Casper Star-Tribune

 

Uranium and wind industries short of workers

“The growing uranium and wind industries in Wyoming both face constraints with finding workers, panelists at an energy economics summit said Thursday….”

 

BLM releases final oil shale plan

“Federal officials are releasing a final plan for opening nearly 2 million acres of public land in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado to commercial oil shale development….”

 

Report: State loses millions due to tobacco use

“Tobacco use costs Wyoming hundreds of millions of dollars each year in lost productivity and health care, according to a report released by the state on Thursday….”

 

***Freudenthal: Complete uranium study

“Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal is urging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission not to delay the completion of an environmental study on uranium mining….”

 

WHP seizes $10 million in heroin

“The largest seizure of heroin in recent history, possibly ever, by the Wyoming Highway Patrol was made on Interstate 80 on August 26….”

 

McCain vows change in Washington

“ST. PAUL, Minn. -- John McCain, a POW turned political rebel, vowed Thursday night to vanquish the "constant partisan rancor" plaguing the nation as he launched his fall campaign for the White House. "Change is coming" to Washington, he promised the Republican National Convention.”

 

Exemptions from vaccines increase

“More Wyoming parents are choosing to seek exemptions for their children for vaccinations, according to health officials….”

 

District, state remind parents of the importance of vaccinations

“Vaccination rates for children in Wyoming have increased, but students in Natrona County School District still return to school with incomplete immunization records….”

 

LTE:  True statesmen make better choices  by DICK BLUST Jr., Rock Springs   --  Anti-McCain

“…In a not-even-thinly-veiled grab for the votes of disaffected Hillaryites, he chose instead a Northern Exposure Barbie. A statesman, a national leader, would not have chosen style -- especially questionable style -- over substance.…”

 

LTE:  Behavior forfeits constitutional rights by SARA GALARZA, Casper

“…Mr. Wood asked that someone please explain to him the "logic behind this law." I'd be glad to.  When a protection order is issued against a person, that person is usually ordered to not be in possession of firearms for the duration of the protection order. It is only when that person proves no self-control by violating that protection order and is convicted of that protection order violation that any rights are then removed for life.  It is fitting that a person with this lack of self-control lose his right to be in possession of firearms.…”

 

LTE:  Assistance opens door to control by ELISE GERINGER Cheyenne East High School Student, Cheyenne  Pro-Lummis & Anti-Trauner

“…Although I am young, I have been surrounded by politics my entire life. I believe that we should limit the influence our government has in our every day lives.  By instituting government-run health care, we would be giving the government license to infringe on our health care choices. When we allow them to design the system, we also allow them to make the rules.  What if a new section in the policy states that if you smoke or chew tobacco, drink X amount a week, or do not exercise regularly, you will have limited benefits?  Think of the increase in taxes. Bush's tax cuts were not on the "wealthy," as many believe, but on the middle-class.  Although Cynthia Lummis has been attacked regularly, I stand firm in my belief that she is the best candidate for Wyoming. She was completely within her rights to point out Gary Trauner's upbringing and say that perhaps this would limit his true grasp of Wyoming values. Conversely, Trauner could say that his experiences on the East Coast give him an advantage, enabling him to see the bigger picture. That isn't dirty campaigning, those are facts. Let's all try to be a little less sensitive so we don't suppress the discussion.”

LTE:  Debate takes tiny piece of big picture by KATHY NICKODEMUS, Casper, asking citizens to support candidates for more than one issue: i.e. a more comprehensive view of pro-life…not just pro-birth.

 

 

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

 

Statewide ban, higher tobacco taxes may cut smoking, study finds

“Increasing taxes on tobacco and employing a statewide ban could reduce smoking and its effects in Wyoming….”

 

Local ranchers and farmers learn about the impact of climate change

“Climate change is altering rangeland management….”

 

 

Wyoming Public Radio

 

Panel: economics left out of energy debate
“Panelists at the University of Wyoming's energy economics summit say financial realities often ground lofty energy goals….”

 

Head of Wyoming Infrastructure Authority Will Step Down
“The head of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority will step down at the end of next month….”

 

WY Republicans Liked McCain's Speech
“Wyoming Republicans say John McCain set the proper tone for his campaign during his acceptance speech….”

 

McCain and Obama clash on economy

“Presidential rivals John McCain and Barack Obama, back on the campaign trail after their party conventions, clashed over the ailing U.S. economy on Friday as unemployment hit its highest monthly rate in nearly five years….”

 

McCain Promises 'Change Is Coming'

“John McCain, promising "change is coming" to Washington, accepted the Republican presidential nomination Thursday night, kicking off a fall campaign between two candidates who both pledge to upend the status quo in what may well remain a closely divided race until Election Day….”

 

Obama Fires Back At Palin Attacks

“Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin addressed the Republican National Convention Wednesday and leveled a series of withering attacks at Barack Obama. The Democratic presidential nominee has responded during a pair of battleground campaign stops in Pennsylvania….”

Real | Windows

 

 

Wyoming Business Report

 

TransCanada buys Wyo-N.D. pipeline developer
“TransCanada is proceeding with plans to ship natural gas....”

 

Universal Well Site Solutions opens new office in Wyoming

XXL Energy Corp. adds to Green River Basin acreage

 

Laramie Boomerang

 

First woman voter honored

“Louisa Ann Swain holds the distinction of being the first woman to vote in a general election in the United States when she voted on Sept. 6, 1870, in Laramie City….”

 

 

Jackson Hole News & Guide

 

Jackson delegates praise address
“John McCain, a POW turned political rebel, vowed Thursday night to vanquish the “constant partisan rancor” that grips Washington as he launched his fall campaign for the White House. “Change is coming,” he promised the roaring Republican National Con-vention and a prime-time television audience....”

 

 

Cheyenne Herald, the local advocacy journal

 

Sarah Palin has a friend in Cheyenne

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah (Heath) Palin has a Wasilla, Alaska high school classmate in Cheyenne. And she’s also running for public office!

