Learn About The Affordable Care Act

KD Kneeburg had her Letter to the Editor published this week in both the Casper Star Tribune and the Platte County Record Times. Read it here: Learn about health reform. If you visit the healthcare.gov page as suggested you will find some of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act already in place, including:

Providing Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credits: Up to 4 million small businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers. The first phase of this provision provides a credit worth up to 35% of the employer’s contribution to the employees’ health insurance. Small non-profit organizations may receive up to a 25% credit.

Cracking Down on Health Care Fraud: Current efforts to fight fraud have returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund in FY 2009 alone. The new law invests new resources and requires new screening procedures for health care providers to boost these efforts and reduce fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.

Expanding Coverage for Early Retirees: Too often, Americans who retire without employer-sponsored insurance and before they are eligible for Medicare see their life savings disappear because of high rates in the individual market. To preserve employer coverage for early retirees until more affordable coverage is available through the new Exchanges by 2014, the new law creates a $5 billion program to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans to continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents.

For more information on the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, visit www.ERRP.gov

Providing Access to Insurance for Uninsured Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions: A Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) will provide new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. States have the option of running this new program in their state. If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department of Health and Human Services in that state. This program serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited.

Learn more about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

Extending Coverage for Young Adults:Under the new law, young adults will be allowed to stay on their parent’s plan until they turn 26 years old. (In the case of existing group health plans, this right does not apply if the young adult is offered insurance at work.) Some insurers began implementing this practice early. Check with your insurance company or employer to see if you qualify.

Providing Free Preventive Care: All new plans must cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance.

Eliminating Lifetime Limits on Insurance Coverage: Under the new law, insurance companies will be prohibited from imposing lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, like hospital stays.

These are but a few of the positive changes made to assist people in keeping the cost of insurance under control and to help people achieve healthier lives.

Wyoming Democrats seek comments on 2012 Delegate Selection Plan

The Wyoming Democratic Party is seeking public comment on its draft delegate selection plan for the Democratic National Convention to be held in Charlotte, N.C., in September 2012.

The draft plan is available to the public for comment at the Wyoming Democratic Party's Website at www.wyomingdemocrats.com. The public comment period runs from March 22 to April 21. Written comments may be offered by e-mail to: luckett@wyomingdemocrats.com, or by mail to the state party at:
PO Box 1963,
Casper, WY, 82602.

Here is a summary of the plan:

Wyoming has a total of 19 delegates and 2 alternates.

Wyoming will utilize the results of a two-tier caucus system to apportion delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The step of Wyoming's delegate selection process will occur on Saturday, April 7, 2012, with a county caucus/convention in each of the state's 23 counties.

Participation in Wyoming's delegate selection process is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats. All persons residing in the county and registered to vote as Democrats at least 15 days prior to the county caucus/convention (no later than Mar. 23, 2012) may vote at the county caucus/convention and be elected as delegates to the State and National Conventions.

DISTRICT LEVEL DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Wyoming is allocated 10 district-level delegates and 2 district-level alternates. District-level delegate positions will be allocated to presidential candidates based on the presidential preference vote at county caucuses on Saturday, April 7, 2012. Candidates who have not attained a 15% threshold on a statewide basis shall not be entitled to any delegates. At Wyoming's Democratic State Convention in Laramie on Saturday, May 26, 2012, state delegates will elect district-level national delegates.


PARTY LEADER/ELECTED OFFICIAL AND AT-LARGE DELEGATES
Wyoming is allocated 2 party leader/elected official (PLEO) delegates and 3 at-large delegates.

PLEO and at-large delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated among presidential candidates according to the results of a presidential preference vote at the state convention. Candidates who have not attained a 15% threshold on a statewide basis shall not be entitled to any at-large delegates. The election of these delegates and alternates will also occur at the state convention.


"SUPER" DELEGATES
Four members of Wyoming's delegation to the national convention serve by virtue of their respective party or elected office. They are the state party chairman, the state party vice chairman, the Democratic National Committeeman, and the Democratic National Committeewoman.

In an effort to ensure that the presidential selection process more accurately reflects the results of votes by all eligible Democrats, the Democratic National Committee has eliminated the category of “unpledged add-on” delegates to the national convention. Further, Wyoming’s members of the DNC (the chair, vice chair and two national committee people) will be required to declare their support for a presidential candidate within 10 days after the State Convention.

