Government & Politics
News
![Wyoming state Reps. Cody Wylie, left, and J.T. Larson, both Rock Springs Republicans, are suing over election mailers they claim are deliberately false and misleading.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Wylie-and-Larson-flier-lawsuit-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Rock Springs Legislators Sue Over Mailers That Claim They Want Trump Off Ballot
Two Rock Springs Republican legislators are suing over Wyoming Freedom Caucus election mailers that claim they want Trump off ballots. Cody Wylie and J.T. Larson say the claims are deliberately false and meant to mislead.
Leo WolfsonJuly 26, 2024
![Cheney and trump 7 25 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Cheney-and-trump-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Liz Cheney’s Super PAC Supports Fundraising Platform For Democratic Candidates
Former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney’s super political action committee is paying into a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Democratic candidates. Her group says keeping Trump from the Oval Office again is “the cause of our time.”
Leo WolfsonJuly 25, 2024
![Delegation and biden 7 25 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Delegation-and-biden-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Hageman Says If Biden’s ‘Too Feeble’ To Run, He’s ‘Too Feeble To Be President’
Following President Biden's address on Wednesday evening, Wyoming’s congressional delegation questioned whether he should remain in office. Rep. Harriet Hageman said if the president is “too feeble to be a candidate, he’s too feeble to be president.”
Leo WolfsonJuly 25, 2024
![Mix Collage 24 Jul 2024 06 19 PM 4806](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/MixCollage-24-Jul-2024-06-19-PM-4806.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Democrats Angry That Rep. Hageman Called Kamala Harris A ‘DEI Hire’
Although Wyoming Democrats are mad because Rep. Hageman called Kamala Harris a 'DEI hire,' Hageman said, “If you don’t want people to say she was hired only because she’s a black woman, then maybe Biden shouldn’t have said he was only gonna hire a black woman.”
Leo WolfsonJuly 25, 2024
![Mix Collage 24 Jul 2024 05 34 PM 5744](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/MixCollage-24-Jul-2024-05-34-PM-5744.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Tempers Flare Between House Candidate And County Sheriff At Buffalo Candidate Forum
A candidate forum got heated in Buffalo on Tuesday night when Johnson County Sheriff Rod Odenbach said gun lobbyist and House candidate Mark Jones' support of two gun bills which became law makes it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs.
Leo WolfsonJuly 24, 2024
![Trump wyoming 7 24 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/trump-wyoming-7-24-24_2024-07-24-165441_pjpb.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Trump Coming To Jackson, Wyoming For Fundraiser On Aug. 10
Former President Donald Trump will be coming to Jackson on Aug. 10 to speak at a private fundraising event for his campaign. The price of admission is $5,000. To attend the reception and get a photo will cost $35,000.
Leo WolfsonJuly 24, 2024
![More than 100 people showed up for the daytime town hall.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Gordon-in-sheridan-group-7.23.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gordon Concerned About Misinformation Campaigns Targeting Wyoming Primary Races
At a Tuesday town hall in Sheridan, Gov. Mark Gordon said he’s concerned about out-of-state misinformation campaigns designed to sway Wyoming’s primary election. He also promoted the state’s efforts to bolster its economy.
Leo WolfsonJuly 23, 2024
![Cheatle and delegation 7 23 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Cheatle-and-delegation-7.23.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Secret Service Director Abruptly Quits, But Wyoming Delegation Still Want Answers
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is pleased with Tuesday’s abrupt resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. But they still want answers about the agency’s failings during the assassination attempt on Trump.
Leo WolfsonJuly 23, 2024
![Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle during an hourslong House Committee on Oversight and Accountability meeting Monday, July 22, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Kimberly-Cheatle-GettyImages-2162421135-7.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Delegation Ads To List Demanding Secret Service Director Resign
Wyoming's delegation is among a growing contingent in Congress demanding Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle quit. Cheatle was grilled by a House committee Monday about her agency’s miscues before and during the assassination attempt on Trump.
Leo WolfsonJuly 23, 2024
![Vice President Kamala Harris](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Kamala-Harris-7.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Now What? Wyoming Dems To Meet About What To Do Now That Biden Is Out
After Sunday’s bombshell that President Joe Biden is halting his 2024 reelection campaign, the Wyoming Democratic Party is regrouping. Its 17 delegates for the party’s national convention are expected to meet Monday to discuss what they’ll do now.
Leo WolfsonJuly 22, 2024
![Rep. Cody Wylie, (R-Rock Springs), holds up a mailer accusing him of being "woke"](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/legislator-brochure-7-22-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Candidates Angered Over Mudslinging Pre-Primary Mailers
Wyoming candidates who are targets of a recent wave of mudslinging political mailers, text messages and phone calls say they cross the line. They claim the campaign materials are deliberately misleading and outright libelous.
