Government & Politics
News
![Central Wyoming College](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Central-Wyoming-College-Wyoming-Community-College-Commission-9.6.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Central Wyoming College Pushes Back On Jeanette Ward’s COVID Claims
Central Wyoming College is pushing back on claims state Rep. Jeanette Ward made about its COVID policies. CWC does not require testing or vaccines for students, but some of the private facilities it works with do.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 07, 2024
![Former Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Dick-cheney-and-kamala-harris-9.6.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Like Father, Like Daughter: Now Dick Cheney Endorses Kamala
Just days after former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney announced her support of Kamala Harris, her father Dick Cheney said he was supporting her too.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 06, 2024
![Cheyenne Democrat Jen Solis stands with one of her “Republicans For Jen Solis” yard signs.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Republicans-for-Solis-9.6.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Wyoming Dems Hope To Gain Ground After Freedom Caucus Primary Surge
After a primary election surge by the farther right Wyoming Freedom Caucus, Wyoming Democrats hope to gain legislative seats in November. They’re counting on votes from other Republicans who opposed the Freedom Caucus.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 06, 2024
![Hunter Biden and U.S. Sen. Harriet Hageman](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Hunter-Biden-and-Harriet-Hageman-3.5.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Hageman Says Hunter Biden Guilty Plea Tip Of The Iceberg Of Corruption
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman says Thursday’s surprise guilty plea from Hunter Biden is just the tip of the iceberg of corruption associated with the White House. She said President Biden and Vice President Harris also are suspect.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 06, 2024
![Highland Cemetery in Casper, Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Casper-cemetery-2-9.5.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Fatal Crashes, Killings And Suicides “Through The Roof” In Natrona County
Fatal crashes, killings and suicides are “through the roof” so far in 2024, the Natrona County Coroner reports. They’re up in northeast Wyoming, too.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 05, 2024
![Rex Rammell](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Rex-Rammell.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Perennial Candidate Rex Rammell Says He’s Done With Politics, America Doomed
Rock Springs resident Rex Rammell has been a fixture in Wyoming elections since 2016, running for Congress and governor. Now he says he’s done with politics and feels America is doomed.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 05, 2024
![Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and Liz Cheney.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Harris-and-Cheney-9.4.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Surprise (Or Not) — Liz Cheney Says She’ll Vote For Kamala Harris For President
Longtime Republican and former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney announced Wednesday she’ll vote for Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 05, 2024
![Highway patrol pull over](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/highway-patrol-pull-over.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Could Wyoming Legislators Get Out Of Tickets Through “Legislative Privilege?”
A Colorado state lawmaker recently got out of a speeding ticket by claiming “legislative privilege.” It’s unclear whether the Wyoming Constitution would allow legislators to claim that in the Cowboy State.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 05, 2024
![Donald Trump 9 4 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Donald-Trump-9.4.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Trump’s Flip On Abortion Not A Big Issue With Many In Wyoming
Former President Donald Trump’s flip on abortion has made national news. But many pro-life and pro-choice people in Wyoming say it’s not a big issue.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 04, 2024
![U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, left, and U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jon-Tester-and-Harriet-Hageman-9.4.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Montana Dem Group Tries To Buy Support From College Athletes For Sen. Jon Tester
A Montana group offered to pay college athletes to support Democrat Sen. Jon Tester in his reelection campaign. Wyoming’s delegation is slamming the move, with Hariett Hageman calling it an “asinine and embarrassing campaign tactic.”
Leo WolfsonSeptember 04, 2024
![Teense and Sandy Willford. They were married for nearly 60 years.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Teense-and-Sandy-Willford-9.3.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Former Wyoming Legislator And Saratoga Legend Teense Willford Dies At 85
Former Wyoming legislator and Saratoga legend Teense Willford, 85, died Tuesday of complications from cancer. He also loved music and was known around the Platte Valley as the “Voice of the Valley.”
Leo WolfsonSeptember 03, 2024
![Anthony Schmidt](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Anthony-Schmidt-9.3.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Cheyenne Republicans Protest Registered Sex Offender Running For College Board
A Cheyenne registered sex offender did time for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old boy. Now he’s running to be a Laramie County Community College trustee, and the local Republican Party isn’t happy about it.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 03, 2024
![Gov. Mark Gordon durign the 2024 Wyoming legislative session.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Mark-Gordon-8.30.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Proposed Health Care Commission Nixed Over Fears Gordon Would Meddle With It
The Wyoming Joint Health, Labor and Social Services Committee rejected creating a state health care commission Friday. Legislators said they feared Gov. Mark Gordon would overstep his authority with it.
Leo WolfsonAugust 31, 2024
![In an exclusive interview with CNN's Dana Bash on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris tried to explain her 180-degree flip on fracking.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Kamala-Harris-on-fracking-CNN-8.30.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Kamala Harris Interview With CNN Exposes Flip-Flop On Fracking
Kamala Harris did a 180-degree flip on fracking in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on Thursday. Political watchdogs told Cowboy State Daily her new position on fracking is politics, not policy.
