From the Senate Minority office on Saturday:

Larimer County Republican House Representative Kevin Lundberg has been appointed as the newest Larimer County State Senator. Lundberg was appointed after an election by the Senate District 15 vacancy committee.

"I was greatly encouraged to have support from such a large majority of the committee. I intend to continue to represent Larimer County in the Senate as I did in the House," Lundberg said. "We have a tough job ahead of us, and I can't wait to get started working on solutions that help Coloradans during these tough economic times."

Lundberg will fill the seat vacated when former Senator Steve Johnson left to become a Larimer County commissioner.

Senators from around the state hailed Lundberg's appointment to the Senate.

Senate GOP Caucus Chair Mike Kopp, of Jefferson County, said, "I'm pleased to welcome Rep Lundberg to the Senate Republican team. Kevin is known to be a tirelessly principled legislator who always works hard on behalf of his constituents and state. I am confident he is the right man for the job, particularly in these challenging times."

Senator Greg Brophy, of Wray, also welcomed Lundberg to the GOP team adding, "His experience, common sense and fiscally conservative approach to problem solving is exactly what these times call for; he will make a difference."

"I was happy to hear about Larimer County's newest senator," said Senate GOP leader Josh Penry, of Grand Junction. "We need principled, dedicated people working on Colorado's challenging issues in the Senate and Senator-elect Lundberg is just the type of person we need.

Ben Degrow at Mount Virtus discusses why this is good for Larimer County and Colorado.

Please join me in welcoming Kevin Lundberg to the Colorado State Senate.