Ritter and his wife, Jeannie, moved to Zambia as missionaries for the Catholic Church, where they opened a food distribution and education center. Their experiences in Zambia were highlighted during Ritter's 2006 gubernatorial campaign, showcasing his commitment to community service.

Governorship

Bill Ritter was elected as Governor of Colorado in 2006 and took office in January 2007. His tenure was marked by a significant event on July 16, 2007, when an assassination attempt occurred at the Colorado State Capitol. A man armed with a pistol threatened Ritter, but was shot and killed by a state trooper outside the governor's office. This incident underscored the challenges and risks associated with public service.

At the beginning of his term, Ritter enjoyed considerable popularity, particularly among rural Coloradans, who had historically leaned toward Republican candidates. His background in construction and his rural upbringing resonated with these voters. Additionally, he found support in Democratic strongholds, including the ski resorts of Aspen and Vail, as well as the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. An August 2007 poll indicated a 60% approval rating for Ritter, with only 36% disapproving.

However, as his term progressed, Ritter's approval ratings began to decline sharply. By July 2008, his approval rating had dropped to 45%, and further polling in April 2009 showed a continued decline to 41%, with 49% disapproving of his performance. Speculation arose regarding his decision not to seek re-election in 2010, which he attributed to family reasons. Nonetheless, there were rumors that his declining popularity influenced Democratic leaders to encourage him not to run again.

Policy focus and legacy

As a member of the Democratic Party, Ritter's policy agenda was characterized as "semi-progressive," focusing on issues such as universal health care, environmental protection, and increased housing subsidies and welfare. His positions on various social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage, were more moderate compared to some of his party peers. During his campaign, he pledged not to overturn existing abortion laws and expressed intentions to restore state funding to Planned Parenthood. He also indicated he would veto any legislation that did not provide exceptions for rape, incest, or fetal anomalies.

Ritter's approach to labor issues was also notable. He vetoed legislation aimed at making it easier for workers to form unions, which drew criticism from some labor advocates. Midway through his term, he appointed a moderate Republican, Don Marostica, as his director of economic development, reflecting a willingness to collaborate across party lines.

Controversy arose during his campaign regarding his use of plea bargains while serving as District Attorney. Ritter had plea bargained a significant percentage of cases, a common practice among prosecutors, but this aspect of his record was scrutinized during his gubernatorial run.

Overall, Bill Ritter's governorship was marked by a blend of progressive and moderate policies, reflecting the complexities of governing in a politically diverse state. His decision not to seek re-election left a notable impact on Colorado's political landscape, paving the way for his successor, John Hickenlooper, to take office. Ritter's legacy includes his contributions to criminal justice reform, community service, and his role in navigating the challenges of governance during a period of shifting political dynamics in Colorado.