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Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Platte County Elections Results November 4, 2008
The results are in, and for the state of Wyoming and Platte County, the GOP has a sweep.
It was hardly a surprise that Mike Enzi (R) and John Barrasso (R) , our state Senators, would keep their elected positions. They earned 76% and 74% of the votes, respectively.
Cynthia Lummis (R) captured the larger percentage of votes, winning our lone congressional seat, 126,016 to 100,724 (2572 to 1710 in Platte County) in a heated race with Gary Trauner.
Our new representative for State House District #3 will be Frank Peasley (R), in a close race against Terry Jones (D). The final votes for Platte County were 1522 to 1240. District #5 will continue to be represented by Matt Teeters (R), who earned 66% of the vote in Platte County. The state senate race was a blowout. Jim Anderson (R) defeated Jay Wright (D) with 67.5% of the votes in Senate District #2.
More locally, we now have an all-Republican County Commissioners Board, with Terry Stevenson (R) defeating incumbant Joe Reichardt (D), 2559 to 1843. He will join Tim Millikin and Dan Kirkbride.
The people elected for the Hospital District Board were Rick Bowen, John C. Bunker, Crystal Gamblin and Lori Modesett. Chuck Witte lost his position by 30 votes.
Wheatland will have Alan Madsen and Bob Shoemaker as city councilmen.
Guernsey will have Audrey Brown as a councilwoman for a four year term. Penny Wells and Cindy Frederick have been elected to hold two year terms.
Constitutional amendments A and B both passed, as did the Senior Citizen Tax Continuation.
Further results for school district positions, judges, resource conservation districts and the like can be viewed here, under "Election Results".
Although the news from the national stage was overwhelmingly positive for Democrats, the state and local winners reflect the fact that Wyoming is still a stronghold for the Republican Party. I hope that the elected officials will make thoughtful decisions, and I encourage them to remember the nickname of our state. We are the Equality State. Let that be reflected in your work for the people of Wyoming.
And to our Democratic candidates, I congratulate you for your tireless efforts of campaigning. In this state, you have the struggle of earning each and every vote, simply for having a "D" behind your name. I've been able to listen to many of you, and know that you have selfless desires for a better way of life for this and future generations. Keep believing in those dreams, and never forget the mantra: Yes we can!
It was hardly a surprise that Mike Enzi (R) and John Barrasso (R) , our state Senators, would keep their elected positions. They earned 76% and 74% of the votes, respectively.
Cynthia Lummis (R) captured the larger percentage of votes, winning our lone congressional seat, 126,016 to 100,724 (2572 to 1710 in Platte County) in a heated race with Gary Trauner.
Our new representative for State House District #3 will be Frank Peasley (R), in a close race against Terry Jones (D). The final votes for Platte County were 1522 to 1240. District #5 will continue to be represented by Matt Teeters (R), who earned 66% of the vote in Platte County. The state senate race was a blowout. Jim Anderson (R) defeated Jay Wright (D) with 67.5% of the votes in Senate District #2.
More locally, we now have an all-Republican County Commissioners Board, with Terry Stevenson (R) defeating incumbant Joe Reichardt (D), 2559 to 1843. He will join Tim Millikin and Dan Kirkbride.
The people elected for the Hospital District Board were Rick Bowen, John C. Bunker, Crystal Gamblin and Lori Modesett. Chuck Witte lost his position by 30 votes.
Wheatland will have Alan Madsen and Bob Shoemaker as city councilmen.
Guernsey will have Audrey Brown as a councilwoman for a four year term. Penny Wells and Cindy Frederick have been elected to hold two year terms.
Constitutional amendments A and B both passed, as did the Senior Citizen Tax Continuation.
Further results for school district positions, judges, resource conservation districts and the like can be viewed here, under "Election Results".
Although the news from the national stage was overwhelmingly positive for Democrats, the state and local winners reflect the fact that Wyoming is still a stronghold for the Republican Party. I hope that the elected officials will make thoughtful decisions, and I encourage them to remember the nickname of our state. We are the Equality State. Let that be reflected in your work for the people of Wyoming.
And to our Democratic candidates, I congratulate you for your tireless efforts of campaigning. In this state, you have the struggle of earning each and every vote, simply for having a "D" behind your name. I've been able to listen to many of you, and know that you have selfless desires for a better way of life for this and future generations. Keep believing in those dreams, and never forget the mantra: Yes we can!
It's happening... Barack Obama, President-Elect!
