Ritter opposes affirmative action measure

DENVER — Gov. Bill Ritter says he opposes a ballot measure that would ban affirmative action in the awarding of state contracts, employment and admission to Colorado universities. He says the measure is a California import that doesn’t fit with Colorado.

Ritter joined business leaders Monday on the steps of the state Capitol to speak against Amendment 46. He says it would destroy years of progress in education, health care and work force development.

Supporters say economic-based affirmative action should replace that based on race and gender.

The amendment is similar to initiatives bankrolled by former University of California regent Ward Connerly and approved in California, Washington and Michigan. A similar measure is on Nebraska’s ballot.