Meet Your Candidates: U.S. House of Representatives

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - We reached out to all of the candidates filing for the U.S House of Representatives in Wyoming. Below are the candidates running who responded to our request. The information below is written by the candidates and unedited by Wyoming News Now.

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CANDIDATES

NAME: ROBYN M. BELINSKEY

AGE: 61

OCCUPATION: SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: NONE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? 30 YEARS

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING: TO GIVE WYOMING RESIDENTS A VOICE

WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? IS LAND USE. The important issue facing our State is LAND. Our revenues and royalties for natural resources of coal, oil and gas have been destroyed. The current administration is all too happy to destroy our ability to be “Energy Independent, ushering in possibilities of billionaire influence for Nuclear at our expense while making them wealthier and the state of Wyoming a Nuclear dumpsite. Other states benefit from energy power from proposed retrofitted coal mines to accommodate Nuclear instead. Our groundwater is at risk, as well as revenues and jobs.

Federal interference hinders Wyoming from effectively managing state mineral resources and maintaining wildlife.

“30/30″ land grab rule is fraudulent in nature and forcibly done without regard to the private landowners.

Farms/ranches are a pivotal part of Wyoming’s economy. Protecting our family-owned/operated farms and ranches add to the economy of Wyoming and the nation. We need to ensure Wyoming’s production of grains, produce and meats to sustain our independence from foreign dependence.

NAME: ANTHONY BOUCHARD

AGE: 56

OCCUPATION: Local Businessman, Septic Service, and it’s going to take a professional to drain the swamp.

PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: When I first walked into the WY Capitol in 2008 and witnessed a Republican Majority acting more like Democrats than the Republicans the voters expected—I led the fight to form organized conservative grassroots pushback in WY, most notably, an organization that I founded, WY Gun Owners. Getting Constitutional Carry passed in 2011 and WY becoming an early adopter was a big win for Freedom. WY being the 4th state, was also a kickoff to move the ball across America. Now 25 states allow concealed carry w/o a permit. I took on the Establishment Republicans and by 2016, I was elected to the State Senate, where I have faithfully served the voters that elected me, not just once but twice. In the state senate, I am in the minority as an unapologetic conservative Republican.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? Since 2007. I could live anywhere in America; my wife, family, and I love Wyoming; it’s my next greatest love. The love of Freedom is the reason I’ve been so involved in the political process.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Wyoming needs its lone voice in Congress to be experienced in the political realm. I have literally fought for or against and voted on hundreds of issues important to WY. As one example, I have spent 6 years on the Senate Labor & Health Committee. My work entrenched in Healthcare policy has become an area of my expertise, whereas, by contrast, Congress has made an ‘unaffordable mess’ of our healthcare system. My knowledge of how the Feds have created entanglements and bad policies for WY will work for the benefit of the Wyoming people. When you send me, I won’t have to learn the ropes. I already live in that world.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? The immediate threat is an out-of-control central government that has created hype inflation by printing money backed by nothing. The next greatest threat is a DC Swamp where politicians are selling our Freedoms to the woke corporate lobbyists. The bureaucrats and lobbyists run the place, I won’t take their BS. Just like I promised during both of my elections to the senate, I will continue to NOT participate in the campaign funding schemes. If we are going to change how Washington, DC works, we must say NO to the money from the influencers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am the ONLY candidate in this race that has actual legislative experience and a conservative voting record. In my second term in the State Senate and for the last five years, I have received an award from ACU acknowledging my conservative voting record. And through it all, I stood up to leadership every time they pressured me to vote differently—I have consistently told leadership, “I don’t work for them, I work for the people.” Going back over a decade on Obamacare, Government Intrusion, Taxes, and Gun Rights, my record reflects that as a citizen activist, I answered the call to fight against Obama/Biden policies right here in WY.

I won’t wavier; I will not be bullied; I will expose the corruption and fight the bad actors to the end. Send me to the swamp; I will not disappoint. I’m the only candidate in this race that has a record to back this up. Politics is a blood sport; we need not send weak-kneed ‘people pleasers’ to battle with crazed socialists that want to burn America to the ground.

