Posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
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."
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."
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
“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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
