Casper Star-Tribune from Casper, Wyoming • 5

fiiday, June IS, PAGE ONE EXTRA AS SENATE: 17 of states 23 counties representee Big field highlights name recognition Who announced Thursday big factor. "No one is going to have an hour to press their case," King said. "People are going to have to have made their case on paper, and they're going to have to say the right things when they get the chance," King said. Marcum's "short list" includes 10 people: Three sitting legislators John Barrasso of Casper, Cale Case of Lander and Colin Simpson of Cody. Two former Wyoming House speakers Randall Luthi of Freedom and Doug Chamberlain of LaGrange.

The party's 2006 nominee for governor, Ray Hunk-ins. Former State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis. Former U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Matt Mead. Former state Agriculture Department director Ron Micheli.

Former party chairman Tom Sansonetti. Other candidates include state Rep. David Edwards of Douglas, a longtime backer of legislation that would bring the Powerball lottery to Wyoming, and four members of the central committee: Paul Kruse of Cheyenne, Joseph Schloss of Jackson, Clark Stith of Rock Springs and Randy Stevenson of Wheatland. Marcum said having that many big names could help Hunkins, who has said publicly that he wouldn't run for re-election in 2008. That would turn the selection over to the people again in 2008 without a heavy favorite an idea that might appeal to some.

But that assumes the Republicans would want an open primary in 2008, when a strong incumbent might be more appealing. "You're trying to get into the minds of 71 people," King said, "and it's likely that there's not a consensus among the Republican Central Committee about exactly what the strategy should be." Who'll decide Members of the Wyoming Republican Parly State Central Committee, which is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Casper to select three nominees for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Craig Thomas: NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jan Larimer, Teton Village Diemer True, Casper ALBANY COUNTY Richard Bohling, Laramie Tammy Johnson, Laramie Kristi Wallin, Laramie BIG HORN COUNTY Bemie Du Monthier, Lovell Dave Mattis, Greybull Kay Mattis, Greybull CAMPBELL COUNTY David Horning, Gillette Greg Schaefer, Gillette Joanne Tweedy, Gillette CARBON COUNTY Fred Harrison, Rawlins Harry Lovato, Rawlins Debbie Weickum, Rawlins CONVERSE COUNTY Mike Eathorne, Douglas Kari Jo Gray, Douglas Marilyn Werner, Douglas CROOK COUNTY Bruce Brown, Devils Tower Ogden Driskill, Devils Tower Barbara Jeff res, Moorcroft FREMONT COUNTY John Birbari, Lander Perry Marple, Lander Darlene Vaughan, Lander GOSHEN COUNTY Lynda Baumgardner, Torrington Jeff Jones, Huntley Chuck Kenyon, Torrington HOT SPRINGS COUNTY Phyllis Baker, Thermopolis Tom Linnan, Thermopolis Lorraine Quarberg, Thermopolis JOHNSON COUNTY Gerald Eastwood, Buffalo Sally Ramsbottom, Buffalo Bob Snowden, Buffalo LARAMIE COUNTY Jonathan Downing, Cheyenne Leigh Vosler, Cheyenne Jerry Zellars, Cheyenne LINCOLN COUNTY Jack Edwards, Thayne Cherri Harriet, Alpine Kevin Voyles, Thayne NATRONA COUNTY Bill Cubin, Casper Rosa Goolsby, Casper Paul Wilhelm, Casper NIOBRARA COUNTY Paul Kruse, Cheyenne Gregg Matney, Lusk Kris Stauffer, Newcastle PARK COUNTY Jeri Hockhalter, Cody Sam Krone, Cody David Northrup, Powell PLATTE COUNTY Deb Alden, Wheatland Marlin Driskell, Wheatland Randy Stevenson, Wheatland SHERIDAN COUNTY John Allan Holtz Age: 57 Horn: Laramie Career Attorney Education: University of Wyoming, graduate, international studies; law degree, St. HOLTZ Mary's, San Antonio, Texas Family: Single Political experience: Elected three times as a county judge in Converse County, served 1981-93 Clark Stith Age: 46 Home: Rock Springs Career Attorney Education: Bachelor's degrees in philosophy and electrical engineering, University of STITH Kansas; master's of science, school of foreign service, and law degree, both from Georgetown University Family: Married, wife Linda, four children Political experience: Candidate in 2000 for Senate District 12, lost to Democrat Rae Lynn Job; candidate in 2002 for House District 48, lost to Marty Martin; elected to Western Wyoming Community College board of trustees Dave Edwards Age: 69 Home: Douglas Career Retired naval officer Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering sciences, naval post graduate EDWARDS school Family: Married, wife Glenda, five children Political experience: In seventh year in Wyoming House Cale Case Age: 49 Home: Lander Career Economist Education: Bachelor's and Ph.D. in-economics, University of Wyoming Family: CASE Married, wife Shirley, three children Political experience: Served six years in Wyoming House, in ninth year in Wyoming Senate Nora Lewis Age: 73 Home: Basin Career Homemaker, farmer Education: Attended Northwest College in Powell Family: Married, three sons, three I By DAN LEWERENZ Associated Piess writer CHEYENNE Picking a new U.S.