NAME: LIZ CHENEY

AGE: 55

OCCUPATION: U.S. Representative

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Liz Cheney serves as Wyoming’s lone member of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was first elected in 2016 on a platform of restoring America’s strength and power in the world and pursuing conservative solutions to create jobs, cut taxes and regulations, and expand America’s energy, mining and agriculture industries. Cheney serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Prior to her election to Congress, Liz served at the State Department as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East. A specialist in national security and foreign policy, she was also a Fox News analyst and the co-author, along with Vice President Cheney, of Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America. She is a member of the International Board of Advisors at the University of Wyoming.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? Liz and her husband, Phil Perry, have five children and live in Wilson, Wyoming.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Serving as Wyoming’s congresswoman is the highest honor of my professional life. We have accomplished much together over the last five years. We have much left to do and big challenges in the years to come, both at home and abroad.

As we work together to fight for Wyoming and the issues that matter to us, there are some things you can count on: when I know something is wrong, I will say so. I won’t waver or back down. I won’t surrender to pressure or intimidation. I know where to draw the line, and I know that some things aren’t for sale. That’s the Code of the West and that’s what Wyoming voters deserve and expect. Truth. Resolve. Duty. Integrity. Honor.

In Wyoming, we know what it means to ride for the brand. We live in the greatest nation God has ever created, and our brand is the United States Constitution. I’m asking you to join me, to reject the lies, rise above the toxic politics, defend our freedom, and do what we all know is right. I’m running for re-election, and I am asking for your vote because this is a fight we must win.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? When you look at the challenges our nation is facing, they are serious. Internationally, we are looking at threats from Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran. We’re also looking at challenges here at home. The Biden Administration’s economic policies are causing inflation at levels not seen in 40 years and their energy and tax policies are hurting our families and hurting our communities. We also have toxicity and vitriol that is absolutely tearing our country apart and I think we have to elect serious leaders capable of meeting this moment. We have to elect leaders who will take their oath of office seriously and who will abide by their oath of office. We have to elect leaders who won’t simply say what they think people want to hear. We need elected leaders who will be honest with people and state very clearly that we’re a nation of laws.

NAME: HARRIET HAGEMAN

AGE: 59

OCCUPATION: Water, Natural Resources, and Constitutional Attorney

PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I have been active in the Republican Party for years. Most recently, I was the Wyoming National Committeewoman, and I was a delegate to the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions. I have worked closely with the Party on a variety of policy issues. I have also worked with the Wyoming Legislature related to water, natural resources, land use, and federal issues. I ran for Governor in 2018.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? I have lived in Cheyenne for 25 years. I have lived in Wyoming for 53 years.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Wyoming has only one Congressional Representative and we must make it count by electing someone who puts the needs and wishes of Wyoming’s citizens above their own. I have dedicated my career to fighting for and protecting Wyoming’s interests, businesses, and families and will continue to do so when in Congress. I am a strong advocate for enforcing our constitutional separation of powers and believe that it is critically important to restore Congress’s rightful place of legislating while limiting the power of executive agencies and unelected bureaucrats. We must enforce federalism by returning power to the States and ensuring constitutional adherence. I will be Wyoming’s voice on the national stage and work to protect our interests and industries.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? The issues that are of the most concern to my fellow Wyoming citizens are inflation, the open border/illegal immigration, and the protection of our fossil fuel industries. These issues are clearly interrelated, and it is imperative that we develop and implement policies to address all three. The government’s role in our lives is to secure our rights and interests. Our federal government should not be adopting policies that are designed to increase the cost of food, housing and energy, yet that is exactly what the folks in Washington, DC, have been doing. Our challenge is to put this country back on track and return to the basic understanding that government is of, for and by the people.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am a fourth-generation Wyomingite and was raised on a ranch near Fort Laramie, Wyoming. I attended Casper College on a Livestock Judging Scholarship. I received my Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree from the University of Wyoming. I am married to John Sundahl, have two granddaughters, and have a large extended family (almost all of whom live in Wyoming). Representative clients include irrigation districts, farmers, ranchers, oil & gas companies, a variety of small businesses, individuals seeking to protect their constitutional rights, municipalities, and the State of Wyoming.

