There has been a lot of media coverage of the Wyoming House of Representatives this session. By comparison, little time has been dedicated to the goings on in the Legislature’s upper chamber, including who influences its leadership.
Apollo Pazell, a Utah-based lobbyist registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office representing three organizations from Utah, Illinois, and Washington D.C., has become ubiquitous in the Capitol building, often seen accompanying Senate President Bo Biteman, Vice President Tim Salazar, and Majority Floor Leader Tara Nethercott over the past two years.
On several occasions throughout the legislative session Pazell has been seen physically present within the Senate chambers during session, and in the office of Senate President Bo Biteman.
The rules of the Wyoming Legislature prohibit lobbyists from being physically present “within the bar” of the legislative chambers. Specifically, Senate Rule 15-5 and 15-1 provide that lobbying activities are forbidden on the Senate floor and within the chamber, and that only legislators, legislative staff, and authorized guests are allowed within the chambers.
The Open Range Record asked Pazell how he, as a registered lobbyist, gained access to the Senate chambers. Pazell told the Record that “after he finishes lobbying, he serves as a “legislative aide.”
Multiple Wyoming Senators have confirmed to the Open Range Record that Pazell holds himself out as a legislative aide to Senate Leadership.
While the rules of the Wyoming Legislature explicitly prohibit registered lobbyists from being present within the legislative chambers, Pazell’s informal title of “legislative aide” raises serious questions about the line between prohibited lobbying activities and alleged service as a “legislative aide.”
WHO IS PAZELL?
A self-styled long-time “political strategist and consultant,” Apollo Pazell hails from Copperton, Utah. In 2008, Pazell fought to make Hillary Clinton the Democratic nominee for president at the Democratic National Convention, citing his support for universal health care.
Public campaign finance records show that Pazell has provided campaign consulting services for former Representatives Dan Zwonitzer (R-Laramie County), Debbie Bovee (D-Natrona County), Senate Vice President Tim Salazar, and Senate President Bo Biteman, among others.
Pazell has publicly stated that he only works with clients with whom he fundamentally agrees. Public social media posts have demonstrated Pazell to be a left-wing ideologue.
Frequently referring to conservative Republicans as “bootlickers,” “lemmings,”and “fascists,” Pazell’s social media activity endorses common tropes of the political left. Last summer, Pazell likened the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles to the battles of Lexington and Concord, celebrating the actions of violent illegal immigrants and agitators.
In response to President Trump’s legal deportation efforts following the violent murder of 22-year old Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, Pazell took to Facebook to defend Venezuelan illegal immigrants.
Pazell has also endorsed the false claim that the nuclear family is a “recent phenomenon,” a common belief among cultural Marxists who seek to undermine the family unit.
Pazell’s presence in the Senate chambers and Senate leadership offices combined with his position as a registered lobbyist creates serious ethical concerns.
His 'work' for Senate leadership combined with his far left-wing views similarly raises political concerns for members of leadership, specifically those eyeing a future run at statewide office.