It's 8 p.m. MST and at this point, there is no way for John McCain to win this election. Barack Obama is going to be our next President of the United States of America!
One might notice from the celebration venues that perhaps McCain already knew this. Barack's party in Grant Park in Chicago is huge. McCain's party in Arizona is a small affair, with Hank Williams Jr. providing party music to entertain what must be a depressed audience.
The rest of the votes need to be counted, but this race is over. Congratulations Barack Obama and Joe Biden! You both ran a good race and it was a well deserved win. I'm looking forward to the inauguration on January 20, 2009!
One might notice from the celebration venues that perhaps McCain already knew this. Barack's party in Grant Park in Chicago is huge. McCain's party in Arizona is a small affair, with Hank Williams Jr. providing party music to entertain what must be a depressed audience.
The rest of the votes need to be counted, but this race is over. Congratulations Barack Obama and Joe Biden! You both ran a good race and it was a well deserved win. I'm looking forward to the inauguration on January 20, 2009!
photo by dailykos.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gary Trauner and the Preamble to the Constitution
Tomorrow is the big day. It is my sincerest belief that we need a U.S. House Representative that will represent everyone in Wyoming. As my final plug for Gary Trauner before the election, I offer this piece from Gary, regarding the Preamble to the Constitution.
Preamble to the Constitution
When I made the decision to run for Wyoming's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, I went back to the document that set the foundation for our new country, the Constitution of the United States of America.
The founders of this great country clearly believed in the role, and the ability, of the federal government in ensuring the success of the new democratic experiment they were embarking upon. They also clearly believed that the federal government should have specific responsibilities. In fact, the founders laid out their views directly in the very first words of the Constitution, the Preamble. It states: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I'd like to provide you with my thoughts on how the specific ideas set forth in the Preamble apply to Americans as we enter the 21st century.
We the People of the United States, in Order to:
* Form a more perfect Union
o Encourage voting and participation in the political process for all citizens, not just those of a certain party or race
o Remove discrimination against any identifiable group through legislation and, if need be, court enforcement
o Encourage tolerance of diversity and acceptance of differing views and lifestyles
o Ensure that all citizens have the ability to believe and worship in their own way, without forcing anyone to believe or worship in any specific way
* Establish Justice
o Ensure that we are a country that is respectful of the rule of law by setting up a system of public justice through courts and judges
o Fight corruption through reasonable regulatory oversight of our citizens and business enterprises, utilizing appropriate enforcement tools when necessary
* Insure domestic Tranquility and provide for the common defence
o Maintain a well-equipped, well-trained military that is superior in all aspects to the rest of the world
o Work with other countries
o Ensure that the National Guard is well-equipped and well trained and used primarily for domestic purposes, such as natural disasters and keeping the peace
o Protect and make secure our homeland
o Only go to war when it is absolutely necessary and as a last resort
o Ensure that all people are treated equally, regardless of race, creed, religion or lifestyle preference
* Promote the general Welfare, and
o Make policy based not solely on the narrow focus of corporate interests, but for the broader well-being of the people and our families
o Provide basic, quality health care for all citizens, irregardless of employment, age or economic status
o Provide quality educational opportunity for all children
o Ensure a level playing field for competitive enterprises through reasonable regulatory oversight and compliance
* Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
o Ensure individual freedoms and freedom from government intrusion in our private lives
o Act in a fiscally responsible manner, properly funding government so as not to unduly burden our children and future generations
o Preserve our natural heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities for all Americans and future generations
o Pursue an energy policy that is sustainable for future generations, works for our national security and is balanced with preserving our natural heritage
do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I encourage you to join me in voting for Gary Trauner as our Wyoming choice for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Preamble to the Constitution
When I made the decision to run for Wyoming's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, I went back to the document that set the foundation for our new country, the Constitution of the United States of America.
The founders of this great country clearly believed in the role, and the ability, of the federal government in ensuring the success of the new democratic experiment they were embarking upon. They also clearly believed that the federal government should have specific responsibilities. In fact, the founders laid out their views directly in the very first words of the Constitution, the Preamble. It states: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I'd like to provide you with my thoughts on how the specific ideas set forth in the Preamble apply to Americans as we enter the 21st century.
