By Rebecca Watson, Cody, Wy
Dear Editor:
I support Representative Liz Cheney’s work to protect our Constitution. Wyoming is my professional birthplace where I had opportunities unique to the State. I began my career as a federal district law clerk in Cheyenne and as a lawyer in Sheridan.
I was active in Republican politics and had the opportunity to campaign around the state. Senator Malcom Wallop supported my first federal political appointment as Assistant Attorney at the US Department of Energy – I was proud to be included as one of the “Wyoming Mafia.”
Twelve years later, I served as Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals, US Department of the Interior—managing BLM and federal energy. In each job, I swore an oath to the Constitution.
I believe I know something about leadership and what it means when we say, “We are a nation of laws, not men.”
As Americans, we don’t put our trust in a king or “strong man” to protect our liberties. Our trust is in the Constitution and its framework of checks and balances, representative democracy and federalism. The Constitution is our foundation and strength – when we diminish it, we diminish our country.
Liz Cheney is right to fight for free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power – these are fundamental to who we are as Americans.
Liz is a leader – doing the right, more difficult thing when it would be much easier to remain silent, to “go along.” Congress is a collective body; you have to work with others to get things done.
A representative must not only be a leader, but also have integrity – people can trust their word. I saw those qualities in Liz during the debate. Liz Cheney told us where she stands, “I will never put party above my duty to the country…to the Constitution.
I swore an oath under God and I will abide by that oath.” That is what I want from my representative and why I am proud she represents me.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Watson, Cody
