Ritter, Kennedy and surprise Republican activist applaud Groff nod

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter on Friday called the appointment of Senate President Peter Groff to a U.S. Department of Education post a “tremendous gain” for the federal government but a “big loss” for the state in a prepared statement.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced Friday afternoon Groff was the Obama administration pick to head the department’s Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center. Ritter and Groff are both Democrats.