Political figures line up as state graduation speakers

Though President Bush will be the state's most prominent commencement speaker this year, a number of other political figures will be addressing Colorado grads next month as well.

Gov. Bill Ritter will deliver commencement addresses for Trinidad State Junior College on May 9, Colorado State University's College of Liberal Arts on May 17, and Telluride High School on May 20, a press release stated.

First Lady Jeannie Ritter will speak at the University of Northern Colorado commencement on May 10 and a "continuation" ceremony at Ebert Elementary School in Denver on May 28, the release stated.

Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will address 2008 graduates at Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison on May 10 and Metro State grads on May 18, the release stated.

CD-4 Democratic candidate Betsy Markey will deliver the commencement address for Front Range Community College, her manager said Monday.

President Bush will address the Air Force Academy's graduating class May 28 in Colorado Springs.

ALSO on PolitickerCO.com:

• POLL | Who will deliver the best commencement speech?

CORRECTION: Barbara O'Brien is the lieutenant governor of Colorado, not the state attorney general, as originally stated.