08/21-22/08 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
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Sep 1, 2008 Posted by Lauri Elbing
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.”
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.”
Lummis Declared Winner in Wyoming Primary
“It might be a perilous environment for incumbents nationally, but for the second straight Tuesday, the establishment candidate bested a fresh-faced political outsider in a Republican primary, with former two-term Wyoming Treasurer Cynthia Lummis defeating wealthy rancher and political novice Mark Gordon in the GOP primary for the Equality State’s lone House seat. Lummis now faces Internet entrepreneur Gary Trauner (D) in the general election. Trauner nearly beat outgoing Rep. Barbara Cubin (R) in 2006, and Democrats are optimistic that 2008 will see him get over the hump, even though Wyoming remains staunchly Republican. Earlier this year, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee put Trauner in its “Red to Blue” program, which targets GOP-held seats that the DCCC believes are winnable….”
***Lummis takes early jab at Trauner
“After clinching the Republican U.S. House nomination and thanking her supporters, Cynthia Lummis wasted no time before characterizing her Democratic opponent in the general election as an urban Easterner who can't possibly identify with rural Wyomingites….”
Thursday, August 21, 2008
***Trauner has money lead over Lummis
“CHEYENNE -- Not having a well-heeled opponent in a primary race can be a big help heading into a general election -- just ask Gary Trauner…. Lummis entered August with $171,000 on hand. Trauner had $667,000…. Lummis nonetheless won by a margin of 46 percent to 38 percent. She said shortly after winning that she planned to keep up a brisk fundraising pace in coming weeks to close the gap with Trauner. Lummis didn't return calls seeking comment Thursday…. Trauner since Aug. 1 has reported raising $2,000 from individuals and no money from PACs, although PACs contributing to him in recent months have included the American Optometric Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, United Mine Workers of America, and US Cuba Democracy. He called campaign fundraising a "necessary evil of our system" and said he supports campaign finance reform. "It's one of the most important things we can do in this country right now," he said. "This is not a partisan thing. It doesn't matter what party you are from. If you are raising money from outside sources, you are at risk of being accused of being bought and paid for.…’”
***EDITORIAL: Don't reward candidates for negative campaigns Star-Tribune Editorial Board
Conventional wisdom suggests that candidates in close races who do the best job of "going negative" usually win their campaigns. We hope Wyoming voters disprove that notion in November. According to a recent bipartisan survey commissioned by the national Project on Campaign Conduct, 87 percent of the respondents said they are concerned about the level of personal attacks in today's political campaigns. A total of 43 percent believe that most or all candidates deliberately make unfair attacks on their opponents. Cynthia Lummis and her main opponent, Mark Gordon, both went into attack mode during the latter stages of the Republican U.S. House primary. It wasn't a pretty sight. Gordon ran a televised advertisement that depicted Lummis as a little girl digging herself into a hole in a sandbox. The point was to show that his opponent would lead Wyoming and the nation in the wrong direction. Gordon told us he thought the ad was "whimsical." It wasn't; it was mean-spirited. But Lummis' response -- to paste Gordon's head onto a cartoonish figure and blast his previous support of Democratic candidates and the Sierra Club -- was just as bad. If she's willing to belittle an opponent in her own party, what will she be willing to do to a Democrat? The tone set by the GOP was immediately disturbing. Moments after Lummis was declared the winner, the Republican National Congressional Committee issued a press release that labeled Trauner "an out-of-touch mouthpiece whose support from Washington's Democrat establishment highlights how poorly he is aligned with the people of Wyoming." Trauner, for his part, graciously congratulated Lummis. He added, "It's time for leaders who know there aren't Democratic problems or Republican problems, there are Wyoming problems and Wyoming solutions." It's a theme he used in his close loss in 2006 to U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, who isn't running for re-election. Lummis spent the first official day of her fall campaign attacking the Democrat for being born in New York. "It's very difficult for someone who was raised on the coasts in dense urban areas to transplant to a rural state and really have those rural values integrated fully into their psyche, into their soul," Lummis said. By this definition, three-term Republican U.S. Sen. Malcolm Wallop wasn't qualified to represent Wyoming, since he had the misfortune to be born in New York City. (Perhaps that's why Wallop endorsed Gordon in the primary instead of Lummis.) Does the fact Republican Sen. John Barrasso was born and raised on the East Coast and only moved to Wyoming 25 years ago make him unqualified to replace the late Sen. Craig Thomas? (For the record, all members of our editorial board were either born in the rural West or moved here as children.) Not all attacks are unfair. It can actually be beneficial to voters when they are presented factual information about a candidate's position on substantive issues. Where a candidate is born and raised, however, is not a substantive issue. It is not even something he or she has any control over. It does a disservice to Wyomingites to suggest that they are so narrow-minded that anyone not born here can't run for public office. Trauner ran an exemplary, positive campaign against Cubin, despite the fact she hit him with both barrels at every opportunity. He pledged to stay positive in this year's general election, and thus far there's every indication that he means it. We hope he resists any attempt by the national Democratic Party to "go negative" to capture a seat the GOP has long held. We encourage Lummis to run a positive campaign that emphasizes her own record and views on the issues. That goes for all candidates of either party. It's relatively easy to capture people's attention by running attack ads. It's much harder to persuade voters that your ideas are better than your opponent's. Don't reward candidates who take the easy route. Make them earn your vote.EDITORIAL: Experience counts to Wyoming voters Star-Tribune Editorial Board
“Judging by the primary results, Wyoming voters prefer experienced politicians to fresh faces -- for the most part….”
