Platte County Meetings with reps for Enzi, Barrasso and Lummis

Courtesy of Gail Heimbuck (thanks Gail!)

U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and U.S. Congressman Cynthia Lummis are announcing that their representatives are scheduled to hold Office Hours in Platte County on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.
Their schedule will be:
Guernsey - Town Hall, 81 West Whalen Street, 10 – 10:30 am
Wheatland – Town Hall, 600 9th Street, 11 am – 12 pm
Area residents are encouraged to stop by during these times to discuss matters regarding the federal government. All comments and concerns will be relayed to Senators Barrasso and Enzi and Rep Lummis.
For more information, please call Jamie Gronski at 307-772-2451.

Representative Cynthia Lummis will be in Wheatland on Thursday, May 19th at the Platte County Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon that will held at the Wheatland Country Club beginning at Noon. She will be giving a Legislative update. Call the Chamber at 322-2322 to RSVP for the luncheon.

If you can attend one of these meetings, please do so! If you haven't heard, our three representatives were recently in the news for being supportive of a U.S. constitutional "repeal amendment" to give individual states to the ability to say "This part of our federal law doesn't apply to us." It's doubtful the legislation would pass through congress, but the implication is that they don't feel Wyoming should have to obey the laws of our union, our UNITED states. I feel the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall!" would be applicable to this situation.

News You Can Use: April 4, 2011

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Obama's energy policy is doublespeak - .: United States Senator ... U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., made the following comments following a speech by President Obama today regarding his energy policy. ...

Cynthia Lummis is coming to town

Forwarded from our Chairperson's e-mail:

Hello Fellow Democrats,

The 14th of August Cynthia Lummis will be conducting a town hall meeting from 5-6PM at the (Platte County) library. I encourage everyone to attend and show support for our President, especially concerning health care. I will make a best effort to attend, but have some medical issues Im dealing with. This is a chance for your voice to be heard. Lets show Lummis that the Democrats of Platte County are involved to progress our country forward.

~ Charles McDonald

Cynthia Lummis VS Stephen Colbert

I missed this last month! Stephen Colbert sits down with Cynthia Lummis in his "Better Know A District" segment. I give credit to Cynthia for holding her own, even if she wasn't familiar with the meaning of "cougar" that Colbert meant. Here's the link.

Gary Trauner post election

It sounds as if Gary Trauner is taking his loss to Cynthia Lummis fairly well. He ran a good campaign, and even captured more votes in Wyoming than our Democratic presidential ticket of Obama/Biden. He makes a few statements in this Jackson Hole Daily article. A couple of clips:

“I think historically, presidential years are tougher for Democrats in Wyoming,” Trauner said.

“I had faith that the people of Wyoming would see through all the crap,” Trauner said. “I was wrong.”

“I don’t feel as upset as I did last time,” Trauner said. There was “nothing we could have done differently.”“At the end, it wasn’t going to happen,” he added. “I did the best I could.”

Indeed, it was a tough year for Wyoming Democrats. But the Obama/Biden win brings hope that this national nightmare will improve. Already we are seeing the world's reaction, and we are being viewed in a more positive light.

I wonder if Gary will run again? My job will be to follow the Lummis voting record over the next two years. I predict we are going to find her voting along party lines, but I'll bet she'll show up to vote more than Barbara Cubin.

I also predict that the 2010 race will be just as hard for a Dem to win. Perhaps Obama will have made some great progress with the economy and health care by then, and people might see that voting for a Democrat isn't a deadly sin. Trauner could try for the House seat again...but a certain position held by Gov. Dave will be up for grabs soon. Maybe he needs to think about staying in Wyoming, but switching residency to a different corner of the state. He needs to step back for awhile and regroup, spend time with his family, and think about his next move. I don't think this is the last we have heard from Gary Trauner, he is too passionate to stay on the sidelines.

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!

Dick Cheney Speaketh in Laramie

Dick Cheney sayeth:

Vote for Mike Enzi. Grrrrr.

Vote for John Barrasso. Arrrrrr.

Vote for Cynthia Lummis. Growwwwl.

And the good Republican people replied: Yes, my Lord.

Lummis leading Trauner at end of October

Polls conducted from Oct 27-29 show Cynthia Lummis having a lead over Gary Trauner, 49 to 45, compared to a previous poll where Trauner led 44-43. It's still close, but it's not the best news for those hoping for Democratic representation in Congress.

