I’ve just heard that Gov. Freudenthal has chosen Dr. John Barrasso to replace the late Senator Craig Thomas.
I can’t find any news stories yet, but updates will be forthcoming.
UPDATE: (10:02AM)
Here is a copy of the email sent to all WY state workers –
Remember, folks, you heard it here first …
Juliette Rule
Information Officer
Wyoming Department of Family Services
Desk: 307.777.3798
Cell: 631-1544
>>> Cara Eastwood 06/22/2007 9:42 AM >>>
OFFICE OF GOVERNOR DAVE FREUDENTHAL
State Capitol
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Ph. 307.777.7434June 22, 2007
******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******Contact: Policy Analyst Robert W. Black
Office 307.777.7437
Cell 307.286.6700GOVERNOR APPOINTS BARRASSO TO THE U.S. SENATE
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Gov. Dave Freudenthal today appointed John Barrasso to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sen. Craig Thomas.
I look forward to working with John Barrasso as he assumes his duties as the interim senator for Wyoming, Freudenthal said. I pledge my cooperation to do all that I can to make sure he is a successful senator.
There are many factors that went into this decision, and it was the sum of these factors that led me to this choice, the Governor said. While I dont intend to indulge the speculation on why I made this decision, I will say that I hope I made the right choice.
Barrassos appointment is effective today. The formal Certificate of Appointment will be forwarded to Nancy Erickson, Secretary of the United States Senate.
(H/T wytammic)
UPDATE: (10:04AM)
The Casper Star Tribune has an article up, “Governor Picks Barrasso”
Sphere: Related ContentJohn Barrasso, the well-known surgeon and state senator from Casper, will serve as Wyoming’s next U.S. Senator.
Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who selected from three Republican nominees, made the announcement this morning in a news release.
Barrasso, 54, succeeds Sen. Craig Thomas, who died earlier this month of complications from Leukemia. His term begins immediately.
Freudenthal said he will not “indulge the speculation on why I made this decision,” but that he looks forward to working with Barrasso.
“There are many factors that went into this decision, and it was the sum of these factors that led me to this choice,” the governor said.
Tieki Rae: You said: “Barrasso is so amazing on every issue. I’m fairly confident that he will be on the list because everyone I’ve talked to LOVES him. But will the Governor pick him? Who knows.”
I’m comfortable with him because you are comfortable with him. This is a National not WY issue………….steve
Yes, Steve, I am so excited that Barrasso got the nod. Senator Thomas was a great Senator, so it feels kind of odd being so happy about someone who is replacing him — but I’m sure he’d be pleased with his successor as well.
YAY! I trust you so I’m happy!
What is the map thing.
So now Casper has to go through picking a new State Representative (in case Man From Laramie is lurking, a Democratic
) and a State Senator (a Republican).
Three cheers for Sen. Barrasso (R-WY)!