 

 

Cheyenne Network News

 

***Governor's Public Schedule

 

Wildlife Trust Fund Restores Habitat in Weston County

 

WY Law Found Insufficient RE: Firearm Rights

 

 

K2TV - KTWO - Casper Channel 2 or 6 and Cheyenne Channel 8

 

*** Equality State Leads Nation In Wage Gap

Wyoming leads the nation in the wage gap between men and women.  That’s according to the u-s census bureau figures for 2007.  The Wyoming state economic analysis division says women's median earnings are 63 percent of men's median earnings.  The division believes the principal reason was the dominance of mining industry jobs, including oil and gas, in the state.  Other higher paying industries such as utilities, wholesale trade and transportation in Wyoming also have big gaps in the mixture of workers by gender….”

 

KGWN - Cheyenne Channel 5

 

New Report: Wyoming Not Doing Enough To Limit Second Hand Smoke Risk
“The state of Wyoming needs to do more to protect it's citizens from the effects of second hand smoke. That's the message in a new report out Thursday….”

  Watch Video

 

 

Local News 8  - Idaho Falls, ID

 

News Minute: Here is the latest Wyoming news from The Associated Press

 

DENVER (AP) - Potential development of the West's oil shale reserves has taken a step forward. The Bureau of Land Management released a final plan for opening nearly 2 million acres of public land in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado to commercial oil shale development. Some officials in Wyoming and Colorado have questioned the push to approve plans and leasing regulations considering that development isn't imminent.

 

LANDER, Wyo. (AP) - A Mexican national has been sentenced to serve 45 to 50 years in prison on convictions of kidnapping a woman in Shoshoni and raping her at knifepoint. Jesus Jurado Soto-Cruz was sentenced this week in Lander for the December crime. Soto-Cruz will be deported after he serves his sentence.

 

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Officials from Wyoming's varied energy resource industries say they're competing for workers. Uranium and wind industry officials said at a University of Wyoming conference that they face a shortage of workers as they compete with the booming oil, gas and coal industries.

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The contentious case of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse has taken another turn. Environmental groups have announced their intent to sue the government over removal of Endangered Species Act protections for the mouse in Wyoming. They take issue with a federal government policy that allows protections for only portions of a species' range.

Casper Star-Tribune   LTE: Global ambitions replace diplomacy   by TOM BISHOP, Atlantic City Anti-Lummis “Now that Cynthia Lummis has been properly chastised for her could-have-been-expected blunder, perhaps we could get both Lummis and her opponent, Gary Trauner, to engage in meaningful comments. How about answering some relevant questions?  Do Lummis and Trauner support the George W. Bush doctrine of global democratization? Bush doctrine: "  we have begun a world democratic revolution that will continue until all the despotisms of the Middle East are overthrown and replaced by democracies." (Quotation taken from the book, "Where the Right Went Wrong," by Patrick J. Buchanan.)  Preemptive warfare: Bush doctrine: "No nation will be permitted, ever again, to rise to a position of power to where it can challenge the United States, global or regionally."  Or do she and Trauner support the admonitions of George ...continue reading

Do you know where your candidates are and what help and support they need in these final weeks?   Click here to check out their websites and get in touch!     MEET & SUPPORT WYOMING STATE LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES   ...continue reading

Wyoming Business Report   *** Congressional candidates to appear at Cheyenne forum   PLEASE ATTEND THIS EVENT TO SUPPORT TRAUNER!   He’ll appreciate friendly faces in the crowd! “The three candidates running for Wyoming’s lone congressional seat will appear in Cheyenne on Sept. 5 in the fourth of a series of congressional forums sponsored by Chambers of Commerce across the state.   W. David Herbert (L-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Gary Trauner (D-WY) have all indicated that they will attend the forum, which will be held in a tent in Cheyenne’s Depot Plaza from 11:30 am until 1 p.m.   The forum panelists will include Dennis E. Curran, executive editor of the Wyoming Business Report, Mick Birge of the Cowboy State News Network/ KFBC Radio, and D. Reed Eckhardt of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. The moderator will be Rick Schum, board chairman of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.  The forum is being held in ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune *** FORUM:  American energy for the American people by Gary Trauner “There has been a lot of posturing recently about the best way to secure America's energy future and, by extension, the strength of America's economy and leadership position in the world.  Since the day I started running for Wyoming's lone seat in the U.S. House, I have been saying that the search for sustainable energy independence is the issue of our time. It affects our national security, our economy, our environment and the legacy we leave to future generations….”   LTE:  Outsiders see state with fresher eyes by MARY LOU MARCUM, Cheyenne  Pro-Trauner “I am 71 years old and have spent many of those years in Cheyenne and consider this my home.…Many of us are here to absorb, to appreciate, to recognize, to celebrate Wyoming, to stand in awe of its vastness and emptiness, to respect its toughness and ...continue reading

Holy Torrential Trauner!!!  Check out the press for the last TWO days…   *** Trauner Releases Statement on Energy   MUST READ--Proposal has three key elements: Short-term, long-term and immediate action. (Office of Trauner Campaign) -- Since the day I started running for Wyoming's lone seat in the US House, I have been saying that the search for sustainable energy independence is the issue of our time.  It affects our national security, our economy, our environment and the legacy we leave to future generations. But over the past four months, as I have continued to campaign door to door, community to community, I have heard countless stories of the incredible burden that out of control gas prices have put on Wyoming's families, businesses, and particularly, seniors on fixed incomes.  As I attended forum after forum during the primary season, most of my opponents embraced the simple slogan of "Drill Here, Drill Now." That's ...continue reading

CSPAN will be covering the Convention LIVE from “Gavel to Gavel” C-SPAN offers gavel to gavel coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives. C-SPAN also offers a variety of public affairs programming including congressional hearings, press briefings from the White House, State Department and Pentagon, campaign and election coverage, and international programming.   Roll Call   Udall Urges Democrats to Stick to Center With the Democratic National Convention having kicked off in earnest Monday afternoon, Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) cautioned that the four-day Denver event could cause problems for Democrats running in the Mountain West region if the messaging veers too far left of center. Udall, who is running for Senate, lumped himself in that category during an interview last week and said that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) might also suffer ...continue reading

