By Don Knox, STATE BILL COLORADO
As we wait for today’s announcement, here’s a list of perceived winners and losers from Gov. Bill Ritter’s decision not to pursue a second term.
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WINNERS

SCOTT MCINNIS: Is now the time to start running a shadow government?

JOHN HICKENLOOPER: If he’s in it, he could win it. But he can’t waffle.

PRISONERS: Get your clemency appeals in.

DEMOCRATS DISSATISIFED WITH RITTER: Happy New Year!

COLORADO’S BUREAUCRACY: Unplanned executive changes are the reason it endures.

BRANDON SHAFFER: The Senate president keeps his job beyond January 2011. That says a lot.

CARY KENNEDY: If she survives November’s election.

BERNIE BUESCHER: Sometimes you win by losing.

TISHA CONOLY SCHULLER: It’s a game-changer for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association.

COLORADOPOLS.COM: The left’s tongues wag here.

LOSERS

RITTER’S CABINET: The band is breaking up.

PROSPECTIVE PANEL APPOINTEES: Ritter’s penchant for creating and appointing blue-ribbon commissions won’t be continued.

UNIONS: Ritter gave them a lot (though not nearly as much as the rank-and-file sought).

RITTER’S LEGACY: This answer would be different had the New Energy Economy coincided with an economic boom.

COLORADO SUPREME COURT: Ritter figured to provide it protective cover for a contentious retention election in the fall.

STEPHANIE VILLAFUERTE: She’ll be forced to confront her next move now, instead of five years from now.

POLITICAL DONORS: More money out the door — and more uncertainty.