Morgan throws hatin ring for Denver DA

Veteran prosecutor Helen Morgan launched her campaign for Denver district attorney this week, joining a crowded field of candidates hoping to take the reins next year after term-limited DA Mitch Morrissey leaves office.

Morgan is chief deputy district attorney and her slogan is, “A prosecutor, not a politician.”

The others in the race so far are state Rep. Beth McCann, D-Denver, CU Regent Michael Carrigan and Denver prosecutor Kenneth Boyd, who are all running for the Democratic nomination for DA. Morgan has filed as an unaffiliated candidate, potentially prolonging the campaign past next summer’s primary in the overwhelmingly Democratic judicial district.

“I have dedicated my professional life to the pursuit of justice,” Morgan said in a statement. “As a chief deputy district attorney I know how critical it is to have an elected district attorney who has extensive experience in the field of criminal law as well as the ability to lead and inspire an office of over 200 people to do the right thing each and every day.”

She received her undergraduate degree in political science and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law.

Colorado AFL-CIOnames state director

The Colorado AFL-CIO this week announced Sam Gilchrist has started work as the labor organization’s state executive director.

Prior to his arrival in Colorado, Gilchrist led workers in Indiana, Ohio and Connecticut on organizing drives, political campaigns and legislative action, the AFL-CIO said

“I’m looking forward to working with Sam at the helm of the Colorado AFL-CIO,” said Colorado AFL-CIO president Jason Wardrip. “Sam brings a fresh perspective to the table. He has the experience we need to lead this organization in the right direction, and work alongside our affiliate members and local labor councils in the fight to improve the lives of working families throughout Colorado.”

Deacon heads to D.C.to assist pope with mass

Colorado Deacon Jerry Kotas, a board member of Colorado Interfaith Power & Light, is heading to Washington, D.C., to assist Pope Francis as a Deacon Eucharistic Minister at the Sept. 23 Papal Mass at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The organization, which counts Muslims, Jews, Catholics and Protestants among its members, plans to mark the pope’s congressional address with a vigil on Sept. 24 urging Congress to heed the papal message on climate change.