Gary Trauner, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, will hold a press conference tomorrow to unveil and discuss his energy proposal and you are invited!    It is an innovative new policy proposal….and you can be the first to hear the details.   American Energy for the American People   Tuesday, August 26th   9:30 AM at the Ghost Town gas station at 6680 W. Yellowstone Highway in Casper and  3:00 PM at the Trauner HQ at 211 W. 18th Street in Cheyenne   For further information contact Adam Ruff at 307.699.4956 or  adam@traunerforcongress.com ...continue reading

***Just in case you missed it, you can read Obama’s Prepared Text     Sheridan Press   *** Fulfilling Democratic duties:  Sheridan resident a superdelegate at convention   “Sheridan resident and Wyoming Democratic Party Vice Chair Nancy Drummond leaves today for Denver to fulfill her duties as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, which starts Monday…Drummond’s husband, Bruce, is Sheridan County committeeman for the Democratic Party and will accompany her to the convention. Sheridan County  Democratic Chairwoman Janet Maxwell will also go with Drummond to Denver.  Drummond is in her sixth year as Wyoming Democratic Party Vice Chair — her third term — and said this will be her last term. ‘When I first got involved,  people didn’t whine as much, and that whining really starts to wear on you,” Drummond said.’”     Casper ...continue reading

Politico   Lummis wins GOP primary in Wyoming “…Lummis heads into the general election against Democratic businessman Gary Trauner as the favorite to succeed retiring Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-Wyo.). But Democrats believe they have an outside chance at winning in this heavily Republican state, though without the controversial Cubin on the ballot, it will be a tough challenge.”   The Hill   State treasurer wins GOP nod in Wyoming “…Lummis defeated rancher and businessman Mark Gordon 46-37, while 2006 candidate and former Navy officer Bill Winney took 12 percent.  She will now face 2006 Democratic nominee Gary Trauner, who fell to retiring Rep. Barbara Cubin (R-Wyo.) by 1,000 votes and was set to face her again before she retired.”   Roll Call   Lummis Declared Winner in Wyoming Primary “It might be a perilous environment for ...continue reading

Monday, August 25: One Nation Click here to read the text of speeches delivered on Monday Tuesday, August 26: Renewing America's Promise Click here to read the text of speeches delivered on Tuesday Wednesday, August 27: Securing America's Future Click here to read the text of speeches delivered on Wednesday Thursday, August 28: Change You Can Believe In Click here to read the text of speeches delivered on Thursday ...continue reading

Where to begin in summarizing Tuesday's Democratic National Convention experience for your Wyoming delegation? How about at the very end, with Sen. Hillary Clinton's amazing speech to top off the night? Sen. Clinton is a fabulous orator on a normal day, but I've never seen her in this rare of form. She laid it on the line, in no uncertain terms: If you supported Clinton's candidacy and what it stood for - be that its historical ramifications or its policy significance - if you care about the things that Hillary was fighting for, then you must vote for Barack Obama this November. Our nation will be much better off in every imaginable way under an Obama Administration than it would with McCain as president. Arbitrary note: The "Hillary" signs that were passed around the convention hall were, in this blogger's opinion, the coolest signs we have seen so far in the convention. Check out this photo . It's a little hard to see the Hillary signs in all their ...continue reading

Actually, I'm writing this at the beginning of Day Two. As a special bonus part of the whirlwind of activity known as the Democratic National Convention, your tireless executive director has the dubious honor of being the designated Credentials Collection Agent for the Wyoming Democratic Party. This means I have to be in our hotel lobby between 4:45 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. every day to meet the nice folks from the DNC who deliver the credentials for our state delegation for that day. To their credit, both mornings the DNC folks have been here at 4:45 a.m. sharp, which leaves me with some down time I can use to appreciate the value of a full night's sleep - as a concept, but certainly not as a reality. Truth is, it's hard to go to sleep at bedtime when you've just spent six hours at the Pepsi Center for the first National Convention of your life. My personal highlight of the night was when Ted Kennedy took the stage in an unscheduled appearance. I mean, he wasn't on the evening's agenda, ...continue reading

For Compete State and Federal Primary Election Results: http://soswy.state.wy.us/Elections/ElectionResults.aspx   Casper Star-Tribune   Lummis wins GOP primary “Former State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis won Tuesday's Republican primary for Wyoming's lone seat in the U.S. House.  Unofficial results show Lummis defeating Johnson County businessman and rancher Mark Gordon 46 to 38 percent, with 99 percent of precincts reporting…A recent ad by the Gordon campaign depicted Lummis as a little girl digging herself into a hole in a sandbox, implying Lummis would support policies that would worsen the nation's problems. An ad by the Lummis campaign depicted Gordon's head pasted on a cartoonish body and mentioned Gordon's past contributions to Democratic candidates, including John Kerry.  Both candidates criticized the opposition for distorting the facts.  Campaign finance figures through July 30 ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   EDITORIAL:   Primary voter turnout: Wyo can do better   “…Two years ago, the lack of contested Democratic races was singled out as the main reason for the lack of voter interest in the primary. The same complaint could be registered this year. Gary Trauner is unopposed for the party's U.S. House nomination, and the two Democratic contests to oppose Republican U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso haven't generated much excitement.  Some Wyoming Democrats may be tempted to switch parties, so they can help the GOP choose Trauner's opponent. It's difficult to determine how such a move might affect the Republican primary, because there's no general consensus about who would be a tougher foe for Trauner in the general election.  Because of the interest in the GOP's four-way U.S. House race and the hard-fought campaign between front-runners Mark Gordon and Cynthia Lummis, independents who wish to ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Wyoming briefs “Plans for ethanol plant stall….”    Farmers feel impact of increasing costs POWELL (AP) -- Wyoming farmers are receiving higher prices for their products this year, but it also cost them more to produce them.   Governor to ask for backup howitzer for Sylvan Pass “Gov. Dave Freudenthal said he will ask the Legislature for money to buy a backup howitzer to use for avalanche control on Sylvan Pass.”   Candidates differ on government involvement in economy “To help the economy, the government should develop a comprehensive energy policy, increase regulations for the mortgage industry and get its spending under control, said Nick Carter, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.”   COLUMN: Change and the elections “…Between February and August, the total number of registered ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   EDITORIAL: Dems should choose Rothfuss   University of Wyoming instructor Chris Rothfuss may be a political newcomer, but he's our clear choice to win his first election. His opponent is Torrington house and sign painter Al Hamburg, a perennial candidate whose presence on the ballot is difficult to take seriously, even though his main issue, what he calls "the stupid, wasteful war in Iraq," is a vital one. But Rothfuss also wants to safely withdraw our troops. Rothfuss, who has a doctorate in chemical engineering, brings a lot to the table. He says he wants to bring a scientist's perspective to the energy issue. He has called for a balanced, long-term energy policy that includes coal, oil, natural gas, wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear power. Rothfuss wants to double the domestic coal production -- which would obviously benefit Wyoming -- and liquefy that additional amount, to reduce our dependence on ...continue reading

