Ex-state Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon dead

Former state Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon has died.

His son Ben told The Denver Post that he appeared to have suffered a major heart attack Sunday.

The Denver Democrat was 63. He was a lawyer and former public defender whose political passion was reducing the influence of big money in politics. He served in the state House before being elected to the Senate.

Former Republican Gov. Bill Owens said Gordon was willing to set aside partisanship to do what was best for Colorado.

Democratic Party chairman Rick Palacio called Gordon a “great public servant” and said he worked hard to support transparency and accountability in government.