GOP candidates face off in Evanston

Kayne Pyatt, Herald Reporter
Posted 8/17/18

Evanston hosts "Southwest Wyoming's Greatest Show"

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GOP candidates face off in Evanston

Posted

EVANSTON — The Uinta County Fairgrounds was the site for a number of Republicans coming together for games, food, local and state candidate booths and an evening debate that included four of the Republican candidates for Wyoming governor. Dubbed “Southwest Wyoming’s Greatest Show,” the Republican event ran from noon until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Narrator for the 6 p.m. debate was Bob Wharff and timer was Tib Ottley. The four candidates attending were Bill Dahlin, Harriet Hageman, Foster Friess, and Taylor Haynes. Each candidate responded to 21 prepared questions.

The questions can be summarized into six main themes:

• Federal government vs. State rights

• Public land use and conservation

• The 2nd Amendment

• The state budget and transparency

• SOGI (sexual orientation/gender identity) bills 

   and LGBTQ rights.

• Economic diversification

In response to the first topic, all candidates agreed that the state should have control over state issues and the federal government should stay out of the way. However, Friess said, “Rather than be combative with the feds, we should work together with Pres. Trump, who is making it easier for states to have control by rolling back regulations put in place by the Obama Administration. I’m the Wyoming Trump; there are only two differences between Pres. Trump and myself. I don’t tweet, and I’ve been married to the same woman for 56 years.”

Hageman stated emphatically, “It is our God-given right to self-govern and the government should protect our civil liberties.”

All candidates referred to their strong support of the Constitution of the United States and the Wyoming Constitution.

Most of the candidates stated that public land should be multi-use and we should defend what we have.  All candidates stated that the conservation districts are doing a great job and should be supported in conserving our natural resources. Regarding the piping of water from Flaming Forge to the Front Range of Colorado, three of the responders stated that they would not allow it.  

Hageman reminded the group, “It is important to know and understand how water is managed and we need to look at individual projects as to who ‘owns’ the water.”

Haynes was the strongest voice in stating, “Keep the feds out of state business and the state should have control over public lands.”  

Concerning the 2nd Amendment, there was strong agreement against any laws restricting what type of weapon a private citizen can own.  

Friess suggested, “We should change our rhetoric regarding the 2nd Amendment, instead start saying I support preserving the right to protect my life and the lives of my family.”

When it comes to the state budget and the need for transparency, all four candidates agreed that there has been unnecessary spending at the state level and the state checkbook should be available to the taxpayers of Wyoming. In the United States, Wyoming ranks 50 for transparency. They all agreed that the budget should be simplified and concise, so the public can understand it.

Regarding the issue of LGBTQ rights and a SOGI bill that would allow transgender males to use women’s restrooms, there were different attitudes.

Dahlin reminded the audience that the Wyoming Constitution already guarantees the right of all humans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. “It’s a waste of time to argue about it,” he stated.   

Friess said, “We need to come together and show compassion and a degree of sensitivity to all people. Be kind and love one another.” 

Hageman said, “There should be single-sex bathrooms. Period.” 

Haynes added, “This whole issue undermines society. God created man and woman and the others need careful mental health.”

The final topic of diversification to boost Wyoming’s economy brought a variety of answers.

Dahlin wants to capitalize on industrial hemp and he criticized the Wyoming Business Council for doing nothing with the funds they have been given to bring new industry to the state. Haynes reiterated the need to get rid of federal rules and regulations and especially the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and then diversity would happen on its own.

Hageman said Wyoming should base its diversity on the state’s core values and on the four main industries that are part of our culture; oil, gas, coal and ranching. Friess said he’s a strong supporter of a statewide internet system that would build local economies and he also states we should build on our current resources and strengths.