USA Today   Military donations favor Obama “U.S. soldiers have donated more presidential campaign money to Democrat Barack Obama than to Republican John McCain, a reversal of previous campaigns in which military donations tended to favor GOP White House hopefuls, a nonpartisan group reported Thursday.  Troops serving abroad have given nearly six times as much money to Obama's presidential campaign as they have to McCain's, the Center for Responsive Politics said.  The results also are striking because they favored Obama, who never has served in the military. McCain meanwhile, is a decorated war veteran who spent nearly five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The Arizona senator graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and had a 22-year career as a naval aviator Obama has opposed the war in Iraq and says he would withdraw combat troops within 16 months. McCain has been a steadfast supporter of the war, saying he would withdraw the troops ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Wyo drivers drive less, highway tax revenue holds steady “Many Wyoming drivers are heading in the same direction as those elsewhere in the nation by not going anywhere….”   BLM sets grouse protection zone “The greater sage grouse will receive special protection from oil and gas development on about a million acres in the Powder River Basin under an interim management plan announced Wednesday by the Bureau of Land Management….”   Injecting new life into old wells “In a sandy meadow just south of Riverton, Devon Energy Corp. is finishing construction on a $100 million carbon dioxide pipeline and injection facility, which company officials say will revive an aging oil field and help the environment at the same time….”   Forest Service mulls roadless ruling “The U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Candidates focus on alternative energy “Alternative sources of energy and conservation efforts will play a large role in reducing fuel prices and fixing the current energy crisis, two Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate said in separate interviews.  One of candidate Nick Carter's major campaign issues is creating a comprehensive energy plan that would set a goal of becoming independent from the Middle East for energy in 15 to 20 years….Goodenough's solutions include not using military force as a first option, working toward a balanced budget and reducing the demand for oil in the United States.  Neither of the candidates see drilling in the Wyoming Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, or other "pristine places" as a viable option in the near future…. ”   *** Estimates of heating costs this coming winter “The Wyoming Public Service Commission says natural gas ...continue reading

Obama supporters to get VP announcement via text Be the first to know!  Sign up to receive an e-mail or a text message the moment he announces his decision. You can text VP to 62262 to receive a text message on your mobile phone. Or go to the link above and sign up to receive an e-mail alert.   Casper Star-Tribune   EDITORIAL: House hopefuls: Focus on vision for Wyoming by the Star-Tribune Editorial Board “Wyoming's Republican U.S. House primary is in danger of deteriorating into a "he said, she said" debate about candidates' records. With only a week to go before the Aug. 19 election, we urge both Mark Gordon and Cynthia Lummis to refocus their efforts on how they each plan to serve Wyoming if they win their party's nomination and the general election….But we'd like to remind both candidates that it's their party's nomination they're seeking, and Republicans already have their work ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Sweetwater commissioner dies Sweetwater County Commissioner Joe Oldfield died Thursday after a sudden illness.  County spokesman Garry McLean said Oldfield died at 2:30 p.m. McLean said at this time they did not know the cause of death other than noting the sudden illness.  Oldfield served as a commissioner for five years and seven months.  The county commission has three members.   Columnist A popular job -- in most counties One of the three Democratic candidates is Dale Groutage of Lander. Groutage, you may recall, was a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006, but lost the general election to the late Republican U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas.  The other Democratic candidates are Daniel Cardenas of St. Stephens and Ernie Over of Pavilion. Over is a former newspaper editor and broadcaster.   Gordon, Lummis probe past records Republican U.S. ...continue reading

***ACTION ALERT*** It is August Break, so US Senators Enzi and Barrasso will be all over the news.  Our candidates need to be all over the streets knocking doors to combat the excessive press.  I would urge you to volunteer to walk with your candidates every day.  Never let them knock doors alone.  Cultivate and assign volunteers to go with our candidates EVERY day.  Consistent support, moral and otherwise, on the campaign trail will equal victory in November!   For August 8, 2008   Casper Star-Tribune   Enzi stresses energy, health care in Casper visit  “Energy, health care and education are the three areas U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., would concentrate on if elected to another term in November.”   *** Wyoming is growing younger And young people are our voters! ...continue reading

We begin this day with very sad news about the untimely death of our dear friend Joe Oldfield, Sweetwater County Commissioner.  As you know, Joe had a zest for life following the “work hard, play hard” adage.  He was an avid skier, an educator who served with distinction and his passion public service improved the lives of everyone he touched.  He prepared young people to meet the world’s challenges, he made certain that the aged live comfortable and secure lives, and he addressed all the challenges life laid before him and his family with grace and grit.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the citizens of Sweetwater County.    Details about Joe’s funeral will be forthcoming and I will keep you informed. ...continue reading