***Gov. douses McCain's water remark
“If the old Western saw about "whiskey's for drinking, water's for fighting" has any merit, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain appears to have chugged a whole bottle last week before he suggested reopening negotiations of the 1922 Colorado River Compact… Upper Basin states, including Wyoming, don't want anybody messing with that. "I was absolutely astonished that anyone running for president would suggest that," Gov. Dave Freudenthal said during a press conference at the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre in Casper. "Now, he's also from Arizona and the lower Colorado River basin states have wanted to reopen that compact for years," he said. "They have only one thing in mind when they say 'reopen,' and it isn't to give more water to the upper basin states. I'm just guessing, but that would be my (thought)….’”
Thursday, August 21, 2008
***Enzi 'will be teaching' McCain about water
Republican presidential candidate John McCain needs someone to educate him about water compacts, says U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
***Bernanke: Financial crisis taking toll on economy
“JACKSON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday the financial crisis that has pounded the country -- coupled with higher inflation -- is taking a toll on the economy and poses a major challenge to Fed policymakers as they try to restore stability….”
Energy cost increases in Wyo will be long-term
“Gas prices are going to be high -- maybe as much as 70 percent higher than last year -- according to the Wyoming Public Service Commission….”
Thursday, August 21, 2008
“Former Wyoming Senate President Dick Jones, founder of a long-haul trucking company, died Wednesday. He was 97. Jones represented the Powell area in the state Senate from 1955 to 1974, serving as Senate president in 1967 and 1968 and as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for several years. He stepped down to run for governor in 1974. Jones won the Republican nomination but lost to Democrat Ed Herschler in the general election….”
Wellness walk promotes healthy habits
Children and Nutrition Services of Wyoming plans to promote an active lifestyle and healthy habits for Natrona County children and their families with a "Walk for Wellness."
Friday, August 22, 2008
LTE: Authors research candidate's potential by ROBIN McDONALD, Bar Nunn
“Obama impressed me so much the first time I saw him speak, what a graceful, well spoken man, I thought, and speaking for change! What a relief! That is something no American can argue with -- our government certainly needs to change their ways! I eagerly read his books, "Dreams of My Father," and, "The Audacity of Hope." What a cool, inspiring title for a book. What a good writer! However, being the voracious reader that I am -- and always ready and willing to hear both sides of the story -- I picked up another book. Not Jerome Corsi's book, "Obama Nation." I had the idea where he was going, considering what his book "Unfit for Command" did to John Kerry. No, not that author. Obama can call Corsi a bigot and a liar if he likes. He has a bigger problem with an author from Columbia University who wrote "The Case Against Barack Obama," a very disturbing book. In contrast, I read Hillary's "Living History," and the rebuttal, Morris' "Rewriting History" -- I still like Hillary. She is an admirable powerhouse of a woman. Obama though, who cares what color his skin is when he votes against a ban of "infanticide by neglect." Abortion is one thing. Murder of newborns is something completely different -- though some would argue it is the same thing. Even Pelosi couldn't stomach that. That is only one disturbing issue. There are more. It is my opinion that the Democrats have made a huge mistake in their nominee. I want Hilary back.”
