Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal picked John Barrasso, orthopedic surgeon and Wyoming state senator, today to fill the remainder of Senator Thomas’ term:
“I look forward to working with John Barrasso as he assumes his duties as the interim senator for Wyoming,” Freudenthal said in a statement. “I pledge my cooperation to do all that I can to make sure he is a successful senator.”
Barrasso will now serve alongside former Senate campaign rival Enzi, to whom he finished a close second in a nine-candidate Republican primary in 1996. Enzi was elected that November to succeed Republican Sen. Alan K. Simpson, who retired after three terms.
Barrasso was first elected to the state Senate in 2002, where he serves as chairman of the Transportation, Highway and Military Affairs Committee.
“I believe in limited government, lower taxes, less spending, traditional family values, local control and a strong national defense,” Barrasso said in his application documents to be considered for the Senate appointment.
He sounds like a good choice.
