Groff Reportedly Joining Obama

Will he wait till the end of session?
The Denver Post

Senate President Peter Groff is poised to resign his legislative seat and take a job with President Barack Obama's administration, according to multiple sources.

Groff, ever the charming and disarming, would only answer questions with questions, and then talk about music or sports.

"Tiger Woods just teed off," he said today when asked, again, if he were going to resign.

"I'm not answering any questions," he finally said.

But two sources have told The Denver Post that Groff will join the U.S. Department of Education in a position that involves faith-based and community initiatives.

Groff is considered the leading Democrat voice in the legislature on school reform.

Rumors of Groff's departure have grown so intense in the Capitol that Senate Democrats are campaigning to succeed him as president; Denver Democrats are lobbying to be appointed to his seat; and Senate Republicans are worried about losing an ally on educational issues.

"Washington's gain is our loss," said Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray.

The initial talk of "Is Groff leaving?" now has changed to "Is he staying through the end of the session?" Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn no later than May 6.

"I hope that President Obama gives him a job with a lot of power in the Department of Education," said Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction.

Groff, who has served in the legislature since 2001, made history in 2007 when he became the first black elected Senate president. He made history again this year when he and Speaker Terrance Carroll became the first African-Americans to ever lead both chambers of a legislature at the same time.

First appointed to his Senate seat in 2003, Groff was elected in 2004 and re-elected last year. His term expires in 2012.