WyoFile.com   'Purple' States Get VIP Seats At DNC 30,000 seats at Obama's acceptance speech at the DNC are for Coloradans, and 30,000 are open to other critical battleground state residents.  E -mail:  commcredentials@demconvention.com   or call:  (720) 362-2500 to apply for tickets.     Casper Star-Tribune   Newcomer challenges incumbent on property taxes “Political newcomer Al Snell is challenging longtime state senator John Schiffer in the Republican primary for District 22 on the issue of rising property taxes.  Snell favors a property value assessment system based on the most recent purchase price.  Schiffer calls that the "California" system of assessing property values, and maintains that he and other legislators have provided relief for elder and lower-income homeowners in recent years.  The relief includes a ...continue reading

I am still trying to identify people to sign Letters-to-the-Editor as we enter the general election.  Two people have responded thus far, but we need many more from every county to step forward.  Can I count on your help to volunteer or identify volunteers?   The news is filled with coverage on Monday’s Primary Debate, Wyoming schools’ poor showing on the No Child Left Behind test, conservation, health and energy issues.    As you read these articles and go through your day think about the top issues on people’s minds:  ·          job and financial security now through retirement,   ·          access to affordable health care, ·          a sound education for our children, and · ...continue reading

To apply for tickets: Call:  (720) 362-2500 or E-mail:  commcredentials@demconvention.com and write WYOMING in Subject line.   L eave the following information: Name Telephone number (including area code) E-mail address State where you reside How you plan to get to Denver If and where you plan to stay during the Convention http://www.demconvention.com/invesco ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Feds set wind farm public meetings The Bureau of Land Management's Rawlins field office has scheduled four public meetings as part of its analysis of the proposed Chokecherry and Sierra Madre wind energy project in Carbon County.   Group agrees on combo enrollment process A group of Natrona County teachers, principals and administrative staff members will recommend a combination of centralized and decentralized enrollment processes for the district.   City may approve program for transportation improvements The city council may approve a Transportation Improvement Program for 2009 through 2012 in its meeting tonight. The program outlines future projects for roads, highways, public transportation and pedestrian traffic.  Many of the projects will be funded through local governments, as well as money from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal ...continue reading

Letters to the Editor supporting Republican candidates have been surfacing all across the state.  We need to be prepared to support our candidates in the news and other creative ways as well once the Democratic Primaries are complete.   ACTION ITEM:  I am looking for volunteers, so please get in touch if you are ready and willing to author a LTE in the very near future!       Don’t forget to watch the Debates TONIGHT!  Wyoming Public Television, Wyoming Public Radio and the Wyoming Business Report are cosponsoring the three consecutive debates scheduled to begin Monday evening, August 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theater on the campus of Central Wyoming Community College in Riverton. The debates will be broadcast live on Wyoming Public Television and Wyoming Public Radio and will be streamed on the Internet via www.WyomingPublicRadio.net .   ACTION ITEM:   Be alert for ...continue reading

  Letters to the Editor supporting Republican candidates have been surfacing all across the state.  We need to be prepared to support our candidates in the news and other creative ways as well once the Democratic Primaries are complete.   ACTION ITEM:  I am looking for volunteers, so please get in touch if you are ready and willing to author a LTE in the very near future!   Don’t forget to watch the Primary Debates MONDAY, August 4th at 7 pm   Wyoming Public Television, Wyoming Public Radio and the Wyoming Business Report are cosponsoring the three consecutive debates scheduled to begin Monday evening, August 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theater on the campus of Central Wyoming Community College in Riverton. The debates will be broadcast live on Wyoming Public Television and Wyoming Public Radio and will be streamed on the Internet via www.WyomingPublicRadio.net . ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Editorial:   Divert mineral revenue to help fund highways A legislative proposal to create a new funding source for multi-lane highway construction in Wyoming should win approval.  The Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee has decided to sponsor a bill that would earmark a portion of severance tax revenue to widen and expand some of Wyoming's busiest highways.   Letter to the Editor:   Campaign efforts bespeak leadership “I've read a few letters in these pages recently supporting Keith Goodenough and bashing Nick Carter for supposedly not being a "real" Democrat….It is time for the people who have been writing in to get real. Let's stop worrying about who is a real Democrat or a real Republican and focus on who is a real candidate.”   Mental injury bill moves forward Legislation aimed at extending coverage ...continue reading

Casper Star-Tribune   Billionaires bank on Wyo wind Wyoming's future role in wind energy became a lot less speculative this week with the announcement that The Anschutz Corp. plans to take over the TransWest Express Transmission Project.   Pro Lummis LTE:     Candidate shows fiscal responsibility   Pro Obama (response to McCain supporter spin) LTE:     Campaign hardens stubborn viewpoints     Wyoming Public Radio   Enzi And Barrasso Will Keep Stevens Donations WASHINGTON D-C (2008-07-30) Wyoming's two senators, John Barrasso and Mike Enzi, are holding on to campaign cash donated by indicted Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska. Stevens' political action committee has donated $6,000 to Barrasso since he was nominated to the Senate in June 2007 and $10,000 to Enzi since 2001. Both ...continue reading

I f there is anything interesting, controversial or relevant happening that the media is not reporting on, please drop me a note ASAP.  Thank you!     For July 30, 2008   Casper Star-Tribune   Electrical utility seeks rate hike CHEYENNE -- The state's largest electrical utility is asking for permission to boost its rates by about 7 percent, an increase company officials say is needed to cover the cost of Wyoming's growing demand for power.   Council chooses new members A former state legislator and a Casper Star-Tribune community news assistant will be the two new members of the Casper City Council.   Government announces quarterly borrowing WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration gave details Wednesday on how it plans to borrow the billions of dollars it will need to cope with the soaring budget deficits.  Those ...continue reading

