First Lady Jeannie Ritter wanted to wear blue jeans to the photo shoot.

After all, as soon as the cameras left the Governor’s Mansion Monday morning, she planned to move the last of the boxes from their house in south Denver into their palatial digs for at least the next four years.

But she donned a skirt and a blue jacket because, after all, "Billy" would be dressed.

"He has to work all day," she said.

Seconds later, in strolled "Billy," better known as Gov. Bill Ritter. He had already gone to work at the Capitol but came back for the 15-minute photo shoot to let the public see how the Ritters have settled into the mansion.

Gov. Ritter, a toothpick in his mouth, feigned surprise when he saw his 13-year-old daughter, Tally.

"What are you doing home from school?" he asked.

"We talked about this last night," she said.

Actually, Ritter thought his daughter shouldn’t miss the first hour of school, but was outvoted.

"My vote matters so much more at the Capitol," he said, with a laugh.

The exchange revealed plenty about the down-to-earth family now calling the art-filled, historic mansion home.

The Ritters live on the second and third floors, but the first floor is open for public events.

The governor noted he got his political start on the first floor. That’s where former Democratic Gov. Roy Romer in 1993 interviewed him when the job of Denver district attorney came up.

Ritter, considered the longshot, ended up being named district attorney.

Ritter, who became governor on Jan. 9, said he’s surprised at many how Coloradans ask about the mansion, and how happy they are that the first family is living there.

bartels@rockymountainnews.com or 303-95