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Wyoming GOP eager to make mark
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| Contributor | TX DEM |
| Last Edited | TX DEM Jan 04, 2008 03:08pm |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Friday, January 4, 2008 09:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Wyoming Republicans will make history Saturday when they become the first in the country to select delegates for the national GOP convention.
True, Wyoming's early county conventions haven't generated the profile of Iowa's caucuses, but they have resulted in the state's first-ever serious look by presidential candidates.
"I've got to tell you, it's exciting," said Bill Cubin, Natrona County GOP chairman. "We really are making a difference here."
Candidates have reached out in a variety of ways. Most candidates have targeted state party members with e-mails, phone calls, direct mailing, personal visits and calls to local radio talk shows.
Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson spent $10,000 each to acquire a list of the names and contact information for party members who will help select the national delegates. Romney set up a state office in Casper, Cubin said.
There have also been calls on behalf of candidates from national GOP figures - including Mary Matalin, a former counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney, who is supporting Thompson, the former U.S. senator from Tennessee.
"The response has been terrific," Matalin said by telephone Thursday, noting that state GOP members have been keenly interested in Thompson's stance on important national issues. "The thing about Wyoming people, they just like the straight talk. I'm not spinning anybody and not offering any pointers."
Paul Kruse, Niobrara County party chairman, said he has heard from nearly every candidate, either on the phone or through direct mail.
"I think it's a testament to the wisdom of the decision to move up our county conventions," said Kruse, who is supporting Thompson.
Tired of being a "flyover" state during presidential races, Wyoming Republicans broke with the national party and opted to stage their county conventions earlier than usual.
The decision has drawn scorn from the national party, but local leaders consider it a resounding success, as evidenced by visits t |
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