INTERVIEW: HAGEMAN

NAME: DENTON KNAPP

AGE: 57

OCCUPATION: US Army Colonel (Ret); Administrative Executive Director, Campbell County Commissioners

PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Current

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? Wyoming native of 4 generations, CCHS grad

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? We must stop the Biden administration from ruining our country and give WY a representative voice in Congress now.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Federal overreach through Executive Orders and unconstitutional actions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Website: www.DentonKnapp.com

DEMOCRAT PRIMARY CANDIDATES

NAME: LYNNETTE GREYBULL

AGE: 45

OCCUPATION: Director and Founder, Not Our Native Daughters

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Former chair of Arizona Commission on Indian Affairs, tribal liaison for several organizations, legislative advocate, a longtime advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous people, 2020 Democratic nominee for U.S. House from Wyoming

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN WYOMING? 5 years

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? It’s time for Wyoming to be represented by people from the communities our state and federal elected officials are serving, a Representative who will prioritize the needs of working people and vulnerable communities in Wyoming first.

WHAT IS WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Our biggest challenge is building the political will for a smooth and prosperous transition to renewable energy--a transition that protects working families and communities. With our energy school, brain power, and strong communities, we can be a model of innovation and environmental responsibility--and the federal government can be a cooperative partner in this.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Our campaign motto is: Believe that there is good in the world. I will fight for every Wyomingite regardless of what they look like, how much money they have, who they love, or what faith they practice.

INTERVIEW: GREYBULL

NAME: STEVE HELLING

AGE: 68

OCCUPATION: Attorney

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I have never run for office before but I have been treasurer for a campaign and I have caucused before.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? I have lived in Cheyenne twice and was married in a small church on Pershing Boulevard. I have lived in Wyoming for more than 24 years in total.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? I am running to present a choice for those Democrats who do not buy into the ideology of the leftist extremists and are considering leaving the Democrat party, as many others have already done. I do not want them to be forced out by those who refuse to listen to dissenting opinions. Also, in blurring the lines between Democrats and Republicans, I hope to appeal to those Republicans that are tired of the internal fighting and the present state of the Republican Party and its Wyoming leadership. I am trying to encourage civility and bipartisanship. I will not be bullied by the name-calling and intimidation tactics of those who refuse to allow disagreement. This country and the world are facing very difficult challenges right now and we need toughness and commitment to do the right thing for our state and country. I am that person.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Inflation is the biggest challenge facing this country and the reduction of energy costs through increased supply would be expected to result in significant downward inflationary pressure. With this in mind, the biggest challenge facing Wyoming will be to be able to develop significantly greater fossil fuels while protecting and maintaining the quality of our extremely valuable land and water resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Moving forward, I expect to focus on energy development and the protection of Wyoming’s environment. The name-calling on both sides needs to stop. I pray for God to bless America again. Steve Helling, Democratic Candidate for U.S. House.

INTERVIEW: HELLING

NAME: MEGHAN JENSEN

AGE: 39

OCCUPATION: Laborer & Homemaker

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I ran for school board in 2018 with 8 other people on the ballot and did not win. I have been part of the Executive Committee of the Sweetwater County Democratic Party for 4 years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CHEYENNE OR WYOMING? I have lived in Wyoming for 38 years. I grew up mostly in Casper, some in Gillette and most of my adult life has been spent in Rock Springs.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? Too many times over the years, folks come to Wyoming to run for office and affect policies that counter the values that Wyomingnites like me grew up with. I’m pushing back against the idea that only one person is responsible for the future of Wyoming and our country. I’m running not to go back to where we were but to move forward from where we are now.

WHAT IS CHEYENNE’S/WYOMING’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Wyoming’s biggest challenge is remembering how to work together. There are far too many longtime challenges not resolved. I’m tired of having the same conversation but with different hurdles to jump over every time these challenges are not addressed by the folks who are elected time after time without results for the Wyoming people.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I encourage folks to learn more about me and how Wyoming can F.A.C.E. It by visiting https://www.meghanjensenforwy.com/

INTERVIEW: JENSEN

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