Buescher names Judd Choate as state’s new Elections Director

New director brings deep legal and educational background

Denver, August 31, 2009 – Today, Secretary of State Bernie Buescher named Judd Choate as the new Elections Director for the office.

“Judd brings extensive legal experience and an impressive educational background that will benefit both the voters and the staff of the Elections Division,” Buescher said. “This is a critical position with some major milestones coming down the pike and I’m excited to have Judd on board to lead these efforts.”

Before practicing law in Colorado, Choate received his master’s and doctorate degrees in Political Science from Purdue University. Choate went on to serve as assistant professor of political science at Baker University and the University of Nebraska. Choate also worked for the Nebraska Supreme Court, where he was appointed Director of a statewide task force researching barriers within the Nebraska legal system.

Following law school at the University of Colorado, Choate accepted a two-year appointment as a law clerk to the Colorado Supreme Court. During his tenure, the Supreme Court considered dozens of ballot initiatives. Additionally, Choate also worked as a legal intern for Judge Timothy Tymkovich of the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and Judges Jolene Blair and Terrence Gilmore, both of the Colorado’s 8th District Court.

“I welcome this amazing opportunity to serve the people of Colorado in the Secretary of State’s Office.” Choate said. “My parents and my mentor, Justice Alex Martinez, preach the mantra of public service. This is my chance to give back.”

Presently, Choate is an attorney at the law firm Kelly Garnsey Hubbell + Lass, where he specializes in election law and commercial litigation. For instance, Choate serves as outside counsel for the City and County of Denver in a dispute with a DIA contractor.

“I believe in the non-partisan administration of elections.” Choate said. “Maintaining a collaborative, non-partisan approach to addressing the challenges we face at the Division of Elections will be my primary goal.”

Secretary Buescher agreed, noting that Choate’s experience as an attorney will help the Division of Elections.

“I think it’s important to bring in stakeholders and others with experience working with the government that understand how the law affects those ‘in the trenches,’” Buescher said. “Judd recognizes the need to remain non-partisan but I expect his experience and education will help both in our outreach efforts and in the application of Colorado’s election law.”

Choate’s career prior to the law is diverse. For instance, before his graduate studies at Purdue University, Choate was a baseball scout for the Kansas City Royals.

Choate lives in Stapleton with his wife and family. As he concludes his client commitments at the law firm, Choate anticipates officially starting at the Department of State the first week of October.