Rachel Maddow features Wyoming Legislature

Rachel Maddow recently aired a segment on what small government conservatism can do, using the recent defeat of HB74 in the Wyoming Legislature as an example. Featured in the video are Cale Case and Phil Nicholas, both Republican members of our State Senate, and Chris Rothfuss, one of our four Wyoming Senate Democrats. This bill could not possibly have been defeated without the support of a number of Republicans, who chose to follow the Constitution over the opposing members desire to mingle their personal religious beliefs with the law of the land. Members of Fremont and Albany counties should be damn proud.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here in good ol' Platte County, we had a wonderful quote from one of our representatives, Frank Peasley: "Listen, I feel like you're destroying everything else that I have. You've gotten involved in the raising of my children, the way I discipline them, the way I feed them, whether or not I can smoke in the car, whether or not I have them properly equipped; you've just gotten into my life so much, let's just let me define the relationship I'm in, OK?”

I'm fairly certain allowing gays to marry would in no way nullify Mr. Peasley's marriage. It wouldn't have anything to do with his marriage. What Peasley is really saying is that he doesn't want other Americans, two consenting adults who love each other, to have the same rights that he enjoys. Why not?

We elect people to make our lives a little better, to uphold our laws, and to create laws that make this state a better place to live. Let's keep that in mind during the next election cycle. Let's vote for fairness and equality.

WyWatch keeping tabs on our State House and Senate

If you are a Facebook user, I suggest checking out the WyWatch Watchers group, which is doing a fine job of keeping tabs on the legislation and proposals that affect our personal freedoms.

There is just one week to go until the 2011 legislature session. The Republican Party candidates have clearly shown what kind of power trip they go on when they have control of the house, senate, and governorship of our state. It hasn't been pretty to watch, but hopefully this will get our party riled up and start planning for the 2012 election cycle. We need to toss out our district representatives. They have helped push through legislation that denies equality to all Wyoming citizens, and have successfully pushed their so-called morality issues while blindly ignoring our U.S. constitution.

Our county caucus is fast approaching in March. I'd like to see some serious discussion concerning our need to fight back and put some people in power that want to prevent this state from continuing down the path of prejudice and hate mongering.

Gov. Dave in 2010... are ya in or out?

Here is another article, this time from CQpolitics.com, speculating on what may come in the gubernatorial race in 2010. Some interesting points are made, including the idea that if Freudenthal doesn't intend to run, perhaps he should say so now so that another Democratic Party candidate can start getting a game plan together. It also name drops a couple of possible Republican contenders.

Democrats elect new state officers and Young Democrats leadership

Democrats elect new state officers and Young Democrats leadership
New Chair Leslie Petersen: Party must maintain its momentum of past four years

CASPER - The new state chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party said she is excited to be working with such a strong team of leaders that will guide the party over the next two years.

"I’m excited about this opportunity to help elect progressive leaders at all levels of government throughout Wyoming," said State Chair Leslie Petersen of Wilson. "I'm pleased to have such a great Executive Committee to work with and thrilled with the newly elected Young Democrats who are full of energy, enthusiasm and technological expertise."

The Wyoming Democratic State Central Committee elected new officers in Casper on Saturday, April 18, and the Young Democrats of Wyoming also met to elect representatives on the state party governing board.

State party officers elected Saturday include State Chair Leslie Petersen of Teton County, Vice Chair Mike Bell of Laramie County, Secretary Linda Barton of Fremont County, and Treasurer Chuck Herz of Teton County.

In addition, the Young Democrats of Wyoming elected the following officers for the next two years: Dana Walton, chair; Rey Fuentes, vice chair; Sean Williams, state committeeman; and Ellie Bolender, state committeewoman.

Chairman Petersen said two of her highest priorities for the coming election cycle will be spreading the Democratic Party's message and finding quality community leaders to run for elected office.

"We need to let the people of Wyoming know the many ways in which Democrats are working for the best interests of working families," she said. "Getting our message out is a critical component of the work we need to do over the next two years."

She said Democrats need to maintain their momentum from the past two elections, in which Democrats have gained a total of five state House seats. At the same time, the party needs to improve its performance statewide in county-level elections.

"There are a lot of good leaders in this state who are Democrats and who would make good elected officials," Petersen said. "Our mission will be to find those people and get them elected to office."

About Leslie
Petersen has previously served as a Teton County commissioner and has been involved with various conservation, political and natural resource boards. She has been a Teton County Democratic Party activist for years, is a former Teton County party chair, and served as the county's state committeewoman for the previous election cycle. She also worked as legislative liaison for former Wyoming Gov. Ed Herschler, and she was the Democratic Party's nominee for secretary of state in 1982 and for a state House seat in 1990. Petersen has helped organize fundraising events for presidential candidates Sens. John Kerry and Barack Obama that she said each raised more than $450,000. She is a retired realtor and is married to Hank Phibbs, chairman of the Teton County Commission.