Leo WolfsonJuly 22, 2024
![President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/MixCollage-21-Jul-2024-01-02-PM-4761.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Biden Out: Barrasso Says Exit Is Proof Dems “Admitting Failures Of Last Four Years”
Wyoming's congressional delegation said they weren't surprised with Biden's announcement Sunday to drop out of the race. Sen. Barrasso said the Democrats have "admitted their failures of the last four years" while Harriet Hageman said Biden has "no business running a popsicle stand."
Leo WolfsonJuly 21, 2024
![An information screen informs travelers that train information is not running due to the global technical outage at Canal Street subway station on July 19, 2024, in New York City. Businesses and transport worldwide were affected by a global technology outage that was attributed to a software update issued by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm whose software is used by many industries around the world.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/GettyImages-2162028098.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Dozens Of Wyoming Government Agencies Hit In Global Cybersecurity Crash
A global crash of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Friday wreaked havoc on governments and systems worldwide, including the state of Wyoming. The glitch impacted the 49 executive branch agencies, including the governor's office.
Leo WolfsonJuly 19, 2024
![House 7 19 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/house-7-19-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Legislature Explores Using State Lands For Affordable Housing
The Regulatory Reduction Task Force advanced a bill on Thursday that would allow Wyoming to lease and sell its land for affordable housing projects. State governments in Colorado, Washington, and New Mexico have done the same thing through private-public partnerships.
Leo WolfsonJuly 19, 2024
![Keith Kennedy](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Keith-Kennedy-7.19.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Laramie State Senate Candidate Calls Out Opponent For Soft Stance On Gun Control
Senate Dist. 10 GOP candidate Keith Kennedy is accusing his Laramie opponent Gary Crum of being in the “squishy middle” on Second Amendment issues in Wyoming. Although Crum wouldn't comment, his website says he is in favor of "responsible gun control policies."
Leo WolfsonJuly 19, 2024
![Former first lady Melania Trump and members of the Trump family join Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump on stage after he officially accepted the Republican presidential nomination on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/trump-11-7-18-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Barrasso Sits With Trump Family At Nomination, Delegation Thrilled With Speech
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso sat in Donald Trump’s family box at the Fiserv Forum before the former president gave his speech Thursday. Barrasso said Trump commended his efforts on grilling the director of the Secret Service over her agency’s handling of Saturday’s rally.
Leo WolfsonJuly 19, 2024
![Biden 7 18 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/biden-7-18-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Democrats Split On Whether President Biden Should Stay In Race
While Wyoming Democratic chairman Joe Barbuto said he is supporting President Biden to stay in the presidential race because he's done a "phenomenal job," other Wyoming Democrats like Cheyenne's Marcie Kindred says it's time for Joe to go.
Leo WolfsonJuly 18, 2024
![Barrasso cheatle](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/barrasso-cheatle.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Barrasso Chases Down Secret Service Head About Attack on Trump, Demands Answers
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso chased down and confronted the head of the Secret Service on Wednesday demanding answers to security breakdowns that allowed an assassination attempt on former President Trump.
Leo WolfsonJuly 18, 2024
![Gordon jackson 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/gordon-jackson-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gordon Congratulates WYDOT Workers For Teton Pass Rebuild
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday thanked 65+ Wyoming Dept of Transportation employees and dozens of private construction workers for their around-the-clock efforts to build a detour on Teton Pass after 200-feet of highway fell off the mountain last month.
Jake NicholsJuly 18, 2024
![Sarah penn 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/sarah-penn-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Why Won't Anyone Debate This Year? They Don't Trust Who's Hosting It.
There’s a trend among Wyoming candidates running for office to not attend debates hosted by organizations they don't trust-- like the League of Women Voters in Fremont County. Candidates don't believe they are as non-partisan as the group says.
Leo WolfsonJuly 17, 2024
![Secretary of State Chuck Gray wants Wyoming to divest itself of investments and business dealings with China.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Chuck-gray-6.2.23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Florida Group Influences Wyoming Election, ESG Rules With Chuck Gray’s Help
A trove of emails show that Secretary of State Chuck Gray pushed forward bills and rules on elections and ESG over the past two years that were almost identical to the model legislation brought to him by a Florida lobbying group.
Leo WolfsonJuly 17, 2024
![Wind river canyon 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/wind-river-canyon-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
WYDOT Studying Ways to Bypass Wind River Canyon Byway
Wyoming transportation officials are studying alternative routes or detours around Wind River Canyon Byway because when there is inclement weather or a major traffic incident, waits can take hours and sometimes days.
Jackie DorothyJuly 17, 2024
![County road 505 7 16 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/county-road-505-7-16-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Natrona County Officials Remove Road Barricade Erected By Ranchers
Barriers erected by a ranch family along County Road 505 were removed on Tuesday morning per the order of the Natrona County commissioners. The county announced it will now move forward to legally claim the road.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 16, 2024
![Helling 7 16 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/helling-7-16-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Hageman’s Primary Opponent Knows He’s A Long Shot But Believes She Needs Challenger
Casper attorney Steve Helling has no illusions about his chances of beating Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman in the upcoming Republican primary election, but he still believes it's the right thing to do so voters can have a choice.