So what's going on here? My best guess is that people afraid of a "Democratic majority" are trending toward Lummis, to offset the fact that Barack Obama is likely going to be our next President of the United States. Yesterday I was speaking to one of our Democratic candidates running for office, and we agreed that in 2006 we may have seen a lot of "No More Cubin!" votes going to Gary. Perhaps it is a combination of the two. At any rate, this race is not over, and Gary Trauner is still the best choice for Wyoming to send to Congress. But we need every Democrat, Independent, and tired-of-partisan-politics Republicans to get to the voting booth. This is not a time to stand on the sidelines. Talk to your neighbors, friends and relatives. Ask them to do the same. At this point, with four days to go, it's a ground game. Game on!

Gary Trauner, a non-partisan choice for Wyoming

There is a good article appearing today in the Jackson Hole Star Tribune covering Gary Trauner on the campaign trail. Here's an excerpt:

Trauner said he connects with members of the GOP by helping them understand that he's fed up with partisan politics in Washington. He also acknowledges up front
that they may not agree on every issue."When they hear that I think the biggest
problem in Washington, D.C., is blind loyalty to party on both sides, that
loosens people up pretty fast," Trauner said.He also likes to tell people that
he's a "regular guy," not a career politician, and didn't even consider running
for Congress until a few years ago."I am just a regular guy with kids who got
fed up and decided to run for Congress," Trauner said to just about everybody he
met in Cheyenne.

If you watched the debate from Monday, you'll have noticed that Gary is on point regarding his non-partisan approach. He tackled Cynthia Lummis' question to him about voting for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House by saying, and I'm paraphrasing here, if there was a better choice presented to him, he'd surely choose him or her. Gary Trauner is the candidate who is going to speak his mind. Cynthia Lummis keeps repeating that she is for "Wyoming Values", which I feel she thinks is equivocal to "Republican Values". They are not one in the same, I assure you. We have had years of voting along party lines. It's time to put in a Wyoming Congressman that thinks for himself. Gary Trauner is that candidate.

Full article: http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2008/10/28/news/wyoming/e932de5d36bb3051872574f100061be0.txt

Trauner, Lummis and Herbert Debate on PBS

The Trauner, Lummis and Herbert debate, held Monday October 27th, is available on Wyoming PBS. You may click here to watch. Topics of discussion in part one included the economy, healthcare, social security, care for our veterans, climate change and energy. This was a question and answer portion. Part two had the candidates sitting down and asking each other questions. Topics included negative campaigning, Nancy Pelosi and political party allegiances, the current unpopular congress, and pro-life/pro-choice issues. They all finished off with closing arguments.

The video is 27 minutes long and well worth viewing.

Cynthia Lummis donates her pocket change

Cynthia Lummis gave her campaign $100,000 of her own money on Saturday to pay the campaign's bills, including television ad production, press expenses and phone banks.

Ummm, I don't know about y'all, but I certainly don't have a bank account with that kind of money laying around. Must be rough. I'm sure if she were elected she'd be the voice of the common man, looking out for the middle class, right? I don't think so.

Source: http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=9246283&nav=menu554_2_2

Final Wyoming Candidates debates on PBS

Here is a great chance to see the candidates debate head to head before making our choices in the voting booth on November 4th. Wyoming PBS is hosting a set of three debates, one for each open seat. The dates are October 26-28, and the lineup is as follows:

U.S. Senate Debate #1 airs Sunday, October 26 at 7:00 PM - Dr. Chris Rothfuss [D] debates incumbant Senator Mike Enzi [R], who is seeking reelection to his third term in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. House Debate airs Monday, October 27 at 7:00 PM - Gary Trauner squares off against Republican nominee Cynthia Lummis for Wyoming’s sole seat in the U.S. House.

U.S. Senate Debate #2 airs Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00 PM - Nick Carter [D] takes on Sen. John Barrasso [R], who was appointed in 2007 to the U.S. Senate.

Right now you have the opportunity to send questions for the candidates.

Over the years, moderator Geoff O'Gara has found some of the best questions for
these debates come from our viewers. So we invite you, our readers and viewers, to send your questions directly to him at gogara@cwc.edu. Questions may be directed to specific candidates, specific races, or to candidates in all three debates.

I'm sending off a couple... I encourage you to do the same, and tune in to watch! It will also be on Wyoming Public Radio if you aren't going to be near a television.

Déjà vu, Freudenthal endorses Gary Trauner

Yesterday Governor Dave Freudenthal endorsed Gary Trauner in his bid for our one Wyoming seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Like the race two years ago, the endorsement has come fairly late in the game. In fact, this whole race is a déjà vu to the congressional race in 2006.