About the Young Democrats of Wyoming
The four officers of the Young Democrats are all involved with the Rocky Mountain Democrats chapter at the University of Wyoming. Walton and Fuentes worked for the state party for several months during the 2008 election cycle.

Walton said the group plans to focus on identifying and recruiting volunteers and candidates for office. Added Fuentes, "We want to bring more young people into the Democratic fold."

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.

Get out the vote Platte County

By the end of the day, it will be "times up" for donating money to your favorite candidate(s). Most of the political hopefuls and diehards will be hitting the streets this weekend, a last push to find those few extra people that haven't quite decided to whom they will cast their ballot. This is the pre-party to the Superbowl of politics, Election Day. And like a diehard sports fan, I feel the need to trumpet the virtues of my team. We have some great players, and I'd like to see some touchdowns on Tuesday. First, Barack Obama is looking good but he needs every vote he can muster. Statewide, our best chance to bring home gold is with Gary Trauner with a U.S. House Seat. Locally, I'm thinking Terry Jones has a decent shot at getting the win in State House District #3.

Enough sports analogies. My point is, if you have a candidate that you want to support, this is the time to do it. Call your candidates and ask what you can do. Get out the vote!

Republicans flood Platte County with newspaper ads

Wow! The local Republicans hit the Platte County Record Times hard this week. Multiple ads from most of the candidates, and a reminder from the Wyoming Republican Party to "Vote Republican". House District #3 candidate Frank Peasley has a half dozen ads himself. He is running against Terry Jones. This ad amused me, I've done some editing:


I have a working relationship with his son here in Wheatland, who I consider a good guy. I just think this scare tactic of picturing a solely Democratic representation is a bit much. By all estimates, Enzi and Barrasso are safe in their seats, so there's a pair for the "R" column. And besides, wasn't it not so long ago that besides Governor Freudenthal, the representation we had was strictly Republican? Until the Dems won the Congress in 2006, we were completely lopsided in the GOP's favor. Our current elected officials representing Platte County and Wyoming (Enzi, Barrasso, Cubin, Anderson, Teter, Meier and Alden) are ALL Republican. So I ask the rebuttal question to our local citizens, Don't you want at least one Democratic voice heard? I know I do.

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

Wyoming Democratic Party needs your help Platte County Dems

I received this e-mail this afternoon from the Wyoming Democratic Party Treasurer Chuck Herz:

Ten days to go! And much at stake.

The congressional race in Wyoming is neck-and-neck. Gary Trauner leads Cynthia Lummis by a mere one percent in the latest polls and even the Republican National Congressional Committee admits that the race a tossup. We have a strong chance to elect the first Wyoming Democrat to either house of Congress in over thirty years.

We also have a strong chance to increase Democratic representation in both houses of the Wyoming Legislature, quite possibly enough to boost our representation on committees and secure any veto by Gov. Freudenthal. The Presidential and US Senate races currently look tougher, but we’ve an off-chance to pull a big surprise and should at minimum be able to narrow margins so that potential candidates, funding sources, the national party, and Wyoming Democrats will see Wyoming as much more competitive in the future.

Everything now depends on turnout. So we’re setting out to mount the strongest get-out-the-vote effort Wyoming has probably ever seen. An army of you are involved already, and thanks for that. But we need every Democrat in Wyoming to pitch in as much as they possibly can. So if you’re not already signed up as a volunteer to help whenever and wherever you can on the last weekend (November 1 and 2) and especially on Election Day itself (November 4), please, please do so now. If you’re already signed up, please consider signing up for another shift.Here are the contacts in each county with their contact information:

Here are the shifts for which we need volunteers:
Saturday, Nov. 1 Doors: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm
Saturday, Nov. 1 Phones: 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm
Sunday, Nov. 2 Doors: 12pm-3pm, 3pm-6pm
Sunday, Nov. 2 Phones: 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm, 6pm-8pm
ELECTION DAY, Nov. 4 Doors: 10am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4pm, 5pm-7pm
ELECTION DAY, Nov. 4 Phones: 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD DEMOCRATS TO COME TO THE AID OF THE PARTY, AND OF OUR EXCELLENT CANDIDATES AT ALL LEVELS! Good hunting.

