07/31/2008 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
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Jul 31, 2008
Wyoming's future role in wind energy became a lot less speculative this week with the announcement that The Anschutz Corp. plans to take over the TransWest Express Transmission Project.
Pro Lummis LTE: Candidate shows fiscal responsibility
Pro Obama (response to McCain supporter spin) LTE: Campaign hardens stubborn viewpoints
Enzi And Barrasso Will Keep Stevens Donations
WASHINGTON D-C (2008-07-30) Wyoming's two senators, John Barrasso and Mike Enzi, are holding on to campaign cash donated by indicted Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska. Stevens' political action committee has donated $6,000 to Barrasso since he was nominated to the Senate in June 2007 and $10,000 to Enzi since 2001. Both senators are up for election this November.
Stevens is charged with lying about accepting gifts from oil services contractor Veco Corp. Enzi said in a statement that he will "look at his options" if a link is found between Stevens' campaign funds and the gifts. Barrasso spokesman Joe Milczewski said the senator will let "justice run its course" before making a decision on the donations. At least five other Republicans up for re-election shed contributions from Stevens and his political action committee Wednesday.Pinedale Community Organizer Praises DEQ Air Quality Efforts
PINEDALE, WY (2008-07-31) Linda Baker of the Upper Green River Valley Coalition says at last night's meeting, the DEQ showed it made progress
The power of a penny: New fire station, infrastructure
If a seventh-cent optional sales tax is placed on the general election ballot and approved by voters, the city of Laramie would use the possible $16 million raised in four years for infrastructure and fire station staffing needs.
Council wants to scale back mayor’s job
With no fanfare and no public discussion, the six members of the Gillette City Council collectively and quietly put an ordinance change on the council agenda Wednesday that will change the balance of power in the city government and put more control in the hands of the council…” not the mayor.
Candidate forum today deals with conservation
Candidates for valley political offices will gather today to debate development, conservation and transportation. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., the Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund will host a candidate forum at Snow King Resort. The forum will focus on candidates for Jackson Town Council, Teton County Board of Commissioners and the state Legislature. The organization, a nonpartisan nonprofit group, will begin with a 30-minute meet-the-candidates event, followed by a moderated forum. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.
County posts business tax display
County residents now have an opportunity so see how much some of their neighbors are paying in property taxes.
Help get commission issue on Nov. ballot
Letter to the Editor supporting increase of current County Commission Board from three members to a five member board.
Water rights holders along a 31 mile stretch of the North Platte River must be wondering if they are in a scene from the movie “Ground Hog Day.” Wagonhound Land & Livestock Company, LLC and Greg and Carolyn Stinson filed a petition requesting to move six water rights totaling 4.08 cubic foot per second (cfs) from an area of land near Orin Junction to the Morton Ranch, which is located near Orpha. The request comes just a couple of weeks before the Board of Control is set to deliver a ruling on its first petition, a ruling expected at 10 a.m. Aug. 18 at the Best Western Douglas Inn. “I do not understand why they would file a petition before receiving the results of the first petition, since they are both similar,” said Victor Garber, one of the landowners challenging the petition.
Mitchell says cities’ relationship with county a key issue
“Certainly his views are important. I don’t know if they’re any more important than any other municipality’s mayor. He’s a Democrat. I’m a Republican. We don’t always have the same views, but we can still work together,” the 54-year-old Mitchell said. “I think it makes a better place for all of us to live if we can work together toward common goals.”
Corporate takeover: Anschutz Corp. to control state power line project
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal said the news of Anschutz taking over the TransWest project means “we are not just talking about another study on the shelf
Wyo Wind Appealing To CO. Billionaire
The Anschutz Corp. plans to take over a massive $3 billion, 900-mile-long, high-voltage line, securing Wyoming's wind-energy future
Political experts said energy will play a central role in battleground western states & that independent voters would decide the presidency
Wyoming Economy Still Growing?
Sales tax revenues, mining gains & building permits all increased over inflation rates, leading experts to agree Wyoming's economy is flourishing
Survey: West's Thoughts On Driving
A majority of Western state voters are concerned gas prices will continue to rise without urgent action being taken. Read the results here ...
Wyoming, Montana & Idaho have suspended plans to establish wolf hunting seasons this due to a federal judge's decision to restore endangered species protection
Conservation On Agenda For Valley Forum
Candidates for valley political offices will gather today to debate development, conservation and transportation
Win Protects Wyoming Coal from Washington: Barrasso Secures Concessions from Sen. Obama
WASHINGTON (Office of Senator Barrasso) U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has protected Wyoming coal from the potentially drastic consequences of the “Mercury Export Ban Act.” During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, Barrasso won two key concessions from Senator Obama (D-IL) to ensure Wyoming coal is protected. The legislation prohibits federal agencies from selling or distributing elemental mercury to states, governments and businesses. Elemental mercury is found in coal. “This bill could have had potentially far-reaching negative effects on Wyoming’s economy,” Barrasso said. “This bill is not intended to have an impact on coal; the goal is to have an impact on mercury.” “Coal is an abundant, affordable, reliable and secure energy source. American energy independence and reduced greenhouse emissions needs clean coal technology. My amendment will make absolutely certain that Wyoming coal will not be affected by this legislation.” The first Barrasso amendment said that the bill would not affect a conveyance, sale, distribution or transfer of coal. The second Barrasso amendment said that nothing in the bill prohibits the leasing of coal by the federal government. Examples of the potentially unintended consequences of the bill without the Barrasso amendments include: Most coal lease sales in the West are federal sales of coal to a private entity. Under a strict interpretation of the bill, these lease sales could be blocked; In the event the federal government transferred lands or mineral rights to the State of Wyoming, the bill could hamper the transfer; and, If the federal government were to develop (or jointly develop) a coal-to-liquids facility similar to the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center, the issue of the transfer of elemental mercury could arise. Wyoming, the largest producer of coal in the United States, currently receives more than $700 million in revenue annually from coal sales.
Interesting Out of State Sources regarding Presidential Campaign:
McCain erodes Obama lead in three big states: polls
AFP via Yahoo! News Thu, 31 Jul 2008 7:39 AM PDT
Republican John McCain is gaining on White House rival Barack Obama in the pivotal swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to Quinnipiac University polls released Thursday.Obama team hopes to exploit Republican discontent
International Herald Tribune Thu, 31 Jul 2008 5:49 AM PDT
Republican anger over the Iraq war and the economy has some advisers to Barack Obama hoping that they can capture pockets of Republican votes.