Pat MaioAugust 30, 2024
![Matt Malcom, right, lost his Republican primary election to state Rep. Daniel Singh and is suing Secretary of State Chuck Gray, left, to get onto the general eleciton ballot.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Matt-Malcom-and-Chuck-Gray-8.30.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Primary Loser Sues Chuck Gray To Get On General Election Ballot
Cheyenne resident Matt Malcom is suing Chuck Gray for upholding Wyoming’s “sore loser” law. Malcom lost in last week’s Republican primary and wants to be on the general election ballot. Problem is, that’s against the law.
Leo WolfsonAugust 30, 2024
![State Sen. Troy McKeown, R-Gillette, believes Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan to cap grocery store prices to fight price gouging is misguided.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Troy-McKeown-at-Dons-1-8.29.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Gillette Grocer And Legislator Says Kamala Misses Target On Price Gouging
Troy McKeown is a state legislator and owner of a pair of small, independent grocery stores in northeast Wyoming. He says Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan to fight price gouging by grocery stores misses the target.
Leo WolfsonAugust 30, 2024
![Evanston Mayor Kent Williams, sitting right, blasted the Uinta County Herald for its front-page coverage of a city staffer leaving a vulgar voicemail for a local resident.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Evanston-council-and-paper-8.29.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Evanston Mayor Slams Local Paper For Reporting On Staffer’s Vulgar Voicemail
Evanston Mayor Kent Williams has blasted the local newspaper for reporting on a city staffer leaving a vulgar voicemail for a resident. It’s caused a rift on the city council, with four members issuing a letter of “no confidence” in the mayor.
Leo WolfsonAugust 29, 2024
Despite Few Issues With Primary, Chuck Gray Says Elections Not Secure Enough
There were very few issues reported with last week’s primary, but Chuck Gray said on Wednesday that Wyoming elections still aren’t secure enough. He and the rest of the State Canvassing Board also unanimously certified the primary results.
Leo WolfsonAugust 28, 2024
![Republican candidate for Wyoming's U.S. Senate nomination, speaks during the 2024 Wyoming Republican Party convention in Cheyenne.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Reid-Rasner-4.26.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Reid Rasner Said His Polls Showed He Was In A Dead Heat With Barrasso, But He Lost Huge
GOP Senate candidate Reid Rasner spent the last few weeks before the primary election claiming his poll numbers had him in a dead heat with Barrasso. But he lost in a landslide. Can any internal polls be trusted?
Leo WolfsonAugust 27, 2024
![Rocky Case and the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office in Cheyenne.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Rocky-Case-Secretary-of-States-Office-IMG_1277-8.27.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Chuck Gray Skeptical Independent Candidate Got 68 Signatures In 10 Minutes
Secretary of State Chuck Gray may reject an Independent candidate’s last-minute bid for the Wyoming House. Rocky Case on Monday got his campaign OK’d by Gray’s office, then turned in his signatures 10 minutes later.
Leo WolfsonAugust 27, 2024
Wyoming Fights Biden Program For Immigrants To Become Citizens Through Marriage
Wyoming is suing over a new Biden administration program that could give American citizenship to illegal immigrants who marry U.S. citizens.
Leo WolfsonAugust 26, 2024
![House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman, R-Hulett.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Chip-Neiman-8.23.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Chip Neiman To Run For House Speaker On Heels Of Huge Election For Freedom Caucus
On the heels of a huge Republican primary for the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, House Majority Leader Chip Neiman says he’ll run for House Speaker.
Leo WolfsonAugust 24, 2024
![The representatives of Wyoming's Democratic at this week's Democratic Natonal Convention in Chicago.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Barbuto-at-DNC-roll-call-8.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
At DNC, Wyoming Dems Represent A State That Stands For A Lot Of What Their Party Opposes
At the DNC this week, Wyoming Democrats have to balance some political realities. That includes representing a state that supports a lot of what their party opposes, like continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Leo WolfsonAugust 23, 2024
![Wyoming 17 Democratic delegates cheer on Tuesday night as they are announced at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Wyoming-Dems-at-convention-8.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
DNC Snubs Wyoming Delegation’s Song, Plays Black Eyed Peas Instead
When Wyoming cast its votes during the roll call at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, a song by the Black Eyed Peas blasted out. Turns out, the delegation was just as surprised to hear “I Gotta Feeling” as everyone else.
Leo WolfsonAugust 23, 2024
![Tony Niemiec and Marlene Bray 8 22 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Tony-Niemiec-and-Marlene-Bray-8.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
After Primary Loss, Green River Incumbent Bashes Opponent As “One-Term Failure”
State Rep. Tony Niemiec, R-Green River, was less than conciliatory after losing his primary Republican reelection bid Tuesday night. He bashed opponent Marlene Bray as weak and predicted she’ll “be a one-term failure.”
Leo WolfsonAugust 22, 2024
![Voters at the Storey Gym in Cheyenne on primary day, Aug. 20, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Vote-2024-Cheyenne-Storey-Gym-20240820_lar-co_vote_9387-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Mudslinging Was A Theme Of The Wyoming Primary, And It Seems To Have Paid Off
Negative and vicious campaigning was a theme leading up to Tuesday’s Wyoming primary. But the results show mudslinging has seemed to pay off with success at the ballot box.
