Former Secretary of State Bernie Buescher threw his support behind Democratic attorney general candidate Phil Weiser Thursday, calling the former University of Colorado law school dean a creative problem-solver with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Buescher, a former state lawmaker from Grand Junction who also served as deputy attorney general, said he’s been a fan since Weiser returned to Colorado to helm CU’s law school after working for the Obama White House advising the president on technology and innovation.

“What makes Phil really exceptional is that he is one of those leaders who takes an entrepreneurial and can-do attitude to problem solving,” Buescher said. “All too often, government functions on auto-pilot, continuing to do what it has always done. Under Phil’s leadership, the attorney general’s office will be an engine for progress, with an innovative and creative problem-solving mindset that will improve our state and the lives of all Coloradans. Whatever issue comes up – whether it’s health care, bringing broadband to all parts of our state, protecting our water rights, or reforming our criminal justice system – Phil will be a leader who brings people together, finds creative solutions, and gets things done.”

Weiser is one of five Democrats running for the office held by Republican incumbent Cynthia Coffman, who has said she’s considering jumping into the crowded GOP primary for governor.

The other Democrats in the field are state Rep. Joe Salazar of Thornton, prosecutor Michael Dougherty, Denver attorney Brad Levin and former federal prosecutor Amy Padden.

“It’s tempting to grow cynical or feel deflated about the future of our politics and our government,” Buescher said in a statement endorsing Weiser. “Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Phil, who genuinely care about all Coloradans, bring an innovative spirit and mindset to government, and know how to get things done.”

Buescher was appointed secretary of state by Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter after the Republican incumbent, Mike Coffman, won a suburban congressional seat in 2008. Buster lost his bid for a full term to Republican Scott Gessler but was tapped by Republican Attorney General John Suthers as his second-in-command, a position he held for nearly four years. He works at Denver law firm Ireland Stapleton Pryor and Pascoe.