Breakfast With Brooke

First Lady Jeannie Ritter Prepares For Convention

DENVER (CBS4) ― Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter is looking forward to next year's Democratic National Convention.

"We are really poised not just to showcase the city and our state," she said, "but some of the real strengths we have in Colorado that we can get people to step up and get on board with."

Ritter getting on board means planning for more than 400 parties. "Get your sensible shoes out, that's what I would say."

She knows preparing for the convention is a big responsibility but she's also proud to have the opportunity.

"It is the bicentennial of the Boettcher Mansion so it's a great time to showcase Colorado's governor's mansion," Ritter said. "We'll be having all kinds of functions and gatherings, it'll be great."

Having the convention come to Denver also gives Ritter a chance to renew some acquaintances she made during a national meeting of governors.

"I was struck how many of the governors nationwide and their families want to come," she said. "My kids have connected with those families so that will make it fun."

Ritter said the convention attracts a different energy to politics.

"The young people come forward at a time like this and get caught up in it," she said. "Look at the great issues we have in place, hope for real national healthcare and hope for strides in renewable energy.

"Colorado is a real leader. We could really push this to the national conversation."

And Ritter believes the visitors who come for the convention will take a bit of Colorado home in their hearts.

"They're clamoring to get here; they'll leave with cowboy hats and boots," she said. "We're the West. The more time you spend outside of Colorado, the more you understand what a unique state we have, what a varied state."

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