For Tuesday, July 29, 2008   Casper Star-Tribune   Two Dems vie to challenge GOP incumbent LARAMIE -- Two candidates who are longtime residents of rural Albany County, and who have been unsuccessful in previous runs for public office, are vying in the Aug. 19 primary election for the Democratic nomination to represent south Laramie and south and west Albany County in the state House.   Council considers candidates to fill seats A radio announcer, Presbyterian pastor and a former state legislator are among seven Casperites vying to fill two vacated Casper City Council positions.     Editorial :  State does right with safety net for vets The Legislature and the governor deserve credit for the effort. As Sen. Mike Massie, D-Laramie, put it: "It didn't make sense to me that the wealthiest state in the country could not jump in ...continue reading

Back in the saddle again! And big news while I was gone: Chris Rothfuss, who has a doctorate in chemical engineering, announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Mike Enzi:   UW instructor launches Senate campaign against Enzi   NOTE: Chris is an “instructor,” but not a “professor,” at UW. This distinction probably doesn’t mean much to most of us, but it’s important to those in the academic world. This will all be moot in eight months, when the appropriate term will become “Senator-elect.”   America's chief health educator will make his first appearance in Wyoming this week, in Riverton, said first lady Nancy Freudenthal:   Acting Surgeon General Steven Galson plans Wyoming visit   Wyoming's justice system is gradually becoming more accessible online. In February, the Wyoming Supreme Court began offering its case schedule to the public on its Web site, said Judy Pacheco, clerk of the ...continue reading

Spring calls, and I listen. As such, I’m taking a road trip over the next five days with my lovely wife to see where the birds go for the winter and to see where the defending National League champion Colorado Rockies go for spring training. Sadly, this means that there will be no more news roundups until next Monday. In the meantime, here’s what’s cookin’ for today.   Starting with John “100 years war” McCain, whose um, “interesting” election strategy is to continue down the Bush Administration’s path of one of this nation’s worst foreign policy debacles (justified by 935 false statements ). Lame-duck Rep. Barbara Cubin hits the campaign trail, begging Republicans to support the GOP nominee-apparent, according to this Associated Press piece:   Cubin urges Republicans to support McCain   I can’t remember if I had this one in yesterday’s news roundup or not. As Gov. Freudenthal puts it, “Be it my old libertarian or populist bones, I ...continue reading

The Gillette News-Record leads off the news roundup today with this excellent piece on a wounded Marine’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder as he tries to return to a “normal” life in Gillette:   Slipping through the cracks   The Casper Star-Tribune is examining our state’s workers’ compensation system in a series of stories this week. Here are a few:   Do injured workers get enough? What’s a leg worth?   ‘They turn their backs on us’ (a worker’s story)   Nowhere to turn A smack in the head with a pair of tongs compressed rig worker Richard Johnson's spine.   ‘I’m blackballed’ (a worker’s story)   ‘They starve you out’ (a worker’s story)   Workers’ comp fraud difficult to measure   Evolution of workers’ compensation in Wyoming (timeline)   In other news, Wyoming Conservation Voters Director Jason Marsden writes on ...continue reading

Not too terribly much in the news today. Maybe all the papers are saving their really good stuff for the weekend. Or maybe it’s been a slow news week, after all the excitement of LAST week.   The U.S. Senate has passed an amendment that would encourage – but NOT require – Congress to preserve states' share of oil and gas royalties:   Senate passes amendment to ENCOURAGE preserving Wyo’s share of royalties   Gov. Dave Freudenthal said construction could start as soon as this summer on a coal research plant the University of Wyoming is developing with General Electric:   Gov: Coal plant work could begin in 2008   Declaring that Wyoming residents have a right to defend their homes, Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed a bill Thursday that spells out in statute that citizens may use deadly force on intruders:   Governor signs ‘castle doctrine’ bill   The state of Wyoming took another step Thursday in ...continue reading

After his first tour of duty in Iraq in 2003, local soldier David Julian joined other veterans and servicemen in dedicating a new Fallen Comrade monument in downtown Evanston. Sadly, now his name will be added to the memorial statue:   Evanston soldier dies in Iraq   The Jackson hole News & Guide has this piece on Republican U.S. House hopeful Mark Gordon’s first campaign stop in Jackson Hole on Sunday and Monday:   Gordon stops in valley to campaign for House   The Laramie Boomerang reports that three of Laramie’s state lawmakers attended a luncheon Wednesday to discuss the progress that was made during the biennium budget session that ended last week:   Legislative session less contentious   Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed into law Wednesday a measure that will allow counties to regulate large-acre land developments -- but he said the law may not do enough to protect land buyers:   ...continue reading

As exciting as our county caucuses were last Saturday, unfortunately some people did not get to participate because they were either not registered as Democrats by the Feb. 22 deadline or they arrived at their caucus sites late. We did our best to inform people of these rules, and our friends in the media did an honorable job of helping spread the word. The Casper Star-Tribune chimes in:   Voters have a duty to understand rules   The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in nearly three decades at 2.7 percent, according to figures released Tuesday by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research and Planning Section. It was the second lowest rate in the nation, trailing only South Dakota at 2.6 percent, and at its lowest point since June 1979 when Wyoming's unemployment rate stood at 2.6 percent:   Wyo jobless rate hits lowest point since ‘79   Wyoming's water is not currently tested for the ...continue reading

Frankly, it takes a great state like Wyoming to command the attention of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Comedy Central news parody program offers this report on our caucuses and an accompanying analysis piece by Samantha Bee, complete with cute Cowboy State graphics and other jokes. Warning: Enjoying these videos will require a healthy sense of self-depreciating humor at times, but it’s still a lot of fun:   Wyoming 2008   Wyoming analysis   Now on to the real news, like this Casper Star-Tribune wrap-up of the “stunning turnout” at our presidential preference caucuses. “This was the biggest thing Wyoming has seen for years,” said Natrona County Clerk Renea Vitto, a Republican. “That’s all people are talking about.”:   Dems bask in caucus glow   The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reports that our state shouldn’t feel bad that the presidential campaigns have left us in their rearview mirrors while they move on to ...continue reading