senator suddenly looks like trying to pick a flavor at Baskin-kobbins the Wyoming Republican Party State Central Committee must choose from 31 candidates, including some well-known favorites and some you've never heard of. "This is a mess," said David Marcum, a political science instructor at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. But the kind of mess that could make for good political theater as the candidates vie for the attention of the 71 state central committee members and the committee members' strategics play out in Tuesday's public votes. A public forum is scheduled for Sunday in Casper, and GOP officials are still trying to work out the details. The central committee will meet Tuesday in Casper to select three finalists.

Their names will be forwarded to Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, who will select Wyoming's next senator. That person will serve until January 2009; a special election in November 2008 will determine who finishes the rest of Thomas' term, which expires in 2012. Parady said he expects the central committee's first task will be to pare the list to eight names. James King, a political science professor at the University of Wyoming, said that first vote will provide some insight into how committee members are approaching the selection process.

"If the eight includes the half a dozen (candidates) we were talking about a week ago, that suggests a different dynamic than if it is a couple of the well-known and a bunch of the lesser-known," King said. Both King and Marcum said name recognition would be a FALLEN Continued from A1 individually, because that is how they joined our ranks, each making the personal and unselfish decision to become a soldier," Maj. Kyle Marsh, the brigade's rear detachment commander, told about 400 soldiers, family members and others. "Each soldier's contribution was vital to the mission in Iraq, and to preserving our freedom. Our heartfelt admiration and deepest respect goes out to them and their families." Before today, the largest number of soldiers remembered at a single ceremony was six.

Thursday, a portrait of each soldier was placed on the stage, along with the symbols of military memorials: a pair of combat boots, an inverted rifle, a helmet and dog tags. The soldiers were from each of the brigade's three infantry battalions, as well as its field artillery battalion. Each was represented by a speaker who shared personal anecdotes or read comments made by fellow soldiers back in Iraq. Maj. Hank Barnes, the rear detachment commander from the brigade's 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, said his two soldiers Higgins and Miller died in a place known for its orchards and lush date palm Continued from A1 have an engaged citizenry and an eager group of applicants" State GOP Chairman Fred Parady said in a news release Thursday evening, Parady said the list includes candidates from 17 of the state's 23 counties, including seven from Natrona County, followed by five from Laramie County.

Wyoming's least populated county, Niobrara, also has a candidate in the race. The roster includes four women and 27 men; nine former legislators; three State Republican Central Committee members; two doctors; nine attorneys; and seven ranchers. The deadline for applications was 5 p.m. Thursday. Other candidates on the list released earlier Friday by the state GOP office include state Sen.

Cale Case of Lander, Rep. David Edwards of Douglas, former Libertarian U.S. House candidate Thorn Rankin of Casper, Laramie attorney John Holtz, rancher Randy Stevenson of Wheatland, Rock Springs attorney Clark Stith, and Paul Kruse of Niobrara County. Case, a 49-year-old Lander economist and businessman who previously ran for the U.S. House, said he would bring to the job of U.S.

senator the qualities that made him an effective legislator. Case said he is concerned about the direction of the nation. "I am running because I want to return the country to the basic principles we all value," he said. "Many of Washington's activities have stretched beyond the boundaries of the U.S. Constitution." "We cannot increase security by denying the liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.