Leo WolfsonAugust 21, 2024
![In the early afternoon in Laramie, turnout was pretty low at Laramie High School. But turnout at this polling place usually hits its peak after people get off work.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Vote-2024-Laramie-20240820_alby-co_vote_9235-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Low Turnout Could Be Why All The Close Wyoming Primary Races And Upsets
One of the major takeaways from Tuesday’s Wyoming primary election is the number of close races and upsets. One reason for that could be low voter turnout.
Leo WolfsonAugust 21, 2024
![Voting at Lusk North and Lusk South precincts Tuesday for the 2024 Niborara County Primary. In the county's highlight race, JD Williams won in a primary rematch with Allen Slagle.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/JD-Williams-Vote-2024-Niobrara-20240820_154609-8.21.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
JD Williams Scores Rematch Victory Over Allen Slagle In House District 2 Seat
After losing by 12 votes to Allen Slagle in the 2022 Republican primary, former House member JD Williams won Tuesday’s rematch. This time it wasn’t as close.
Renée JeanAugust 21, 2024
![Voters at the Storey Gym in Cheyenne on primary day, Aug. 20, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Vote-2024-Cheyenne-Storey-Gym-20240820_lar-co_vote_9364-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Wyoming Freedom Caucus Has Huge Republican Primary, Could Gain 11 Seats
Tuesday’s Wyoming Republican Party was huge for the Freedom Caucus. Should candidates that align with the group win out in November, it could gain 11 seats in the Wyoming House.
Leo WolfsonAugust 21, 2024
![Nan Gilbert, a Laramie County election judge, waits for voters to arrive at the David R. Romero Park polling center. She's been an election judge for 20 years in Cheyenne.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Vote-2024-Cheyenne-20240820_lar-co_vote_9031-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Wyoming Primary Roundup: Other Contested Races
Cowboy State Daily published stories about 18 of the most important contested races in Tuesday’s Wyoming primary. There were no contested Democratic races, making the primary all about the Republicans.
August 21, 2024
![Charlie Scott won another primary on Tuesday, setting up for a 14th term in the Wyoming Legislature if he wins in November. Without a Democratic opponent, that seems likely.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Charlie-Scott-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Charlie Scott Beats Rob Hendry In Bid For 14th Term In Legislature
Charlie Scott, R-Casper, easily beat former Natrona County Commissioner Robert Hendry in Tuesday’s Republican primary. If he wins in November, it’ll be his 14th term in the Wyoming Legislature.
Renée JeanAugust 21, 2024
![Jayme Lien upset incumbent Tom Walters in Tuesday's primary.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Tom-Walters.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Jayme Lien Stuns Incumbent Tom Walters in District 38 GOP Primary Upset
Challenger Jayme Lien stunned incumbent Tom Walters in the District 38 Wyoming House primary race Tuesday, denying him a seventh term.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 21, 2024
![Scott Smith won his Republican primary on Tuesday. In the background, poll workers bring ballots in to the Niobrara County Courthouse Tuesday night after the polls close.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Scott-Smith-Niobrara-county-election-1-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Goshen County GOP Gives Incumbent Smith Strong Support For House District 5
Incumbent Rep. Scott Smith won a second term representing House District 5 in Tuesday’s Republican primary. A member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, Smith beat out Jackie Van Mark.
Renée JeanAugust 21, 2024
![Ann Lucas upset longtime Cheyenne legislator Dan Zwonitzer in the Republican primary Tuesday.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/zwonitzwer-loses-Vote-2024-Cheyenne-20240820_lar-co_vote_9059-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Longtime Cheyenne Legislator Dan Zwonitzer Loses Bid For 11th Term In Office
Longtime state Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, was beaten by Freedom Caucus-endorsee Ann Lucas in his primary election Tuesday night. His run in the House ends at 10 terms.
Leo WolfsonAugust 21, 2024
![In a stunning defeat, Wyoming House Speaker Albert Sommers, who was first elected to the Legislature a dozen years ago, lost to Kemmerer resident Laura Taliaferro Pearson, who entered politics during the pandemic because of concerns over pandemic masking mandates.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/somers-loses-8.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Kemmerer Bus Driver Beats House Speaker Albert Sommers In Stunning Senate Race Upset
In a stunning defeat, Wyoming House Speaker Albert Sommers lost to Kemmerer resident Laura Taliaferro Pearson, in Senate District 14 which covers Sublette, Lincoln, Sweetwater and Uinta counties.
Pat MaioAugust 21, 2024
![State Rep. Ken Clouston, R-Gillette, left, and George Dunlap.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Clouston-and-Dunlap-6.14.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=16%3A9&fit=crop)
Ken Clouston Wins House District 32 Primary Over George Dunlap
In the most interesting race of the Campbell County Republican primary election, incumbent Ken Clouston beat George Dunlap.
Jen KocherAugust 21, 2024