First, Gary promised to run a clean campaign and he has, just like when he ran against our soon-to-be ex-representative Barbara Cubin. Some say it cost him the seat last time around, but it is a testament to his integrity.

Secondly, the Republican National Committee has begun a mailing blitz attempting to label Gary Trauner as an extreme liberal who doesn't share the interests of Wyoming citizens. The same thing happened two years ago, when they saw that Trauner was a contender. But it's malarkey. How "extremely liberal" can a guy with an A- rating from the NRA be? Gary defines himself as an independent thinker, and will not vote simply for party politics.

Thirdly, as mentioned already, Governor Dave has waited until the final throes of the race to give the nod to Gary. I know he is picky about his endorsements, but really, why couldn't he support Mr. Trauner earlier on? Gary is the same person, with the same viewpoints and positions, as he was two years ago. I do applaud the fact that our Governor criticized Cynthia Lummis for taking credit for the budget surplus. His support is appreciated, but I was hopeful, with his popularity in the state, that he would have been behind Gary throughout the election cycle.

Lastly, as in '06, this race is too close to call. With Republicans outnumbering Democratic voters two to one in Wyoming, getting any Democratic candidate to Congress is a uphill climb. People need to look at the candidates character, read their stances on the issues, and vote. Gary Trauner would be a great representative for our state. Look what we got from Cubin over the last two years...straight voting along party lines, when she bothered to show up. Gary deserves the opportunity to show what he can do for Wyoming. He deserves my vote and yours.

Full Endorsement Transcript

Debates and more debates

In this article from the Casper Star Tribune, Terry Jones and Frank Peasley field questions about a statewide smoking ban, penalties for drunk drivers, health care, spending of budget surpluses, business promotion and housing shortages, among other things.

From the Gillette News-Record, this article covers the Trauner, Lummis and Herbert debate from October 5th. They discuss partisan politics, the federal bailout, the Wyoming Range Bill, and retirement benefits for congress. Is it just me or do those three names together look like a law firm? Just saying.

Coming up tomorrow is the forum at the Platte County Fairgrounds. 7-9 p.m., or until the last debater is standing.

Don't forget about Wednesday, the third Presidential debate will be broadcast on a television near you. Bring it on home Barack!

Why is Cynthia Lummis Running for Congress?

From the homepage of Cynthia Lummis' Website, I have taken the liberty to play the role of Gary Trauner in composing a rebuttal to Cynthia's interest in running for congress (my responses are in red):

Cynthia's Top 6 Reasons for Running for Congress
1. Because I love Wyoming; our state and its people represent a uniquely wonderful corner of the world. I completely agree, me too.

2. Because I am an idealist and an optimist; I think that public service can make a difference. Hey, so am I! I have great ideas about health care, green energy and especially taking care of our vets and soldiers. After all, haven't our military men and women provided the greatest service to our country? I 'm optimistic that I can help turn this country back around after having been under the Bush regime for eight years.

3. Because this is a challenging time, both here and abroad. Challenges, to me, are a call to service. Things have only become worse from the time I ran for congress in 2006. While Republican Barbara Cubin accumulated the worst voting record in congress, the last two years have brought us even more challenges. Challenges like the national debt, the further occupation in Iraq, the meager attempts to diminish our dependency on foreign oil. Gosh, where have those challenges come from? Oh, yeah. From the Republicans. Yeah, I am up for challenges, too.

4. Because the Federal government has always had, and continues to have, a big influence on the shape of Wyoming's future; Wyoming's voice in Congress needs to be strong and authentic. I'm pretty sure I act strong and authentic. For instance, I would never have a member of my election team call in to a question and answer session and pretend they are someone else to try and trip up my opponent. I would feel bad about doing something like that.

5. Because how we address the matters of energy, the environment, national security and the economy today, directly affects our children's future. Yeah, the Republicans have always been about the environment, haven't they. Alaskan wilderness. Spotted Owls. Global Warming. Nature freaks, that's what they are. Spending billions in Iraq, all the while creating more disdain for the United States globally, I agree are definitely affecting our children's future. In a bad way.

6 .Because I listen, and will continue to listen, to Wyoming people in order to most effectively represent their interests in Washington. I'm going to listen to all the people in Wyoming, including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. Because I'm not about serving the party line. I'm about making a difference, and leaving this world a better place for the next generation.

With apologies to Mr. Trauner; who I'm sure would say these things more eloquently than me.