LETTER
Editor,
I served as a Sheridan County delegate to the recent Wyoming Republican Party State Convention in Douglas. After completing the official business of the convention, candidates running for governor, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, and state auditor gave brief remarks. The incumbent state auditor, who remains unopposed, was well received.
I paid close attention to the crowd reactions during the three contested races. Based on the volume of applause and cheers from delegates across the state, the strongest responses came for Brent Bien for governor, Rachel Williams for secretary of state, and Tom Kelly for superintendent of public instruction. For convention goers, these seemed to be the people’s choices.
The most noticeable difference in enthusiasm was in the gubernatorial race among candidates Eric Barlow, Megan Degenfelder, and Brent Bien. Barlow had attended events the day before but was absent for the candidate speeches. His pre-recorded video message received polite applause. Megan Degenfelder spoke next and also drew polite applause, with occasional whoops from supporters in the room. Interestingly, her mention of a major endorsement did not appear to generate much additional excitement.
In contrast, Brent Bien received a significantly louder and more energetic response. About three-quarters of the delegates stood and cheered as he approached the stage, then rose to their feet again and chanted “Brent! Brent! Brent!” as he exited.
These observations reflect the energy and preferences expressed by the engaged grassroots Republicans who attended the convention. They are not scientific, of course, but may be of interest to readers nonetheless.
Elena Campbell
Sheridan County