If you can lend a hand, the contacts for Platte County are Katie Lass, 307-680-6128, katie@wyomingdemocrats.com, or Dana Walton, 307-258-1825, dana@wyomingdemocrats.com.

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

Citizens gather for Platte County Nursing Home

On Saturday, nursing home residents, Banner employees, and concerned citizens gathered outside the nursing home wing at Platte County Memorial Hospital to show support for keeping the nursing home open. CBS news from Cheyenne was there to cover the event. A short news video is available here: http://www.kgwn.tv/_videos/pages/200810185747.html

Banner Health is cancelling their contract to run the nursing home citing uncontrollable financial losses from the nursing home side of the facility over the past several years. In cancelling the contract, the Hospital District Board has to decide how to best handle the situation. They could:
A. Let Banner run the hospital and close the nursing home.
B. Let Banner run the hospital and find another entity to run the nursing home.
C. Find another entity to run both the hospital and nursing home.
D. Have the county run the hospital and nursing home.

What seems to not be an option is to negotiate a way for Banner Health to continue running both the hospital and nursing home. Banner, it seems, is not interested in operating the nursing home at this point, under any circumstances. Option B would seemingly be the hardest to accomplish. The nursing home and hospital share operational departments such as food service, laundry, housekeeping, and maintenence. Utilities are shared as well. It wouldn't be easy for two companies to negotiate a plan to share the employees and operational expenses. Option D is unlikely...the county simply does not have the resources and expertise to run a healthcare facility. From my vantage point, this leaves options A and C. Both will cause quite a stir, neither are optimal choices.

Regarding the politics of all this, the one person that may suffer backlash from community frustration is democratic candidate Joe Reichardt. He is the only Platte County Commissioner that is up for reelection this year. Although the commissioners have input, the negotiations in solving this dilemma are between Banner Health and the Platte County Hospital District Board. There are several names in the hat for the Hospital District Board. On the ballot in November are Rick Bowen, John C. Bunker, Crystal (Boettcher) Gamblin, Lori Modesitt, and Chuck Witte. These are brave people for wanting to be involved (or wanting to stay involved) in all this mess. The current Hospital District Board states they are doing their best to resolve the issue. Surely there must be a win/win solution to the problem. Any suggestions?

Chris Rothfuss vs. Mike Enzi: The Issues

There is a great collection of clips to watch from the debate between Chris Rothfuss and Mike Enzi that took place on October 5th at Casper College. Here are the youtube.com links:

Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Emission Limits
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Golden Parachute
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Gay Rights
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Abortion
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Finacial Crisis
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Hate Crimes
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Budget and Demand
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Taxes
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Experience
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Earmarks
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: Campaign Finances
Rothfuss vs. Enzi: No Child Left Behind

Meet the Candidates, Part II

Terry Jones spoke next at the forum. He is the only person running for either a state house or senate seat that is from Platte County. He would represent House District #3. He has worked forty-two years for the railroad, has been in Wheatland for 16 years. For two decades he has been with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Union, serving as Chairman for many of those years. He is endorsed by Wyoming Public Employee Association, NRA, AFL-CIO, Wyoming Education Association. His campaign issues discussed included property taxes, noting that Platte County may see their taxes increased the way others around us have, and would like to do something proactively before that happens. He discussed workman's comp, stating that currently your employer can absolutely stop workman's comp. He also discussed not letting land swaps happen and conserving our public lands. He noted areas where Democratic issues have succeeded in our state, including government transparency, the Hathaway scholarship, and the sales tax on food.

In the Q&A session, the current district map was discussed. Terry feels Platte County with a population of 8,000 people qualifies to have it's own district, noting that they will redistrict this county after the next census. He would like to be the voice of Platte County when this issue comes up. He was questioned about what issues face our children in Platte County. Terry felt strongly about education, starting with Head Start funding. He was asked about ideas to bring jobs into the county. Terry was hopeful that with good labor unavailable in Casper, that businesses may look to Platte County for their labor force, and he would like to provide the Wyoming Business Council with more funding to help promote business in Wyoming. He also stated that part of the problem is employers in the county not wanting to pay a salary beyond a certain level, $1200-1500/month. Questions about the nursing home situation were discussed briefly, and were deferred to our county commissioner candidate, Joe Reichardt.

