Over the weekend, Tim Leonard won the vacancy committee election to replace former Rep. Jon Keyser, who left his seat to dedicate time to running for U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. Today, he was sworn in. Out of the possible 21 votes, Leonard won with 16 votes. Activist Judy Merkel received three votes and Tom George received two votes. Leonard was one of seven candidates vying for the role.
If the name Tim Leonard sounds familiar, it should. He ran as a Republican in 2010 for Senate District 16 against Sen. Jeanne Nicholson. He also ran as a member of the Constitution Party in 2006 for the same seat and as Governor in 1998. According to the Denver Post, he also helped found the American Constitution Party in Colorado.
Leonard is a real estate developer and, according to Vote Smart, has been the CEO of Deepwater Point Company since 1993. He is a Roman Catholic and has six children with his wife, Monica.
Congratulations to Rep. Leonard and his family. Welcome to this tumultuous legislative session – hang on to your hat!