Thermopolis welcomes Democrats to state meeting

THERMOPOLIS – The Hot Springs County Democratic Committee welcomed Democrats from across the state for the Wyoming Democratic Party’s central meeting in Thermopolis on Saturday, July 15.

The Wyoming Democratic Party meets quarterly to discuss party business and hold a fundraiser. Former Democratic Presidential candidate and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley was the keynote speaker at the Wyoming Democratic Party’s fundraiser event.

A pot-luck dinner hosted by the Progressive Caucus kicked off festivities Friday night in Hot Springs State Park and drew about 40 participants. There was informal conversation and networking. Saturday saw the formal meeting which took place at Common Ground and drew about 100 participants, according to Hot Springs County Chairman Howie Samelson.

The morning saw meetings of the Executive Committee of the Wyoming Democratic Party, the women’s caucus, the progressive caucus, and Young Democrats of Wyoming. The Democratic state legislators moved their quarterly meeting to Thermopolis and also spoke to the central committee participants and fielded questions. 

The Central Committee Meeting took place in the afternoon and was led by State Chairman Joe Barbuto.

Samelson said, “There’s a sign on Shoshoni Street declaring, ‘Thermopolis Welcomes You,’ and that’s exactly what Thermopolis did this weekend by hosting the Wyoming Democratic Party’s central meeting. The Hot Springs Democratic Party was proud to show Democratic county party leaders the beauty of Thermopolis and get to work on party business.”

He added, “Later that evening, we were energized by former Democratic Presidential candidate and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley when we celebrated our gathering, in a truly Wyoming-way, in a barn with beer, our friends, and music. The governor spoke to the needs of rural, hardworking folks who still believe in the American dream and that means investing in solutions we know work. He also sang and played guitar to the group of over 100.”

Washakie County Democrat Phyllis Roseberry attended the event and said, “It was a great. He not only spoke but also sang beautifully, ‘Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain.’”

Roseberry said, “He gave us a talk. It was pretty short. The main thing was that we are going through some difficult times as a country and things may look dark, bleak and difficult. But, he said we have the strength of our history as American people through struggles and we will look toward our better angels inside of us. And that we will respect every person regardless of characteristics. And that we need to work together as a community of citizens to help each other through this. We can do it. It was quite inspirational.”

Of the Democratic party, Samelson said, “Wyoming Democrats are standing up and fighting back. To rebuild our party we’re focusing on local elections and engaging the grassroots on issues like health care, public lands and jobs that keep young people here in Wyoming. We are proud the Wyoming Democratic Party’s Chair Joe Barbuto and our state central members recognize the change is us, the change is in Thermopolis, it’s in all the rural towns and cities that make our great state.”