Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, today took herself out of the competition to replace Ken Salazar in the U.S. Senate.

"Today I informed Gov. Bill Ritter that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate vacancy created upon Senator Ken Salazar's confirmation as Secretary of the Interior," she said in a statement.

She continued, "After serious deliberation and consultation with my family, supporters, and colleagues in Congress, I have concluded I can best serve the citizens of the 1st Congressional District and Colorado from my current leadership positions in the House of Representatives."

DeGette is a chief deputy whip and vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

In those positions, she said, "I will play a significant role in formulating critical legislation, including measures addressing health care reform, global climate change, energy policy, and public lands, in the 111th Congress."

"Moreover, I can be more effective in ensuring that the upcoming stimulus package and highway bill benefit our state in my capacity as the most senior member of the Colorado congressional delegation than as the most junior senator."

Various political observers said Monday that they expect Ritter to announce a pick within days, long before Salazar's scheduled Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 15.

Among the remaining candidates are Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; outgoing state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff; Reps. John Salazar and Ed Perlmutter; Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet; state Senate President Peter Groff; former state Senate President Joan Fitz- Gerald; former state Sen. Polly Baca; former U.S. Senate candidates Tom Strickland and Mike Miles; former U.S. Attorney Henry Solano; and former Ambassador Swanee Hunt.