Leo WolfsonJuly 16, 2024
![Chuck rnc 7 15 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/chuck-rnc-7-15-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Chuck Gray Announces Wyoming GOP Delegates Vote Unanimously For Trump
Wearing an oversized cowboy hat, Wyoming Sec. of State Chuck Gray on Monday announced at the Republican National Convention that all of the state's 29 delegates were cast for former President Donald Trump.
Leo WolfsonJuly 15, 2024
![Natrona block road 7 16 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/natrona-block-road-7-16-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Natrona County Ranchers Block Off Road Claimed By County
A Natrona County ranch couple blocked off a portion of County Road 505 where it crosses their property, potentially impacting two major road projects. One commissioner said, "The county is extremely concerned."
Dale KillingbeckJuly 15, 2024
![U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance celebrate as he is nominated for the office of Vice President alongside Ohio Delegate Bernie Moreno on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jd-vance-7-15-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Congressional Delegation Excited About Trump’s Running Mate Pick, JD Vance
Wyoming's congressional delegation said they were pleased with former President Trump's decision to pick JD Vance as his running mate. Harriet Hageman said she "couldn't wait" to see him debate Kamala Harris.
Leo WolfsonJuly 15, 2024
![File photo of former President Trump in Casper on May 28, 2022](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/trump-wyoming-7-15-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Barrasso, Lummis Applaud Dismissal Of Trump’s Classified Docs Case
U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis celebrated the dismissal of a classified documents case against former President Trump on Monday, saying they had always viewed the allegations as a politically motivated attack by the Justice Department.
Leo WolfsonJuly 15, 2024
![A person writes a message on a Get Well Soon poster board during a vigil for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Zeidler Union Square on July 14, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/get-well-soon-trump-sign-7-14-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Delegation Hopes America Will Come Together After Assassination Attempt
Wyoming's congressional delegation on Sunday told Cowboy State Daily they hope the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump over the weekend will cause the country to come together.
Leo WolfsonJuly 15, 2024
![Digital Drivers license 7 14 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Digital-Drivers-license-7.14.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming At Least One Year Away From Offering Digital Driver's Licenses
The State of Wyoming is at least a year away from offering digital driver's licenses after the legislature authorized the use in 2020. Currently 11 states allow digital driver's licenses on phones and some allow them on watches.
Clair McFarlandJuly 14, 2024
![Former President Trump rushed offstage after being shot at during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/trump-shot-7-14-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Trump Shot At Rally, Wyoming Delegation Sends Prayers
Wyoming's congressional delegation sent prayers Saturday evening immediately after former President Donald Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump is safe, the Secret Service announced after the incident.
Clair McFarlandJuly 13, 2024
![The first vehicle travels over a rebuilt temporary fix for the collapsed section of Teton Pass.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Teton-pass-first-vehicle-7.12.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Did Propose Drilling A Tunnel Through Teton Pass But It Never Went Anywhere
The former head of the Wyoming Dept of Transportation did submit a request to the federal government to drill a hole through Teton Pass instead of maintaining a road over it. But it never went anywhere.
Pat MaioJuly 12, 2024
![Coates Road residents are concerned about the paved and gravel portion of their roads and the impact heavy haul gravel trucks would have on them if a proposed gravel pit is approved.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Gravel-Pit-Intersection-3.20.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Group Says It Has 15,000 Signatures Opposing Controversial Casper Gravel Pit
An organized group says it’s gathered 15,000 signatures opposing plans to mine gravel from 300 acres of state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain. The project’s manager said Thursday the project push go forward.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 12, 2024
![U.S. President Joe Biden holds news conference at the 2024 NATO Summit on July 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Biden-Press-Conference-GettyImages-2161686929-7.11.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Biden Insists He's Fit For Office, Calls Zelensky "Putin" and Trump His "Vice President"
Wyoming’s congressional delegation said President Biden’s Thursday press conference, during which he mistakenly called former President Trump his vice president, was another failure.
Clair McFarlandJuly 12, 2024
![Cyrus 11 20 23](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/cyrus-11-20-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Key Legislator Worries Activists Could Hurt Wyoming Economy In Oil And Gas Auctions
State Rep. Cyrus Western, the outgoing House majority whip, is concerned that a Lander-based conservation advocacy organization is waging a war on Wyoming’s middle class through the state’s oil and gas lease auction bidding process.
Pat MaioJuly 11, 2024
![FE Warren missiles out front Unknown 7 11 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/FE-Warren-missiles-out-front-Unknown-7.11.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
FE Warren Missile Upgrades Move Ahead Despite Being 81% Over Budget
The upgrade to the missile defense program at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne — which is expected to bring billions of dollars in construction money and thousands of jobs to the community — has come in 81% over budget. Delays have the project now beginning in 2027.
Renée JeanJuly 11, 2024