Culminating a weeks-long selection process, Gov. Bill Ritter this morning tapped state Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, to fill the vacancy in the office of Secretary of State on the occasion of current officeholder Mike Coffman's election to the U.S. Congress. Below the fold: photos and audio of the announcement.

Buescher, at left, with RitterFTS Staff Photo

Use the flash player above, or download an MP3 of the press conference using the links below. The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has more on the announcement and its political implications.