The president of the Wyoming state Senate is running to represent the state in its lone U.S. House of Representatives seat.
State Senate President Bo Biteman, a Republican of Ranchester, announced his candidacy Thursday and enters the crowded field for the GOP nomination one day after completing a 22-day legislative budget session, and bidding the state Senate farewell.
Biteman, 47, told Cowboy State Daily in a Thursday interview that his policy style is “constitutional conservative,” and he seeks to spark a culture change toward accountability and limited government in Congress.
“They should be more worried about me changing them, than them changing me,” said Biteman. “I can’t be bought… I can’t be controlled. I’m my own man.”
Biteman, who is married and has two daughters, said his faith and his family keep him grounded.
He vowed to protect Wyoming’s public lands from being sold off to private buyers. He said he’d like to see reform, however, so that Wyoming could control the mineral leasing the federal government now runs – and the management of which vacillates with every presidential party change.
Voicing disappointment with toxic and illogical rhetoric throughout political factions, Biteman said he wants to run a high-road-style campaign, and wants to break through factional barriers to pass legislation in Congress.
One of his chief objectives, he said, is to push for a U.S. Constitution change that would require Congress to run single-subject bills only, so that the whole function of government wouldn’t hinge routinely on an omnibus bill containing numerous complicated, controversial provisions that didn’t receive adequate debate.
“It’s not good government,” he said.
Wyoming has a single-subject rule for legislation, which Biteman credited in part for the state’s success.
“I think Washington (DC) needs a work horse, not a show horse,” he said. “And I think my skills that I’ve developed in the Legislature and through the leadership the last two years have kind of prepared me well, for what’s needed in Washington DC right now.”
Asked which parts of the U.S. Constitution on which the federal government should refresh itself, Biteman answered, “All of it.”
To restrain the federal government’s exorbitant spending will take a full culture shift, not just machinations by one representative, he said. Biteman said he hopes to lead by example, adding that that’s been his approach as a father and a legislator.
“It’s going to take a movement; it’ going to take years of getting the right people elected, building those coalitions, building those networks, having the courage to do what’s right,” he said. “I think right now in DC, everything’s so tribal and so – you know – dysfunctional.”
The caucuses and factions are muting higher callings to do what’s right for America, he said.
Biteman works as a certified landman in the energy sector. He said energy dominance is one of his top priorities, and would like to see Wyoming take the lead on that.
He said he’d like to bolster manufacturing in the U.S. as well.
“We have to make sure our supply chains are back in America and are safe again,” said Biteman. “Because if we learned anything from COVID it’s that we can’t depend on countries like China, that hate us, for things we need like pharmaceuticals, energy, raw materials.”
Biteman had expressed interest in the House seat before the session, but told Cowboy State Daily at the time that he refused to campaign during the lawmaking session, and preferred to focus on passing a two-year budget for Wyoming.
Biteman said his brand of conservatism is his own – not a product of a specific faction. Still, he added, President Donald Trump “certainly spoke to America” when voicing America-first goals during his presidential campaign.
He gave his interview by phone while driving his black 2021 Silverado pickup truck.
“Parking in DC is going to be tough with this thing for sure,” he said.
Regarding Toxic Politicking
Another area where Biteman said he hopes to lead by example is curbing the toxic and divisive rhetoric he said proliferates American politics today.
“I don’t have Facebook fights with people. Don’t do warring press releases. We don’t air our grievances out in the media,” he said, adding that he hopes all political groups will become more productive by working together and focusing on solutions rather than divisions.
“You know, the gotcha politics and the all the drive-by hit pieces and the smear campaigns and tearing you down - all that kind of stuff – people are sick of it, honestly, I think,” he said.
But the election results will tell him for sure, Biteman added.
“I guess well find out in the election what kind of politician, and what kind of politics, Wyoming truly wants,” he said.
Fresh out of the session, Biteman said he hasn’t fully analyzed the situation in Iran yet, but he said he’s praying for America’s troops and hopes the war effort is a “quick, surgical strike – and that our troops will be home soon.”
He vowed to remain transparent with the people about his U.S. House work if he wins a term – and said he’s looking forward to that part: since as a member of Congress he would have in-house staffers to communicate with the public and help constituents through issues.
The Wyoming Legislature does not provide staffers assigned to certain lawmakers.
The GOP Field
Wyoming’s U.S. House seat is held currently by Rep. Harriet Hageman, who announced Dec. 23 she’s running for the upper chamber, after Sen. Cynthia Lummis said Dec. 19 she’s not seeking a second six-year term.
Numerous candidates have announced for the House seat.
One of those, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, collected endorsements from multiple state lawmakers and state House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, during the final days of the legislative session.
Casper businessman Reid Rasner has been campaigning and marking his stance on various issues with short videos via social media.
Former Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow announced her run for the nomination Jan. 13.
Two Casper-based military veterans, David Giralt and Kevin Christensen have also announced bids for the GOP nomination in recent days.
The primary election is Aug. 18.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
