Governor announces he will not run for re-election

Gov. Dave and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal at the press conference this morning where the Governor announced he will not seek a third term. Photo courtesy  of Governor's office.

                                                                 

Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued the following statement after announcing he will not seek a third term at a press conference on Thursday, March 4, .

“We are here today, in part, to confirm that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2010.  This decision is not made lightly but enjoys strong support from my family.  I suspect this statement comes as no surprise to most observers of the Wyoming political scene,” Freudenthal said.
 

"The more important purpose of today is for Nancy and me to thank the Wyoming citizens for allowing us the opportunity to serve as your Governor and First Lady.  As I am fond of saying, in the end being Governor is still just a job – a unique one – but a job nonetheless,” the Governor said.
 

“We look forward to working with our successor later this year in a transition process which will be marked by a sense of cooperation and goodwill,” Freudenthal said.
 

“I also want to thank the many dedicated state employees, agency administrators and citizen members of the many state boards and commissions that have contributed to our success,” Freudenthal said.
 

“In the remaining ten months of my term, we will continue to serve the State to the best of our ability.  Although, I must admit that the time previously dedicated to campaigning will now be dedicated to simply enjoying the great people and unique outdoor lifestyle of Wyoming,” Freudenthal said.

                                                                 

“Governor Freudenthal has created a lasting legacy for our state," U.S. Senator John Barrasso said following the announcement. "There’s no question that Dave always puts Wyoming first. We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship and our state has excelled under his leadership.

“Bobbi and I wish Dave and Nancy all the best.”

                                                                

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., issued a statement following the Governor's announcement:

“I appreciate the way Dave has worked with the delegation in Washington and me in particular. Cooperation gets a lot done for Wyoming. Dave has been a good spokesman and salesman for our state. His fiscal conservatism and his recognition of the power of the legislature has resulted in good things getting done and bad things from happening. Assuming the rest of the year goes well, Dave will be pleased with his legacy and I thank him for his service.”

                                                                  

Rep. Elaine Harvey (R-Lovell) released a statement Thursday following the Governor's announcement:

"Over the years, I have had many opportunities to work with Governor Freudenthal. Even though we have fundamental differences in philosophies, we have had an amicable working relationship.  He worked hard helping us have the resources and contacts to work with federal agencies to keep water in the lake.  He has supported projects for our area in his capacity of SLIB Chairman.  He knows where we are and has visited our schools and community.  I have appreciated his support in making our area an important part of the state." 

                                                                 

The Republican Governors Association spokesman Tim Murtaugh released the following statement:

“Washington, DC Democrats had high hopes that Dave Freudenthal would run for another term, which would have required him to challenge state law and overturn the will of the people of Wyoming.  His decision further indicates that national Democrats are out of touch with real people, including those in the Cowboy State.

“Freudenthal is the latest in an increasingly long line of Democratic governors declining to seek re-election, which means Wyoming now becomes a prime pick-up opportunity for us.  The scary thing for Democrats is that incumbent governors in Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland and Iowa are far worse positioned than Freudenthal was.”