Scanlan won't try to switch Colo. legislative seat

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Democrats are breathing a sigh of relief after state Rep. Christine Scanlan announced Friday she has no plans to run for the state Senate.

Scanlan was considered a prime contender to replace state Sen. Dan Gibbs, a Democrat representing Lake, Eagle and Summit counties. He plans to step down next year at the end of his term.

Democrats were worried that Scanlan giving up her seat in the House could set off a series of falling dominoes that could cost them control of the state Senate next year. They currently hold a 21 to 14 seat majority in the Senate.