LTE: Media ignore presidential candidate by DON HOWIE, Mills supporting Ron PaulLTE: Housing costs disguise greed by CHRISTINA LAUSCHER, Casper regarding Un-affordable housing
“I would like to know what this town is coming to when a person cannot afford to live here without making double the minimum wage. I am no economics major but I do understand supply and demand. However, what the apartment complexes in town are doing is strictly greed and price gouging. When is this town going to do something about affordable housing? I have been in my apartment for two and half years -- since then I have experienced a 100 percent increase in my rent. My recent raise, if I choose to accept, becomes effective Sept. 1st. If I want to continue to live where I am, I have to pay an extra $200 a month. Is there anything to justify this? I don't think so. My place by no means is luxurious and has not been refinished or updated to current standards. I think if landlords are going to increase rent that much, the place should be worth it. The sad part is my teenage daughter offered to help me pay the rent so that I would not have to get a second job. Anyone who reads this and is being price gouged I encourage you to let your voice be heard. You are one voice but together we can be many voices. I urge you to contact and write your local and state government. Together as one we can be heard.”
LTE: Supply somehow misses demand by TERRY REHAK, Worland
“No oil on-shore? The 200,000 square mile Bakken oil formation, much of which is located in northwest North Dakota, contains an estimated 149.2 billion barrels of oil, of which only 1.4 percent or 2.1 billion barrels are extractable by current methods. It is the largest continuous oil accumulation ever assessed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS notes that 105 million barrels of oil have been produced from the Bakken by the end of last year. The Elm Coulee field located on the western edge of the Bakken, in eastern Montana, produces more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day, which is more oil than all other oil wells in Montana, combined! It is believed that there are between 3 billion and 4.3 billion barrels of recoverable oil in North Dakota alone. The director of the North Dakota department of mineral resources believes there is enough oil in northwest North Dakota to keep 70 rigs working for the next 19 years. We are given the impression that little or no oil exploration is going on in the United States. This is not the case as the current nationwide rig count is 1,839 on the week ending May 2nd, with 1,477 rigs drilling for gas and 362 for crude oil. Colorado has 122 rigs working, Wyoming has 67 and North Dakota has 70. Instead of drilling offshore, perhaps we should work on methods of extracting the currently un-extractable estimated 147 billion barrels of oil that are trapped in the Bakken formation. The current hotbed is Mountrail County, N.D., with many new wells coming on line in recent months and more to follow. Some of the wells in Mountrail County had an initial production rate of more than 3,000 bopd (barrels of petroleum per day)! At this point, you are probably all wondering, like I am, why all of this new oil has not impacted the price of gasoline and diesel fuel. Information source: the May 7 edition of the Oil Patch Hotline newsletter, which is published in Williston, N.D.”
***Mockler: I don't want to be county commissioner
“Local Democrats anticipate that Jayne Mockler will emerge as a contender in not one, but two races today, thanks to a write--in campaign by the county political party. On Aug. 13, less than a week before the primary, the Laramie County Democratic Grassroots Coalition fired off a three--sentence e--mail to 45 people, asking them to write in Mockler for county commissioner. "Word just kind of got around," said Mike Bell, chairman of the Laramie County Democrats. "This would be a safeguard in case she doesn't make the top two in the mayor's race," the e--mail said. The e--mail from the Grassroots Coalition said Bell asked county Democrats to write in Mockler. Bell said that wasn't true; he said he acknowledged that he knew of the movement, but he didn't give the directive.” “A few unopposed races raised a healthy number of write--ins. The Senate District 4 race, for which Republican incumbent Tony Ross was running unopposed, had 48 Democrat write--ins. Alternatively, 74 Republican write--ins came against Democrat Senate candidate Floyd Esquibel in District 8.”
New Wyo. Vets Commission chairman named
“Ron Wood, of Sheridan, has been selected to serve as chairman of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. The commission selects a new chairman every two years. Wood is a U.S. Army veteran and has had a long association with the American Legion....”Lummis takes early jab at Trauner
“After clinching the Republican U.S. House nomination and thanking her supporters, Cynthia Lummis wasted no time before characterizing her Democratic opponent in the general election as an urban Easterner….”Obama prolongs the suspense on No. 2 pick
“Democrat Barack Obama prolonged the suspense on his vice presidential pick on Friday, saying he has chosen an independent voice who could be an effective governing partner -- but not revealing the name….”