Jason Wright, running for State Senate District #2, spoke next. He works in the IT department at the hospital in Douglas. He'd like to inject some new ideas into the legislature. He would like to push Wyoming into a leadership role on some important issues. He feels Wyoming, having the unique situation of having a small population and a budget surplus, would be able to adopt the first single payer healthcare system in the nation. He also is an advocate of preventative healthcare. He envisions if Wyoming had a single payer healthcare system, there would be a rush of businesses coming to the state for the advantage of not have to pay for health insurance costs to their employees. It would take the burden of healthcare costs and put it on society, and would allow them to be more competitive from this state.

Mr. Wright discussed was the idea of having having curbside recycling in Wyoming, and other forms of transportation to get around the state. In the Q&A, there was quite a bit of talk about using the rail system for traveling, also a state bus system and again a high speed rail, which would follow the current highway system. Jason Wright will be competing against Jim Anderson(R) on November 4th.

Russell Johnson of Veteran, WY is running for State House District #5, a position currently held by Matt Teeters(R) from Lingle, WY. He spoke about his two big issues, taxes and alternative energy. He believes taxes are a little misshapen where farmers, ranchers and some businesses are taxed on personal property. He proposes a state tax starting with over-the-median income, involving only the elite wealthy. For alternative energy, Wind and solar power are on his list of priorities. He is on a committee to start up a wind power district in his local area.

Joe Reichardt, one of three county commissioners for Platte County, spoke last. The county has many current issue, he said, but the situation with the nursing home is what is currently on people's minds. He wanted to make clear that Hospital District Board is responsible for the negotiations with Banner Health. He felt that Banner has been trying to get out of the nursing home business for awhile now, but feels that they signed a contract, and should take the profit and loss together. He stated that there were currently three possible outcomes. 1. Banner stays to run the hospital, and the nursing home closes. 2. Banner stays to run the hospital and nursing home, and they come up with an arrangement that would be acceptable for both sides for this to happen. 3. Another firm would take over and run both the hospital and nursing home. There was a lot of discussion regarding the nursing home, and Mr. Reichardt encouraged people to attend the meeting being held at the Cole Building in Wheatland at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14th.

Our Party Chairman, Don Kneeburg, did a great job giving everyone the opportunity to speak while keeping within the time frames allotted. This forum was a great opportunity to learn a little more about these candidates.

There will be another opportunity tomorrow, October 14th, to pose questions and to hear more from these candidates and others at the 4-H building (Platte County Fairgrounds) from 7-9 p.m. Please attend and bring your questions in written form.

Meet the Candidates, Part I

This is a brief summary of what I heard from the Wyoming Democratic Candidates for U.S. Senate during the Meet the Candidates forum in Wheatland on Sunday.

"When John Barasso took office and immediately shoved his snout in the trough of special interests, I knew someone had to take him on." stated Nick Carter on what compelled him to run for the office U.S. Senate currently held by Barasso.He commented "People in Wyoming want two things. First, they want someone they can trust will represent the people of Wyoming. Second, they want someone with the courage to stand up to their convictions and vote for what's best for the people and not for what will keep them in office."

Regarding healthcare, Mr. Carter feels that people with catastrophic illnesses including the seriously ill and injured, should be covered without the worry of bankruptcy, noting that 2 million people last year had to claim bankruptcy for medical reasons. He would like to make it so small businesses could afford healthcare, reasoning that with the ability to get healthcare, we would see a blossoming of small business from entrepreneurs that can't afford to go out on their own under current conditions.

Concerning energy, Mr. Carter commented that we do not have an energy policy, it's a patchwork of plans, noting that two years ago we thought that ethanol "would deliver us from evil". He would like to see a comprehensive plan to free us from oil in 10-15 years, using clean coal, solar, wind. John Barasso, he said, takes hundreds of thousands of dollars from big oil. He won't vote for wind energy tax credits. He stated that we need to get rid of special interests.

Mr. Carter stated the current financial condition is because Washington has been "Paid to look the other way" from Wall Street. He wants people to know that "Wyoming can't be bought".

Speaking next was Dr. Chris Rothfuss, who is running against Mike Enzi. He noted that when Enzi took office in 1997, the economy was strong, but there were some problems that needed to be addressed, including the foreseen social security problem, our energy reliance issue, and the state of healthcare. In twelve years, Enzi has provided no real solutions. From 2005-2007 Enzi was the chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee, which Chris stated made him "The most powerful person in the nation" regarding healthcare. He states Enzi had the opportunity to address healthcare, but says that who benefits the most from Enzi's "10 Point Plan" is the healthcare industry to the tune of 200 billion dollars.