We the People of the United States, in Order to:
* Form a more perfect Union
o Encourage voting and participation in the political process for all citizens, not just those of a certain party or race
o Remove discrimination against any identifiable group through legislation and, if need be, court enforcement
o Encourage tolerance of diversity and acceptance of differing views and lifestyles
o Ensure that all citizens have the ability to believe and worship in their own way, without forcing anyone to believe or worship in any specific way
* Establish Justice
o Ensure that we are a country that is respectful of the rule of law by setting up a system of public justice through courts and judges
o Fight corruption through reasonable regulatory oversight of our citizens and business enterprises, utilizing appropriate enforcement tools when necessary
* Insure domestic Tranquility and provide for the common defence
o Maintain a well-equipped, well-trained military that is superior in all aspects to the rest of the world
o Work with other countries
o Ensure that the National Guard is well-equipped and well trained and used primarily for domestic purposes, such as natural disasters and keeping the peace
o Protect and make secure our homeland
o Only go to war when it is absolutely necessary and as a last resort
o Ensure that all people are treated equally, regardless of race, creed, religion or lifestyle preference
* Promote the general Welfare, and
o Make policy based not solely on the narrow focus of corporate interests, but for the broader well-being of the people and our families
o Provide basic, quality health care for all citizens, irregardless of employment, age or economic status
o Provide quality educational opportunity for all children
o Ensure a level playing field for competitive enterprises through reasonable regulatory oversight and compliance
* Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
o Ensure individual freedoms and freedom from government intrusion in our private lives
o Act in a fiscally responsible manner, properly funding government so as not to unduly burden our children and future generations
o Preserve our natural heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities for all Americans and future generations
o Pursue an energy policy that is sustainable for future generations, works for our national security and is balanced with preserving our natural heritage
do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I encourage you to join me in voting for Gary Trauner as our Wyoming choice for the U.S. House of Representatives.
On Election Eve, The Star-Tribune endorses Obama
In this morning's Casper paper, the editorial board of the Star-Tribune endorsed Barack Obama for President. Am I surprised? Somewhat. Am I encouraged by this? Yes. A few highlights:
What America needs most in these troubled times is a president who will move the country in a positive direction. The candidate who is most likely to chart a new course that will lead us to better days is Obama. Moreover, he is the best candidate for Wyoming.
Wyoming's energy-based economy is faring better than the nation's, but there's no guarantee that will last forever. Obama supports the development of clean-coal technology, which could assure a future for our vast coal resources. His focus on energy independence through a major investment in alternative energy research and development could lead to the creation of new industry and jobs in the state, and dovetails nicely with the work being done at the new School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming.
McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, however, shows extremely poor judgment. She has shown repeatedly that she is simply not ready to fill McCain's shoes.
With his emphasis on diplomacy along with a commitment to protecting America, Obama gives us our best hope of regaining the respect of other nations.
His campaign has been an honorable one that has focused on inclusiveness and hope. The three presidential debates showed Obama to be a calm, thoughtful leader with a unique vision of the future. The contrast with his opponent, who seemed angry and erratic, could not have been more stark or more telling.We endorse Barack Obama for president.
Wyoming as a whole will most assuredly give our three electoral college votes to John McCain, but I don't believe he will get to the magic number of 270. I know Barack Obama is the better choice to improve our lives. I am optimistic about tomorrow, as well as the future of this country.
Source:http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/11/03/editorial/editorial/8fb5b809854145d7872574f50026785c.txt
What America needs most in these troubled times is a president who will move the country in a positive direction. The candidate who is most likely to chart a new course that will lead us to better days is Obama. Moreover, he is the best candidate for Wyoming.
Wyoming's energy-based economy is faring better than the nation's, but there's no guarantee that will last forever. Obama supports the development of clean-coal technology, which could assure a future for our vast coal resources. His focus on energy independence through a major investment in alternative energy research and development could lead to the creation of new industry and jobs in the state, and dovetails nicely with the work being done at the new School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming.
McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, however, shows extremely poor judgment. She has shown repeatedly that she is simply not ready to fill McCain's shoes.
With his emphasis on diplomacy along with a commitment to protecting America, Obama gives us our best hope of regaining the respect of other nations.
His campaign has been an honorable one that has focused on inclusiveness and hope. The three presidential debates showed Obama to be a calm, thoughtful leader with a unique vision of the future. The contrast with his opponent, who seemed angry and erratic, could not have been more stark or more telling.We endorse Barack Obama for president.
Wyoming as a whole will most assuredly give our three electoral college votes to John McCain, but I don't believe he will get to the magic number of 270. I know Barack Obama is the better choice to improve our lives. I am optimistic about tomorrow, as well as the future of this country.
Source:http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/11/03/editorial/editorial/8fb5b809854145d7872574f50026785c.txt
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