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."

By JOAN BARRON
Star-Tribune capital bureau

Monday, August 4, 2008 2:05 AM MDT

WYOMING (2008-07-28) Peter O'Dowd has this story on the two Democrats trying to unseat Sen. Mike Enzi.

© Copyright 2008, wpr

[Casper Star Tribune]

CHRIS ROTHFUSS
Perspective

Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso voted last week against the bipartisan Lieberman-Warner bill targeted at addressing climate change through a "cap and trade" emissions strategy. Sen. Enzi voted against the bill because he felt that an emissions trading scheme would negatively impact gasoline prices and Wyoming’s coal industry. He couldn’t be more wrong.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Republicans will get a rare opportunity this weekend to show that the Democrats are all wet. All they need is $5 and a good throwing arm.

Four Democratic candidates for federal office have volunteered to get dunked in chilly water at the annual Jackalope Days festival in Douglas, about 115 miles north of Cheyenne.

When someone hits a target with a softball at the "Dunk a Democrat" booth, in will go House candidate Gary Trauner, or Senate hopefuls Chris Rothfuss, Nick Carter or Keith Goodenough. The money will go to the Converse County Democratic Party.

Posted: Wednesday, Mar 26th, 2008
Jerry Abbott [Torrington Telegram]

In recent weeks attention has been focused on November’s presidential election. However, all three of Wyoming’s U.S. congressional seats - two senators and a House member - will also be up for reelection at that time.

According to Amy Larimer, executive director for the Wyoming Republican Party, both Sen. Mike Enzi (R) and Sen. John Barrasso (R) are raising money to campaign for re-election. She said that although neither senator has formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, it is assumed both will do so.

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.

[NOTE: Dr. Rothfuss is an instructor at the University - not a professor.]