Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, a former brewmeister who first won office by railing against the "fundamental nonsense of government," is one of Colorado's most popular Democrats.

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff has campaigned throughout the state on various ballot measures, inpressing voters with a style that's part Jon Stewart, part policy wonk.

Their names were repeatedly mentioned Monday as possible successors to U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, but others Democrats - from members of Congress to state officials - also got a nod.

"You could throw a dart at any one of these people on the list and they would be great," said state House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder.

"The Democratic Party is in an embarrassment-of-riches situation. We've got great people who could step in," she said.

If, as expected, Salazar joins Barack Obama's Cabinet he would resign the Senate seat he won in 2004. Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter would appoint a successor, who would have to run for the seat in 2010.

Ritter also could appoint himself to the post, but few experts believe that's likely.

Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer would not address any specific questions related to a possible Salazar successor.

Other Democrats mentioned for Salazar's seat include state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, state Senate President Peter Groff and three U.S. representatives - Diana DeGette, of Denver; Ed Perlmutter, of Golden; and Salazar's brother, John Salazar, of Manassa.

"I think the Democrats have to think very carefully about who they're going to put in here," pollster Floyd Ciruli said. "The person has to be able to raise money and have sufficient experience and get off the blocks pretty quickly."

Republicans are watching closely.

"I will say that while I do not think that Ken Salazar is unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination, not having an elected incumbent in 2010 makes it a better shot for us," said Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party. "I cannot think of an invincible Democrat."

Many Republicans said they like the idea of John Salazar being appointed, which would create a vacancy in the 3rd Congressional District, where the GOP has an advantage. Any congressional vacancy would result in a special election in the spring.

Ciruli said that in his most recent poll, the most popular Democrats statewide were, in order, Ritter, Hickenlooper and Ken Salazar.

A Hickenlooper appointment would set off another game of musical chairs. He was first elected mayor in 2003 and re-elected in 2007. "There are a lot of possibilities out there, and rather than engaging in endless speculation, I choose to stay focused on running the city," Hickenlooper said.

Ciruli said that while Romanoff might not have the same ID as Hickenlooper, he is well-known and respected around the state and would be a "pretty strong contender."

Romanoff is on the short list to become secretary of state. He could not be reached for comment.