We cannot afford to wage war and expand entitlements," he added in a release. Edwards, a 69-year-old retired naval officer, said he lived in Washington, D.C., when he was in the Navy and would like to return. "I think I can do some good stuff for the state of Wyoming," Edwards said in an interview Thursday. During his 33-year naval career, he commanded an air wing and was captain of a ship, "so I know how to deal with people." "I know not just how to order people around but to convince them this would be a good thing to do," he" said. Edwards also flew 260 missions in Vietnam.

Rankin, a 58-year-old retired teacher and physician's office manager, said he switched back to the Republican Party as a result of a visit with Thomas and his wife, Susan, when they were in Casper for the state GOP convention. Thomas told him about the issues he was working on, including keeping public lands open to the public and immigration, Rankin said. "I feel that I had to try to get in there and fill out what he was working on," Rankin said in an interview Thursday. Rankin said he ran last year as a Libertarian against Republican incumbent U.S. Rep.

Barbara Cubin because he knew no one on the Republican side could beat her. Rankin said he knew he couldn't win but could "stir up a stink" by asking Cubin questions no one else would. Holtz, 57, said he would bring a set of "unique skills" to the U.S. Senate position. He was elected three times to be Converse County judge and served from 1981 to 1993.

He also was an officer in the Air Force, and worked on large government contracts for Hughes Aircraft in Culver City, Calif. He described himself as a "consensus builder and a person who can get things done." Stith, 46, who ran unsuccessfully for the Legislature twice, said that in his law practice he tries to negotiate solutions to problems. He also deals with environmental and immigration laws, international trade and energy, he said. "I am in this race because I believe that the Republican principle that the government that governs best governs the least, which we apply to economic issues, should also apply to our social issues," he said. The Republican Party, he added, needs to be inclusive.

Stith is one of four candidates who also are state central committee members. The others are Joseph Schloss of Teton County, Kruse of Niobrara County and Stevenson of Platte County. They have ail agreed to vote by proxy Tuesday, Parady said. An attorney, Kruse, 55, served as council to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on grandsons Political experience: Ran in Republican primary against Malcolm Wallop in 1988, and against Alan Simpson in 1990.

Thorn Rankin Age: 58 Home: Casper Career Retired teacher and physician's office manager Education: Degree in business, RANKIN Casper College Family: Single, two sons Political experience: Unsuccessful Libertarian candidate for U.S. House in 2006. Paul Kruse Age: 55 Home: Cheyenne Career Natural resources consultant Education: Bachelor of arts in education, law degree from the University of New Mexico Family: Single Political experience: None J. Randall 'Randy' Stevenson Age: 53 Home: Wheatland Career Cattle feeder Education: Two-year degree from Casper College Family: Married, three children Political 1. i STEVENSON experience: None Dennis Fox Age: 51 Home: Wolf Career: Retired, U.S.

Air Force Education: Bachelor's degree from James Madison University; master's in international relations, Webster University, St. Louis Family: Single Political experience: None Ben H. Collins Jr. Age: 52 Home: Casper Career Retired business owner, Christian missionary Education: High school diploma Family: Married, wife Sanda, three children Political experience: None Nate Stratton Age: 48 Residence: Casper Career Mechanic Family: Married, three children Political experience: None Biographical information wasn't available Thursday evening for these candidates: Clrf McCrady, Casper Jan Gray, Casper Jeanna Wright, Sheridan Brian Gamroth, Casper Charles Young, Rawlins Jack Sapp, Cheyenne Doug Chamberlain, LaGrange I Ron Micheli, Fort Bridger rancher and former legislator I Frank Moore, Douglas rancher and former legislator I Bill Paddleford, Jackson contractor, county commissioner I Tom Sansonetti, Cheyenne attorney and former state GOP leader I Joe Schloss, retired law officer, Teton County Republican chairman I State Rep. Colin Simpson, R-Cody, attorney slow dismantling of our culture and country," he said.