Further noting Enzi's influence from the healthcare industry, he stated that Enzi has received a quarter million from the healthcare industry, while Wyomingites contributions have only totaled $50,000, five times less. He stated Enzi has received another $150,000 from pharmaceuticals. He chided the statement Enzi made that negotiating prices for Medicare Plan B "would not save any money", stating that Enzi is being paid to say that.

Dr. Rothfuss further spoke about the deregulation of the financial industry, noting that the banking regulation legislation from 1933 was removed in 1999, which was a catalyst for the problems we now face. He said "Nobody calls it corruption because EVERYONE is drinking from the trough". The solution? Send people to congress who are above it, referring to himself, Nick Carter and Gary Trauner as "The Untouchables".

In the Q&A session, topics discussed included if Mike Enzi's daughter was receiving money for consulting him(yes, a lot), the candidates stances on the 2nd amendment (both candidates are very much for protecting it as well as ALL our rights), how to rein in Washington lobbyists (federal financing of elections) coal fired power generation and the environment (proper regulation with cap and trade, reduce CO2 emissions produced and change over time to emission-free energy sources, both feel global warming is real), and a nationwide high speed rail system (both for it).

Part II will be a run down of the Wyoming State House and Senate candidates for Platte County, and our County Commissioner incumbent candidate, Joe Reichardt.

Platte County Democrats hold forum

It was a good afternoon in Wheatland as the Platte County Democrats hosted a Meet the Candidates event at the First State Bank Conference Center. I will update with information on what the candidates talked about by tomorrow. I'm grateful to the candidates for taking the time to talk to us, I am very pleased with our Democratic Party choices. Below are a few photos of the event. More soon...

3 Democrats, 0 Republicans attend forum

Associated Press - October 10, 2008 10:25 AM ET

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - It was Democrats three, Republicans zero at the League of Women Voters Forum in Laramie.

All three Democratic candidates running for Congress attended Thursday night's forum at the Albany Public Library. But all three Republican candidates sent other people to speak in their place.

Democratic House candidate Gary Trauner drove from Teton County to attend. Republican Cynthia Lummis sent her daughter to talk for her.

Democratic Senate candidate Chris Rothfuss lives in Laramie, so he didn't have far to travel. His opponent, Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, sent a campaign representative in his place.

Republican Sen. John Barrasso also sent a campaign staffer, while Democratic challenger Nick Carter showed up in person.

I'm glad our Democratic candidates are making the rounds across the state to meet people face to face. If you are going to be for the people, you should get to know the people. I am looking forward to hearing from them in Wheatland on Sunday, and hope to see them also on Tuesday. In reading their stances on the issues (see links for websites on sidebar), I feel confident in giving each of our three candidates my vote on election day.

Source: Laramie Daily Boomerang, http://www.laramieboomerang.com/

Trauner, Lummis and Herbert at Casper College

Dateline: October 5th. Gary Trauner, Cynthia Lummis and W. David Herbert (Libertarian Party) answered questions at Casper College on Sunday, taking turns speaking almost exclusively about domestic policy.

I seriously came close to blowing iced tea out of my nose in response to this statement from Lummis: I believe my party stands for limited government, low taxes, for keeping spending under control, and for balancing budgets. Sure, these are the usual pillars the GOP tout as their platform, but c'mon. She seriously wants to speak of balanced budgets and keeping spending under control? Considering the past eight years, that's a verbal pill I find a bit hard to swallow.

Lummis also made a slip of the tongue, referring to Barack Obama as "Osama". Nice one, Cynthia. She apologized after the forum. Perhaps the gaffe provides us with some insight into her psyche.

Gary Trauner made a comment regarding healthcare that tells it like it is. He said "The United States already has a nationalized health care system because 20 cents to 30 cents of every health care dollar goes toward paying for those who are not covered by insurance. Health insurance coverage for everyone is morally the right thing to do and the economically right thing to do." Well said, Mr. Trauner.

Platte County citizens will have a couple of opportunities to meet Gary Trauner and other candidates over the next week. The Platte County Meet the Candidates forum is scheduled for Sunday, Oct 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the First State Bank Conference Center (Wheatland). Then on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. locals can meet candidates from both sides of the aisle at the 4-H Building at the Platte Co. Fairgrounds in Wheatland.

I believe I've stated this before, but it is worth repeating. Gary Trauner missed defeating Barbara Cubin in Platte County by only 125 votes in 2006. Isn't Gary Trauner the better choice for Wyoming in 2008? I ask you to talk to your friends and neighbors to discuss the congressional race. This gets down to the local level, and we can truly make a difference in our county.