Governor Blasts McCain On Water Compact
BLM Will Release It's Pinedale Plan Friday
The Bureau of Land Management will release its Pinedale Resource Management Plan tomorrow (Friday). The plan says how a million acres of federal land will be used over the next 15 to 20 years.Scientists Look At Wyoming Uranium During Tour
Scientists from the French Embassy are touring energy sites in Wyoming this week. Today (Thursday) they stopped at reclaimed uranium mines in the Gas Hills east of Riverton.EQC Opposes What They Term Tax Breaks For Coal
Wyoming coal producers say they have seen some unfair tax increases and are working with legislators to change the formula that is used to tax them.Dick Jones Dies
Former Wyoming Senate President Dick Jones, founder of a long-haul trucking company, died Wednesday. He was 97.Secretary Of State Surprised By Low Turnout
“Wyoming Secretary of State Max Maxfield says despite several interesting county races and an open U-S house seat that turnout for Tuesday's primary was low. Maxfield says only 47 percent of registered voters cast ballots and only 26 percent of those who are of voting age in the state actually went to the polls. Maxfield admits that with an open U-S House seat and a number of interesting local races that there would be more interest. Maxfield does note that turnout for Wyoming's primary was higher then South Dakota, Idaho and Montana. He predicts it will be much higher in November.”
Buffett sees economy weak until 2009
Carter to face Barrasso in general election
“At last, we have a winner. Nick Carter has advanced to the general election after capturing a narrow victory in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Carter, a Gillette defense attorney, defeated Keith Goodenough by 304 votes out of 24,316 cast, according to unofficial results from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office. Secretary of State Max Maxfield said Wednesday that the unofficial results were not close enough to trigger a recount and will be certified next week. Goodenough has said he will not dispute the election results….”
Statewide smoking ban? Quest continues
Tom Lubnau has no illusions about the dangers of cigarette smoke. Last year, the Wyoming representative had to watch his mother waste away from smoking-related cancer. By the end of her battle, her doctor said she looked like “an Auschwitz victim.”
A new four-lane Highway 59 could cost up to $84 million
The Wyoming Department of Transportation projects the cost of building another two-lane highway next to Highway 59 between Gillette and Wright to be between $56 million and $84 million, or roughly $2 million to $3 million a mile for 28 miles.
Voters pick nominees in primary : Welling nabs County Commission seat again
“With an average of about 40 percent voter turnout, Uinta County voters went to the polls on Tuesday to decide the November candidates for Municipal, County, State and Federal representatives….”“Park County voter turnout for the primary election was light at best. Only 48 percent of the county’s registered voters showed up. Word is that turnout was low across the state. Voter turnout has been on a downward slide since the early 90s. From 1978 through 1994, statewide voter turnout for the primary election was greater than 60 percent — every year. By 2000, that number slipped to 53 percent, and, in 2006, turnout at the polls dropped to 46 percent. That year marked the first time ever the number fell below 50 percent. Some blame low voter turnout on apathy. Others blame it on the Wyoming presidential caucus earlier this season. Whatever the reason, failure to vote is not a good choice. The meager showing says people are content to let others make choices for them. As members of a democratic society, we are lucky – indeed privileged – to have the right to vote. We should exercise that right. When we fail to, even in the primary election, we have little room to complain about the results.”
Non-partisan primary could foreshadow general election results
“In the contest for Powell mayor, incumbent Scott Mangold was victorious in the primary with nearly 65 percent (730) of the votes. Challenger Tim Sapp, current Ward 3 city councilman, trailed with 34 percent, or 386 votes. There were nine write-in votes. Mangold said he experienced mixed emotions about the primary. “I was happy that the majority of people (who voted) thought we’re going in the right direction as far as the mayor’s race. But I was disappointed that more people weren’t out voting,” he said. On Wednesday, Sapp said, “I don’t have a comment at this time. I haven’t seen the (primary) results yet to know what’s going on.” In addition, three city council seats are up for grabs this year. The Ward 1 city council race pits incumbent Jim Hillberry against newcomer Shea Reel. Hillberry captured 68 percent of the primary votes, with Reel getting just over 30 percent. There were 5 write-in votes in the Ward 1 tabulation. Of the results, Hillberry said, “Of course when you’re the top vote-getter, you’re always happy. I appreciate the confidence of the people who get out and vote for me. I thank them for that, and we’ll continue on and try to do the best job we can for the city of Powell.” Shea Reel said the results of the primary will push him to try a little bit harder.”
Carter claims win in Dems’ Senate primary
“CHEYENNE (AP) - Gillette defense attorney Nick Carter won a close Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate and will advance to the general election against Republican Sen. John Barrasso….”
