The Democratic Party of Denver congratulates Rep. Terrance Carroll, of House District 7, who will begin his fourth and final term in the State House of Representatives in January as Speaker of the House. Elected Thursday, 11/6 by the Democratic caucus of 38, he is the surprise successor to term limited Rep. Andrew Romanoff, after his predicted replacement incumbent Rep. Bernie Buescher barely lost a heartbreaking election in Grand Junction.

An attorney with Greenberg Traurig LLC, Rep. Carroll is also an ordained minister, who gave the Invocation kicking off the Obama rally in Civic Center Park on Sunday, October 26th, 2008.

Rep. Paul Weissman of Louisville, was elected Majority Leader, and Senate Democrats also re-elected Senator Peter Groff of Denver as Senate President. 

So here is our Legislative Leadership for 2009:

House Democrats

• Speaker of the House: Terrance Carroll, Denver (runs chambers)
• Majority Leader: Paul Weissman, Louisville (sets policy, determines when bills will be heard, and focuses on getting party members elected)
• Assistant Majority Leader: Andy Kerr, Lakewood
• Caucus Chair: Karen Middleton, Aurora (organizes meetings among party members)
• Whip: Claire Levy, Boulder (will round up votes on critical bills)

Senate Democrats

• President: Peter Groff, Denver (runs chambers)
• President Pro Tem: Betty Boyd, Lakewood
• Majority Leader: Brandon Shaffer, Longmont (sets policy, determines when bills will be heard, and focuses on getting party members elected)
• Assistant Majority Leader: Lois Tochtrop, Thornton
• Caucus Chair: Suzanne Williams, Aurora (organizes party member meetings)

In a press conference, Rep. Carroll said his first priority will be balancing the budget in a time of economic downturn. He also promises to address critical transportation needs, possibly by reviving a failed 2008 measure that would raise vehicle-registration fees, and improve health-care access.