Posted on 05/21/2006 6:36:21 AM PDT by Theodore R.
Wyo. Dems rally for a victorious November election
By Jennifer Frazer rep8@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
CHEYENNE - Wyoming Democrats seem to be an endangered species at times, so it was with a palpable sense of excitement that they gathered for the Wyoming Democratic Convention at the IKON Center Saturday.
But there was more than just a feeling of solidarity. There was the scent of opportunity - or blood - in the air.
Whatever it was, the 259 delegates and seven alternates were in a jubilant mood, singing democratic songs, cheering their candidates and greeting old friends.
"I believe that we are poised to make historic gains at the local level, the state level and the national level," said Mike Gierau, state chairman of the Wyoming Democratic Party.
Voters are finding, he said, that western Democrats are focused on finding solutions.
Two candidates purporting to have those solutions gave speeches to a crowd hungry to hear them: Dale Groutage, hoping to topple U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas, and Gary Trauner, aiming for U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin's seat.
Groutage listed optimizing Wyoming's mineral resources, providing affordable health care and protecting Wyoming's public land heritage as his three chief goals.
Gary Trauner was greeted by an adoring audience who enthusiastically waved campaign fans.
Trauner quipped that after knocking on more than 6,000 doors in the state, "I'm just glad to be out of the wind and not running away from dogs."
But he sensed a change in the air from his conversations with Wyomingites, too.
"Wyoming voters aren't just open to change - they're telling me they crave it," he said.
He emphasized that his campaign and other Democratic campaigns should focus on solutions.
"We are problem solvers," he said. "We don't just want to give sound bites and then run away."
Rep. Debbie Hammons, D-Worland, encouraged her fellow Democrats to run for office, even in counties where the odds seem stacked against them.
In chronicling her own successful run in a county with only 25 percent Democrats, her constituents' thirst for a change helped propel her to victory.
"When people are ready for a change, they're open to things they might not have been before," she said. "If a Democrat can be elected in Worland or Ten Sleep, Wyoming, then a Democrat can be elected anywhere."
After a lengthy session of amendment proposals, the Democratic Party adopted a platform that says Wyoming Democrats support, among other items:
• Public financing for federal and state campaigns.
• The repeal of the "No Child Left Behind" act.
• A phased, rapid and responsible withdrawal from Iraq at the earliest possible date.
• An immediate increase in the minimum wage to $7 an hour.
• Increased investment in renewable energy and policies that promote energy independence, conservation and reduced global warming.
• Reform of eminent domain laws as they relate to the taking of private land for profit.
• The right of Wyomingites to keep and bear arms.
• The passage of a state "hate crimes" statute.
"I think it's a good, strong platform," said Karyn Knutson, a delegate from Laramie County. She particularly liked the inclusion of protections for workers, which was one of the longest sections in the platform.
"I'm very happy with it," said Kim Holloway, a delegate and treasurer of the Natrona County Democrats. "It makes strong statements about Wyoming. I think because national issues are so passionate right now people can sometimes forget that we're talking about state issues."
Boy, this article sound just like Rush Limbaugh's description of the liberal media...PANT PANT PANT PANT PANT!
Rep. Barbara Cubin has problems related to her own performance and not the circumstances of the party. A competent Republican congressman in Wyoming would be safe.
Bush and the rest of the RINOs have kicked conservatives in the teeth over and over again for the last five years. As a consequence the republicans are going to lose big time in November. Put your financial affairs in order and make way for Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The handwriting is on the wall.
Yeah I think your right. I seem to remember a thread a few months back and lot of wyoming folks were saying the same thing that it was more her and the party. Some poliicos just has a personality that turns people off no matter how pure their poltics are.
That's what you're up against, GOP. For once, the Democrats know what THEY stand for! Do you?
What blatant baloney! It's like sneezing and taking credit for the hurricane.
But no drilling in ANWAR, no new offshore drilling anywhere, no building of new refineries, no new nuclear plants, et al. Demonrats, a major cause of the energy crisis in the US, are going to solve it. The electorate just might buy it.
Jack I fear you are correct.
The congress spends my money like crazy. Cares not one iota about our borders and safety. Refuses to allow oil exploration within our borders.
And generally care only about getting reelected.
I have lost faith in both parties.
Conservatives will hold their own in Congress and may gain some seats in November.
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