Former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan announced Tuesday he’s endorsing Democratic nominee Lisa Kinney for the U.S. House.
Kinney, a former state senator and attorney, faces Republican nominee Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Libertarian nominee Shawn Johnson, and Constitution Party nominee Jeff Haggit going into the Nov. 3 general election.
The contested seat, which Rep. Harriet Hageman is leaving to run for U.S. Senate, is Wyoming’s only representation in the U.S. House.
Sullivan, who served as a Democrat from 1987 to 1995, confirmed to Cowboy State Daily he’s endorsed Kinney. The choice wasn’t difficult, he said.
He worked with Kinney when she was in the state Senate.
“And I found her to be a stable, thoughtful, concerned person,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan's endorsement came on the same day that President Trump endorsed Secretary of State Chuck Gray.
Asked For Kinney's Resume
When she ran for U.S. House, Sullivan asked Kinney for her resumé.
He was blown away by her breadth of public service, he said.
“How extensive it was, and how many things she’s done, and how much leadership she’s provided in the community,” said Sullivan. “I know Chuck Gray … I’ve always had a cordial relationship with him. But his public service doesn’t hold a candle to what Lisa has done over the years.”
Gray graduated from Wharton School of Business in 2012. He’s worked with Wyoming Right to Life and, starting in 2017, he served in the state House for six years. Before that, he has told the public, he worked in his dad’s radio business.
Sullivan added, “I think it’s important that Wyoming have somebody who is dedicated to public service, who works well with people and has proven their leadership like Lisa has, and Chuck hasn’t.”
Kinney Worked For Freudenthal
Kinney’s resume includes her 1988 law degree from the University of Wyoming, 10 years in the state Senate, a term as Minority Floor Leader, and her legal internship for Dave Freudenthal in 1987 – years before he became another Democratic governor for Wyoming – as well as outstanding citizen awards and extensive work with volunteer groups.
Kinney voiced gratitude Tuesday.
“I am so honored to be endorsed by Governor Sullivan, who served the people of Wyoming moderately, and with great care for a lot of years,” she said, adding that she worked well with him during her Senate years.
Congress comprises both the House and Senate. Wyoming has two U.S. senators, both Republicans: The departing Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and Sen. John Barrasso.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