***Bernanke’s role to be debated at Wyo. forum
The International Monetary Fund has described the financial shock as the biggest ‘since the Great Depression.’ But Bernanke — a scholar of the Depression — has said while the current experience is not ‘remotely like’ that, the ongoing financial distress in the U.S. is among ‘the most severe episodes of the post War era.’…”
Lummis Attacks Trauner's "Rural Values"
Fresh from her primary win, Rep. House nominee Cynthia Lummis criticized Democratic opponent Gary Trauner for not being a Wyoming native
High Hopes For Wyoming Uranium Mining
“Recovering from PR setbacks on insufficient restoration efforts, the largest uranium mining outfit in the US moves forward with plans to open dozens of new mines….”
McCain's Water Remark Inflames Gov
“Presidential candidate John McCain suggested that western leaders discuss opening a water compact to allow more water to lower basin state, irking Gov. Freudenthal….”
***High Heating Costs Will Be Long-Term
“Wyoming utility commissions are trying to warn homeowners about a 30 to 70% increase in their winter heating costs in advance, & the cost won't be going down anytime soon…”
CO Shutters 2 Coal Mines For Safety
“State regulators approved a plan by Xcel Energy Inc. to shut down two Colorado coal-fired power plants, citing benefits to public health & concerns about carbon-dioxide emissions….”
Editorial: Roadless Rule Should Be Law
“Clinton's "roadless" rule to protect national forests from development & commercial ventures should be appealed & made into a law rather than a rule….”
Nick Carter Will Challenge Barrasso in November (Nick for Senate)
Nick Carter, a candidate for US Senate in Wyoming declared victory in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon by saying "I am extremely excited to have been able to come out of this primary with a win. My opponent, Keith Goodenough, ran a great race and I have spoken to him and together we are ready to unite our support with the sole objective to beat John Barrasso in November." In a conversation Wednesday morning, Keith Goodenough threw his support behind Nick Carter and pledged to help bring a Democratic victory in November. "John Barrasso is part of the problem and now with Keith Goodenough's support and the nomination from the Democratic Party, I am ready to bring real solutions to the state of Wyoming." Responding to Barrasso's cash advantage in this race Nick Carter responded "I know this race will be an uphill battle. Barrasso has raised millions of dollars from special interest groups and lobbyists. It is quite evident from his voting record during his short tenure in the Senate that he is more than willing to sell the interests of the people of Wyoming in exchange for hard cash from corporations and special interests. I am certain that the people of Wyoming understand that this type of politics is the problem with Washington and that Barrasso continues to be a part of that problem. I am confident that my campaign will have enough resources to get our message of progress and genuine solutions to the people of Wyoming. We will knock on every door in the state and deliver the message personally. Besides," Carter continued, "the people of Wyoming cannot be bought." When asked about the fact that he is running as a Democrat in a "Republican" state, Carter responded "I am a life long resident of this state unlike my opponent. I know this state and it has an independent voice, and the fact that my opponent has voted with the party line 95% of the time is certainly not an independent voice. When I am elected I will never put special interests or party politics above the interests and concerns of the people of Wyoming. I believe the voters again will see that this style of Washington politics is a part of the problem, and I am looking forward to a dialogue with the voters of Wyoming so together we can offer real solutions. Unlike Barrasso, I will be Wyoming's voice in Washington not Washington's voice in Wyoming."
Receipt and Expenditure Reports Due (Secretary of State's Office)
“Secretary of State Max Maxfield, issued a reminder that State Statutes require that all non-federal candidates, candidate committees, and political action committees submit a Receipt and Expenditure Report (R&E) within 10 days following the election. That means the reports are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008. At a later date, federal candidates will submit reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Copies of the federal reports can be viewed on the FEC website at http://www.fec.gov/. Copies of the non-federal Candidates Receipts and Expenditures Reports will be available to the public from the Secretary of State’s Office beginning Wednesday, September 3. "The public is welcome to review the documents at my office" stated Secretary Maxfield. "If people want their own copy of the reports, then an order can be placed through my office by calling 307-777-5860 or emailing elections@state.wy.us." According to state law, the cost of documents will be based on the number of pages to be copied.”
CARTOON: Bob Lang - Can A Candidate Be Recalled?
K2TV - KTWO - Casper Channel 2 or 6 and Cheyenne Channel 8
“Just two days after the primary and the US house race is already heating up. Republican Cynthia Lummis is portraying her Democratic opponent as an Easterner, who can't identify with Wyoming values. Gary Trauner counters that her negative campaigning shows she has nothing positive to offer. He says his campaign will focus on important issues, like health care, the economy and gas prices. Trauner has lived in Wyoming for the past 18 years….”