Talk with Gov. John Hickenlooper covers everything from ballot measures to challenges of the job

DENVER -- Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper says he's opening his life to yet another act.

The governor made the comment during an extended sit down interview with Politics Unplugged hosts Anne Trujillo and Marshall Zelinger.

Hickenlooper originally came to Colorado as a geologist, but later founded the Wynkoop Brewing Co. He said when he did that, he learned he was a better business owner than geologist. After he was elected as Denver's mayor in 2003, he said he learned he was a better public servant than business owner. He said he can't wait to see what life holds for him after he leaves office in two-and-a-half years.

The discussion inside the capitol covered many topics, including the governor's thoughts on many of the issues facing Colorado voters in November, including a proposal to raise the state's minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020. 

The governor said he is "sympathetic" to the measure.

“I am very sympathetic to it because right now, I’ve talked to a bunch of restaurant people…You can’t find a dishwasher for even $11,” Hickenlooper said. “If you want to keep a good dishwasher, you give the, $11.50, $12. Well that’s what they’re talking about getting by 2020…almost everyone in the restaurant business is already making a minimum wage.”

Hickenlooper also reflected on the days in office where he felt he was the state's "consoler-in-chief" and that his upbringing made him ready for the role.

He also talked about the possibility of some day being named to a national post like Secretary of the Interior.

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Politics Unplugged airs Sundays at 4 p.m. on Denver7.