From the Associated Press:
Wyoming Sen. Craig Thomas, a three-term conservative Republican who stayed clear of the Washington limelight and political catfights, died Monday. He was 74.The senator’s family issued a statement saying he died Monday evening at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He had been receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
Just before the 2006 election, Thomas was hospitalized with pneumonia and had to cancel his last campaign stops. He nonetheless won with 70 percent of the vote, monitoring the election from his hospital bed.
Our deepest condolences to Senator Thomas’ family. As for his successor in the Senate, the AP cites Wyoming law:
Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, will appoint a successor from one of three finalists chosen by the state Republican party.
Race Tracker: WY-Sen
Out of the three names that will be given to Governor Freudenthal, does he select the one furthest to the right and likeliest to make for a competitive race next year or does he select the most moderate, just in case he doesn’t believe that Dems can defeat any Republican at all next year and might as well fill it with someone who is palatable? Then again, will the State Party even submit a moderate among the three names, lol?
Also, are Freudenthal and Trauner the only Dems in the state that have healthy name recognition? Are there any mayors/councilmembers of Cheyenne or Casper that might run in 2008 for the seat?
The selection process is very interesting. I actually wish all fifty states would adopt the policy that a replacement has to come from the same party.