Wyoming Gop seeks applicants for secretary of state

CHEYENNE — Wyoming Republican Party Chairman W. Frank Eathorne has called a meeting of the Wyoming Republican Party State Central Committee to consider applications to fill the vacancy in the office of Secretary of State resulting from the resignation of Secretary of State Ed Murray on Feb. 9.

Murray announced his resignation Friday, effective immediately.

According to his statement, Murray said, “After deep and profound contemplation I am announcing my resignation as Secretary of State, effective [Friday]. I step aside with peace and serenity in order that I may fully focus on what is most important in my life: my marriage, my family and my health.”

He emphasized “truth” in that no one asked him to resign, that he loves public service and that his “family and I have been devastated as we encountered two allegations in December and January.”

He said, “I’ve come to the realization that I am unable to focus entirely on serving the good people of Wyoming while simultaneously needing to process all the fallout from these [sexual misconduct]allegations for which I have issued previous statements.”

The State Central Committee will meet at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. at Little America in Cheyenne. The meeting is open to the public.

In accordance with Wyoming Statute §22-18-111, the State Central Committee will select three persons, the names of whom will be forwarded to Governor Matthew H. Mead. The governor will appoint of one of the three persons to fill the vacancy in the office of Secretary of State.

Pursuant to Article 4 § 11 of the Wyoming Constitution, any person who has “attained the age of 25 years” and has “the qualifications of state electors” may apply to be considered to fill the vacancy. Thus, any bona fide resident of Wyoming who is at least 25 years old and is registered to vote as a Republican may apply to the Wyoming Republican Party State Central Committee for consideration to fill the vacancy.

Applications must include a letter expressing interest in being considered for the office and a resume and/or any other information that the person wishes to have considered as a part of his or her application for the office. The application shall not exceed a total of 10 pages. Further, applicants are invited to the Feb. 24 meeting of the State Central Committee in Cheyenne to take questions from the members.

Applications can be mailed to the Wyoming Republican Party, PO Box 984, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009, or delivered to 1714 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001, or submitted via email to [email protected]. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Applications received after that time will not be considered under any circumstances. Applications submitted by mail shall include confirmation of delivery.

All applications received shall be considered public information and will be distributed freely without any limitations. Questions and comments should be directed to Wyoming Republican Party Executive Director Kristi Wallin at (307) 760-3898 or [email protected].

During the transition prior to the governor’s appointment of a new secretary to fill the vacancy, Deputy Secretary of State Karen Wheeler will serve in the interim.