The vacancy committee in House District 23 has selected a replacement for retiring Rep. Gwyn Green.
Unlike recent vacancies in Denver, which attracted numerous candidates for seats that are essentially safe, Max Tyler was unopposed and unanimously approved as Green's replacement. A small business owner and longtime Democratic activist, Tyler cleared the field early as some potential candidates chose not to run and others decided against challenging the popular former House District chair.
Green mentioned a few local leaders as potential replacements, including former House District 23 chairman Max Tyler, Golden Mayor Jacob Smith and Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy.
Jefferson County Democratic Party chairwoman Ann Knollman said no formal applications have been filed nor a date scheduled for an appointment committee. She said people are also discussing failed Jefferson County Commission candidate Jason Bane, who won more votes than any other Democrat before him.
Democrat Gwyn Green (HD-23) has resigned her seat in the state house effective June 1. Green had one more term left to run for, but had been rumored to be interested in stepping aside for a long time because of her age and health.
House District 23 is a probable top target in 2010 for both Democrats and Republicans. Likely replacements are activist Max Tyler or Golden Mayor Jacob Smith, with Tyler as the odds-on favorite.
