The latest news on the identity of Wyoming’s next Senator from the Casper Star Tribune:
CHEYENNE — Former two-time gubernatorial candidate Ray Hunkins today threw his name into the mix for U.S. Senate with the promise he would not seek election in 2008 if he is appointed.
The 68-year-old Wheatland attorney and rancher said he believes the Republican candidates in 2008 should have a “level playing field” without anyone having the advantage of incumbency.
“The voters of Wyoming should have the benefit of selecting the next U.S. senator, who has been democratically nominated by a majority of Republican voters,” Hunkins said, reading from his letter of application to Wyoming Republican Party Chariman Fred Parady.
Mr. Hunkins does offer an interesting solution. He is a great Wyoming Republican and would serve well for the next year. You can definitely add him to my list of approved candidates. 
As always, the ultimate decision still rests with Gov. Freudenthal. However, could this possibly work out for the best? If Freudenthal really is considering running for the Senate next year, his ideal choice would be someone like Hunkins who has already ruled himself out for the future. I’m also fairly confident that Wyoming Republicans will be able to hold their own against the Democrats with or without an incumbent in 2008.
Either way, there’s sure to be more candidates before 5PM tomorrow evening! In other update news, the candidate forum is confirmed for Sunday afternoon:
Candidate forum information:
Sunday, June 17
Casper College
1:00 pm
Click here for directions.Sponsored by:
Wyoming Republican Party
Wyoming Public TV
Wyoming Public Radio
Casper College
The Casper Star-Tribune
Forum Facilitator :
Fred Parady,
Chairman, Wyoming Republican Party
Forum Moderators :
Bob Beck
Wyoming Public Radio
Clark Walworth
Editor, The Casper Star-Tribune
Geoff O’Gara
Wyoming Public Television
Party in Casper on Sunday! 
Mr. Hunkins does have a unique perspective and I sure wouldn’t mind seeing him fill in as Junior Senator for 18 months. And as you said, if Gov. Dave does really move forward with a run at the Senate, this would be a tempting route for him to follow.
[...] In other succession news, Ray Hunkins has put an interesting spin on the nomination process. [...]
Still say a big no-go for Hunkins…lack of experience in ELECTED office (has been on several boards) but we can do better than an attorney that just does NOT have a a strong platform – his strongest platform he would send me personally when he was running for gov was that all his family was educated in Wyo – and it took 5 emails to get that much from him. And if Sen. Thomas had been running again at the end of this term, he would also have the mantel of incumbency. I am sorry but the “will not run in 2008″ statement sends up red flags for me….but is very much because I know him personally for several years in the 1980’s. Gimme Lummis or Asay!!!!!
Also – forgot – sorry – I really have faith in Freudenthal that he will choose a decent replacement if the WY Repub Party gives him 3 good candidates. He’s been a good gov.
WyoArmyMom,
I would have to vehemently disagree on Freudenthal being a good governor. Did you know that he vetoed the Laci Peterson bill that our state legislature passed this year? Also, he was the US attorney that reintroduced the wolves to WY. Now he’s trying to play the hero regarding wolf legislation when he was a part of the problem in the first place.
I have no use for a governor that places no value on human life. Especially the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.