One of the late filers was former House speaker Doug Chamblerlain of LaGrange, who could not be reached for comment Thursday evening. Another late filing candidate was Ben H. Collins a Christian minister who moved to Wyoming from Tennessee in June and has admired the work Thomas did in the Senate. He also views the Senate seat as an opportunity to continue his ministry. "I think it's a critical time in our state, and we need the kind of leadership that I am capable of providing," Collins said.

Yet another late filer was Dennis Fox, 51, who's retired from the Air Force and lives at Wolf in Sheridan County. Fox says his desire to serve "comes from 20 years of service to my country, and I saw that maybe people needed some help." Nora Lewis, 73, of Basin ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1988 against Malcolm Wallop and in 1990 against "WS i 1 "rt i i groves. Baqouba has been the scene of much sectarian and criminal violence and is among the most dangerous places, in Iraq, Barnes said. The battalion fought its way into the area in March and has begun to secure the area and restore services, he said.

"Mourn their loss," he said of the soldiers, "but know that they made a difference in Iraq." The 3rd Brigade is a year into its second deployment to Iraq and had been scheduled to start coming home this month, before being extended until October. The brigade has lost 37 soldiers in that time. The chaplain, Maj. Steven George, told mourners to lean on each for support and know that the soldiers died doing something they believed in. "Their sacrifice, their heroism, their willingness to lay down their life for friends, was not some foolish gesture," George said.

"Each soldier recognizes that the wartorn land in which they found themselves was deeply in need of help." I Who else is in the running Jim Craig, Sheridan Bill Perkins, Sheridan Carole Perkins, Sheridan SUBLETTE COUNTY Dave Lankford, Pinedale Mary Lankford, Pinedale Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale SWEETWATER COUNTY Shannon Honaker, Rock Springs Lisa Skiles Parady, Rock Springs Clark Stith, Rock Springs TETON COUNTY Jeremy Aughenbaugh, Jackson Joseph Schloss, Jackson Diana Vaughn, Jackson UINTA COUNTY Dave Crofts, Evanston Mark Harris, Evanston Jerry Wall, Evanston WASHAKIE COUNTY Landis Benson, Worland Dru Bower-Moore, Worland Jerry Johnson, Worland WESTON COUNTY Jim Bunch, Newcastle Barry Peterson, Newcastle Michele Smith, Newcastle Has declared candidacy for the Senate seat. Source: Wyoming Republican Party Alan Simpson. She noted none of the other candidates have run for the Senate before. "I am trying to restore some integrity into this Congress," which she said has dismally low approval ratings. Other candidates who filed Thursday and could not be reached were Charles C.

Young of Rawlins, Jack Sapp of Cheyenne, Brian Gamroth of Casper, Jeanna Wright of Sheridan, Jan Gray of Casper, Nate Stratton of Casper, and Clif McCrady of Casper. Former House Speaker Eli Bebout of Riverton, now a state senator, said Thursday he decided not to run because of his commitment to Fremont County to fill out the late Sen. Bob Peck's term representing Senate District 26. State Treasurer Joe Meyer also said Thursday he decided against applying for the U.S. Senate seat.

Capital bureau reporter Joan Barron can be reached at (307) 632-1244 or at joan.barron casperstartribune.net. I Bruce Asay, Cheyenne attorney, former U.S. House candidate I State Sen. John Barrasso, R-Casper, orthopedic surgeon I Larry French, Powell insurance agent I Ray Hunkins, Wheatland attorney I Cynthia Lummis, of Cheyenne, former state treasurer I Randall Luthi, Star Valley, former state House speaker I Matthew Mead, former Wyoming U.S. attorney Ethics in 1981, and as a legislative assistant to Sen.

Malcolm Wallop. He also worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior and as chief counsel for the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and the Minerals Management Service. "As a Wyoming native, I have extensive Washington, D.C., experience, in both the Senate and the Department of the Interior," Kruse said.

Stevenson of Wheatland is vice president R-CALF USA, which represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. He also serves as an officer for the Organization for Competitive Markets, a national think tank that deals with competition, antitrust and trade. Stevenson said he is concerned about the direction the nation is taking in the areas of international trade, immigration and antitrust issues. "I'm concerned about the Choose Courtyard Realty im -i' MI -1 RST FOR SALE JUMULU m.s.