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! And Wyoming Democrats turned out IN FORCE. We had more than 8,700 people participate in our county caucuses on Saturday, for a record 15 percent turnout of registered Democrats. By comparison, in the last presidential race four years ago, 675 people voted across the state for a turnout of just over 1 percent. Oh, and Sen. Obama won the day. Here’s the Associated Press story that appeared in most of the nation’s papers:   Obama defeats Clinton in Wyoming caucuses   Here are some on-site caucus reports from:   Cheyenne: Barack on (Wyoming Tribune-Eagle)   Laramie (two stories): Albany knows who it likes (Laramie Boomerang); Sweet dreams (Casper Star-Tribune)   Jackson: Obama wins Wyoming behind avalanche from Teton County (JH Underground)   Green River: Clinton wins big in Sweetwater County (Casper Star-Tribune)   Sheridan: Local Dems turn out ...continue reading

Too much fantastic news today not to spread the word. Hope you don’t mind if I stick only to the campaign trail, but really, that’s the theme of the day. First off, of course, is that our party’s two magnificent candidates for president spent Friday traveling across the state, talking to Wyoming Democrats and asking for their support in today’s votes:   Obama, Clinton rustle up support in Wyoming (CNN)   Clinton seeks Equality State backing for first woman president (Casper Star-Tribune)   Obama defends his readiness to lead (Casper Star-Tribune)   Clinton: Wyoming has place in ‘clean’ energy future (Casper Star-Tribune)   Obama endorses clean coal (Casper Star-Tribune)   Big crowd greets Obama in Laramie (Casper Star-Tribune)   Hillary cheers Casper crowd (Casper Star-Tribune)   Clinton stops in Cheyenne (Wyoming Tribune-Eagle)   Obama: ‘We’ll ...continue reading

Yes, folks, the whole world really is watching. I know this, because today, I fielded calls from Japan’s largest daily newspaper, a French national news service, and a gentleman who identifies himself as a “Spanish correspondent,” whose native language was certainly not English. Every 24-hour news channel, all major television and radio networks, and several of the nation’s most respected newspapers have all been in touch in the past couple of days, along with, of course, the wonderful Wyoming media. This level of activity on the Communications Desk has had the effect of delaying your daily news roundup to this ridiculous hour, so with apologies in tow and with no further adieu, here you go …   ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL   Guess who’s coming to town!   Clinton, Obama to visit   Clintons, Obama to visit Wyoming   The Equality State is suddenly ground zero in the hottest race for the Democratic Party presidential ...continue reading

Seriously, I never imagined when I took this job that we would see the day when the two front-runners for the Democratic presidential nomination would hold events in Wyoming on the eve of our county caucuses. Not to mention the fact that one of them will almost certainly be president a year from now. And as an added bonus, the greatest president of the 21 st Century (so far) would be touring the state to join in the fun. Breaking today from the Casper Star-Tribune:   Hillary Clinton to visit Casper   Barack Obama sets Casper, Laramie visits   Campaign sets Wyo schedule for Bill Clinton   This is what it’s all about! Although I’ve got to admit, it’s been all I can do to keep up with the volume of phone calls today from nearly every national media outlet you can think of, and of course our brave reporters in this state and region. For the most part, they’re all interested in covering our county caucuses/conventions this ...continue reading

Clearly, today is an important day in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, with primaries in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. CNN.com has this piece:   Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont hold contests Tuesday   Casper Star-Tribune State Editor Chad Baldwin reports that what happens today in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont could determine how much national attention our county caucuses/conventions on Saturday will command, according to observers:   Wyo Dems watch votes today   The Jackson paper reports that Democrat Jim Roscoe, a Teton and Sublette county contractor, plans to run for the House District 22 seat now held by Republican Monte Olsen:   Roscoe eyes state House bid     FROM THE LEGISLATURE   Carbon sequestration bill heads to governor (Gillette News-Record)   Gov. Freudenthal signs dogfighting bill (Wyoming ...continue reading

Let me be the first to tell you – since none of Wyoming’s print media seemed too keen on reporting – that Saturday night’s Nellie Tayloe Ross banquet will go down as one of the most successful Wyoming Democratic Party functions in recent history, if not longer, by several measures. Attendance at the dinner topped 200 people. My good friend Jason Marsden (director of Wyoming Conservation Voters) told me he has been going to the state party’s dinners since he was a teenager, and Saturday’s NTR banquet marked the most people he has ever seen at such an event.   Our magnificent lineup of speakers included the youngest woman in Congress, the first female lieutenant governor in New Mexico history, the governors of Iowa and Wyoming, our state’s brilliant first lady (Remember: “Jobs, health care, education and Wyoming’s unique quality of life!”), and hopeful future Democratic members of Congress.   We honored former Wyoming Department of Employment ...continue reading

Happy Leap Day! Since this is, after all, a bonus day (there’s only supposed to be 365 days in a year, right?), I’ll start off with a fairly important story I missed yesterday, because the Casper Star-Tribune placed it on its “city” page.     ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL   Democrat Keith Goodenough, a Casper City Council member and former state legislator, is seeking his party's nomination to run against Republican U.S. Sen. John Barrasso in the November general election:   Goodenough bids for U.S. Senate   Meanwhile, the race for the presidential nomination continues to make headlines in Wyoming (while Gov. Freudenthal expresses fondness for his friends but not for any specific presidential candidate over another):   Dem hopefuls step up efforts   The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reports that “It's been many years since we've seen a Wyoming Democratic caucus that was this exciting:”   ...continue reading

First up today: Another WyoFile.com article on voter registration shows that we’re up more than 2,000 voters since Jan. 10. Viva Wyoming’s Democratic county caucuses and conventions!   Dems, Libs gain voters; GOP drops     FROM THE LEGISLATURE …   Subdivisions bill survives first House vote (Casper Star-Tribune)   Panel backs gun confiscation bill (Casper Star-Tribune)   Slimmed-down library endowment bill advances (Casper Star-Tribune)   Panel backs stiffer DUI penalties (Casper Star-Tribune)   Parties debate need for bill that cuts services to illegal immigrants (Casper Star-Tribune)   ‘Castle doctrine’ bill heads to Senate (Wyoming Public Radio)   Senate works on campaign finance bill (Wyoming Public Radio)   Carbon storage bill stays afloat (Wyoming Public Radio)     IN OTHER NEWS …   ...continue reading

