University of Wyoming professor Christopher Rothfuss announced at his parents' house in Casper Saturday that he will run for U.S. Senator Mike Enzi's seat in the upcoming Congressional race.
A Democrat, Rothfuss is running on a platform of change in Washington.
"We need a fresh group of policy makers that are willing to put the needs of their country, and the needs of their states, ahead of their personal rivalries and the desires of their political party -- individuals who seek solutions through bipartisan collaboration and support, rather than through the simple tyrrany of the majority party," Rothfuss said during his candidacy announcement.
Rothfuss, who has a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, said he hopes to bring the perspective of a scientist to the predominantly lawyer-based Senate.
"We need skilled professionals with a diversity of backgrounds that are better suited for the challenges of the 21st century," Rothfuss said. "There are currently zero scientists in the Senate. Zero PhDs. One engineering degree. And 60 lawyers."
Rothfuss said issues most important to him are energy, healthcare, the right to bear arms, education and withdrawl from the war in Iraq.
"I will be a leader in the development of our nation's energy policy; a proponent of education; I will work to return the United States to its respected position as the diplomatic leader of the international community," Rothfuss said. "I will support a stronger, smarter more agile military and intelligence community that is better adapted to the asymmetric threat of global terrorism; I will protect your individual rights and your constitutional freedoms; and I will support our future economy by working to keep our taxes low, our spending lower, and our budget balanced."
Enzi has not announced whether he is running for re-election, and no other Republicans have announced an intention to run for the seat. Democrat Al Hamburg of Torrington announced earlier that he will run for the Senate seat and is, to date, Rothfuss' only opponent.
Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com