County Republicans hosting U.S. House Debate

WORLAND — The Washakie County Republican Party is giving area Republicans a chance to get to know U.S. House of Representative candidates early.

There are currently five potential candidates for the U.S. House, Wyoming’s lone seat currently held by Rep. Cynthia Lummis. Lummis announced earlier she would not seek re-election. The county’s Republican Committee is sponsoring a U.S. House Debate/Meet and Greet on Saturday, Jan. 23, prior to their annual Lincoln Day Dinner.

The debate will be at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center. Republican County Chairman Fred Frandson said they will only be selling 150 tickets. Tickets are available at Frandson Safety in Worland.

“This is something Ron (Harvey, party vice chairman) and I came up with and presented the idea to the central committee. This is a great way to have our voters meet and greet and get information from declared candidates,” Frandson said.

Harvey said five potential Republican candidates have been invited with three committing to be in attendance next month. Attending will be State Rep. Tim Stubson of Casper, Jason Senteney of Torrington who ran for the U.S. House two years ago and Casper businessman Charlie Tyrrel. Invited are Liz Cheney of Jackson and State Sen. Leland Christensen of Alta.

Harvey said Cheney and Christiansen have stated they are considering running for the seat but no official decision has been made. Christiansen said if he decides to run he will be in attendance at the Washakie County U.S. House Debate and Meet and Greet.

The debate will be 10 questions prepared by the central committee, Harvey said. Each candidate will have two minutes to reply to the questions. Following the questions, each candidate will have five to 10 minutes for closing remarks, depending on time.

The event is slated for two hours with the meet and greet portion starting at 5 p.m. with a no-host social hour.

Harvey said they are asking each candidate to prepare a short biography to be handed out so part of the debate or closing remarks does not have to be taken up with background information on the candidates.

Frandson said, “I hope we will have a good turnout. It should be very informative.”

Also the same night, at 7 p.m. at the Elks, will be the Lincoln Day Dinner. Plans for the dinner are still being finalized, Harvey said.