FROM THE LEGISLATURE …   State senators working on CO2 storage bill (Wyoming Public Radio)   Supporters expect heavier opposition to business fraud bill (Casper Star-Tribune) The bill comes up Thursday before the House Corporations Committee.   Bill targets gang activity (Casper Star-Tribune)   Juvenile justice bill heads to Wyoming House (Wyoming Public Radio)   Dogfighting bill clears Senate panel (Casper Star-Tribune)   Legislative briefs (Casper Star-Tribune) Issues include driver’s license fee increases and veteran tax exemptions   Bill to recruit doctors passes House (Torrington Telegram)   Lawmakers scrutinize Douglas school expansion (Douglas Budget)   IN OTHER NEWS …   Wyoming Public Radio reports that the coal industry is doing some public relations work in reaction to the industry’s coming under fire because of climate ...continue reading

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL …   WyoFile.com has this look at the Clinton campaign’s announcement earlier today that it will have grand openings Wednesday at campaign offices in Wyoming’s two largest cities:   Clinton to open Cheyenne, Casper campaign offices     FROM THE LEGISLATURE …   Just the mention of new regulations on private property can cause a stir in the Wyoming Legislature:   Land reg bill advances   A health care reform bill moving through the Legislature was created without the help of a state board charged with addressing the cost, quality and accessibility of health care for Wyoming citizens:   Group questions health care bill   The House passed a bill Monday that would prohibit illegal immigrants in Wyoming from receiving state services such as welfare, public housing and organ-transplant assistance:   House OKs limits on services for ...continue reading

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL   Leading off today is this Associated Press report on the Clinton campaign’s arrival in Wyoming:   Clinton to open two campaign offices in Wyoming   (Corrected link!)   Wyoming Public Radio, meanwhile, reports on Obama staffers’ caucus training in Laramie:   Obama campaign explains caucus process to young Dems   Beyond that, and because I just can’t tear myself away from my journalistic roots, I am pleased to offer my own report on some encouraging voter registration figures. I got this information from the Secretary of State’s Office on Jan. 10, and I collected updated figures Friday afternoon, Feb. 22, about an hour before the official deadline to register to participate in our March 8 county caucuses/conventions. In that Jan. 10 to Feb. 22 time span:   Democratic registrations are up 1,711 voters. Republican registrations are up 12 voters. Libertarian ...continue reading

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL   What a wild, wild, wild, wild week! This morning, I strolled down to the Laramie County Clerk’s Office with Brodie Farquhar, managing editor of WyoFile.com , who is researching a story on new voter registrations. Just because (*wink*). Laramie County Clerk Debbye Lathrop counted all of the new Democratic Party registrations FROM THIS MORNING ALONE, and we were approaching 80, and that’s just in under three hours. The numbers are astonishing really. About 400 in Albany County this week. Another 368 in Natrona County. Between 250 and 300 in Teton County. When you consider that these are all the NEW people, to say nothing of those who were already registered as Democrats from the last election, you can begin to get a picture of what kind of turnout we could see at our March 8 county caucuses/conventions. For more, here’s Brodie’s story:   County clerks report new registration activity     FROM THE ...continue reading

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:   The Casper Star-Tribune has this front-page story package on our county caucuses/conventions:   ‘Once in a lifetime:’ Wyo Dems could make a difference   Some superdelegates wait to commit   The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle also has a piece on our March 8 statewide spectacular:   Hordes of Democrats expected at caucus   The Buffalo Bulletin – yes folks, the Buffalo Bulletin is online now! – has a piece on an upcoming event for a presidential campaign and some details on our March 8 caucuses/conventions:   Obama rep coming to Buffalo today   And the Jackson Hole News & Guide has this preview of a campaign event in that area:   Obama supports to rally in Teton village     FROM THE LEGISLATURE:   Self-defense bill stripped of amendments (Wyoming Public Radio)   Lawmakers debate ...continue reading

I’m terribly sorry about getting this out so late today, but every day keeps getting busier than the last as we approach our county caucuses. And really, it’s another feather in my hat every time some random guy calls me up and asks me what he needs to do to change his registration from Republican to Democrat, because he registered as a Republican last year to vote against Barbara Cubin in the primary, but now he wants to vote in the March 8 caucus (true story). If someone had told me when I took this job that my biggest problem would be that TOO MANY people would be eager to get involved with Democratic Party politics in Wyoming, I would have jumped for joy. In fact, I’d do that right now if I didn’t have to get you all a news summary, so let’s get to it.   (By the way, don’t miss the total lunar eclipse tonight . I heard kick-off time is 6:43 p.m. … so hurry!)   ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:   The Gillette News-Record has this report on an Obama ...continue reading

FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:   This piece reminds everyone that “robocalls” are prohibited in Wyoming, and it looks at their recent history while mentioning that the Obama campaign also announced some legislative endorsements yesterday:   State gets Obama calls complaint   This Jackson Hole News & Guide reports on a local phenomenon that is actually taking place in many counties across Wyoming – Democratic county parties are securing larger sites for the March 8 county caucuses/conventions, in light of the record turnout Democratic caucuses and primaries have seen all over the country in this wild campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination:   Teton County Democrats choose bigger convention site   Shifting gears a bit, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle has this piece on a former state legislators looking to return to the State Capitol Building:   Pederson announces state House bid   ...continue reading

The Los Angeles Times leads us off today with a story on superdelegates that features, among others, the Wyoming Democratic Party chairman. The item sent in by alert reader John from Cheyenne:   Who are these Democratic superdelegates?   The state party has been able to piggy-back on some of the coverage of the presidential race to broadcast our very important Feb. 22 deadline for people to register as Democrats to participate in the March 8 county caucuses. Here is a piece from the Laramie Boomerang:   Democrats open local Obama office   From what I understand, the Clinton campaign will be bringing some people to Wyom