By The Associated Press
CHEYENNE - The Democrats contending in the primary for Wyoming's two U.S. Senate seats face formidable challenges if they prevail: statewide contests against Republican incumbents who have the upper hand in notoriety and fundraising.
But the four candidates in the Aug. 19 Democratic primary shrug off the daunting scenario, preferring to focus on their attempt to chip away at the GOP's grip on Wyoming's two U.S. Senate seats - one held by Republicans for 31 years and the other for 46 years.
"It may have been that the Republicans in those years were more accurately reflecting the interests of the state," said Chris Rothfuss, one of two Democrats vying to challenge Sen. Mike Enzi. "I don't think that's true anymore. But I don't think people have taken the time to sort of look down at where they're standing on issues and look around at where the parties are on issues and make that call again."
On the Republican side, Enzi, an accountant and former mayor of Gillette, and Sen. John Barrasso, a doctor from Casper, are unchallenged in their primary contests. Enzi is seeking his third term in the Senate, and Barrasso is running to fill the remaining four years of the late Sen. Craig Thomas' term. Barrasso was appointed to the seat last year after Thomas' death.
The Democrats hoping to challenge Enzi are Rothfuss, an instructor at the University of Wyo-ming, and per-nnial candidate Al Ham-burg, a retired house painter from Tor-rington. Nick Carter, a defense attorney from Gillette, and Keith Goodenough, a Casper city councilman, are competing to run against Bar-rasso.
Enzi's and Barrasso's fundraising dwarfs that of their potential Democratic opponents. Enzi had raised $1.8 million and Barrasso $1.9 million as of the end of June, the latest reporting deadline for the Federal Election Commission. Carter was closest among the Democrats, having raised about $111,000.
The Democratic candidates say they intend to make up for the gap in bank accounts by traveling the state or using inexpensive methods to reach out to voters, such as the Internet and phone calls. There's also hope among some that donors will open their wallets a bit more when a nominee is in place.
"Fortunately, Wyoming is a small enough state that door-to-door politics still work," Carter said. "Without a giant media market here, I don't think you can buy an election here in Wyoming."
Rothfuss sounded a more skeptical note about the role of money in his challenge against Enzi. "I feel great about the issues, and if I had $1.8 million I'd feel like I'm going to win," he said.
Goodenough, who served two terms in the state House and three in the state Senate, said he doesn't accept donations over $100 and has never taken money from special-interest groups.
"So when I say special-interest money corrupts the political process, I have the facts to prove that a person can be elected without owing anybody anything," he said.
The Democratic candidates share some common viewpoints. They support abortion rights, except for Hamburg, who said he would support an abortion only when medically necessary to save a woman's life. The candidates also support ending the Iraq war as soon as American troops can be safely removed and without collapsing the Iraqi government.
Carter, 44, said he wants to make it easier for Americans to get health insurance so that people who suffer serious injuries or illnesses aren't pushed into bankruptcy. He proposed a government-backed insurance program to cover those who can't afford coverage elsewhere.
Goodenough, 52, said he and Carter share many similar positions, but his advantage comes with his experience in the state Legislature. Carter has never sought or held elected office before.
Goodenough also criticized Carter for once being registered as a Republican. Carter said he's always been a "Democratic-minded thinker" but formerly registered as a Republican so he could vote in local primary elections in heavily Republican Campbell County.
Rothfuss, 35, holds advanced degrees in chemical engineering and applied physics and teaches courses in nanotechnology and diplomacy at UW. He said Wyoming needs a voice in Washington to help guide a national energy plan. He supports advances in coal liquefaction, a cap-and-trade policy to reduce pollutants and an emphasis on all fuel sources available including nuclear and renewables.
Hamburg, 76, said he's most concerned about the economic strain created by the Iraq war, which he called unnecessary and wasteful. He also said the country needs to do something about illegal immigration.
Whatever the outcome of this month's primary and the November election, the Democratic primary candidates are rooting for Gary Trauner, their colleague running for the state's lone seat in the U.S. House. They say a Trauner victory would set the stage for future Democratic successes in the Senate.
"To be honest, if Gary wins this election, that will make a big difference in the future in the senatorial campaigns and the support we receive nationally," Rothfuss said.