Dave Freudenthal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Dave Freudenthal | |
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31st Governor of Wyoming
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant(s) | Max Maxfield |
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| Preceded by | Jim Geringer |
| Succeeded by | Incumbent |
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| Born | October 12, 1950 (age 56) Thermopolis, Wyoming |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Nancy Freudenthal |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Religion | Episcopalian |
David Duane "Dave" Freudenthal (born October 12, 1950) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Wyoming. A Democrat, Freudenthal is currently the governor of Wyoming, having been re-elected to a second term on 7 November 2006.
Freudenthal was born in Thermopolis, Wyoming, the seventh of eight children, and grew up on a farm north of town. He graduated from Amherst College in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in economics. After graduating he joined the Department of Economic Planning and Development as an economist and later became the state planning director for Governor Edgar Herschler.
Freudenthal entered the University of Wyoming College of Law, receiving his law degree in 1980, and went into private practice. In 1994, he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming by President Bill Clinton upon the recommendation of then-Governor Mike Sullivan. Freudenthal left the post of U.S. Attorney in May 2001.
Freudenthal ran for governor of Wyoming on a platform of "aiding existing businesses, encouraging workforce development within the education system and fully collecting minerals taxes,"[1] and defeated the favored candidate, Republican nominee Eli Bebout, 50-48 percent in the November 7, 2002 election.[2] He took office in January 2003.
During Freudenthal's term the state has enjoyed a prosperous economy. The petroleum, natural gas, and mineral boom in Wyoming have given the state a budget surplus, projected to be $1.8 billion in 2006.[3] Freudenthal has proposed that the state save $1.2 billion over the next two years.[4] Freudenthal, who enjoys one of the highest approval ratings of any governor at around 68 percent, was endorsed by the National Rifle Association and reelected in the 2006 Wyoming gubernational election[5] , carrying every county in the state, most by landslide margins. As Governor, he is a member of the National Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association.
Gov. Freudenthal is married to Nancy D. Freudenthal, a native of Cody, who works as a private attorney in Cheyenne. They have four children: Donald, Hillary, Bret, and Katie.
[edit] Electoral history
2006 Wyoming Gubernatorial Election
| Dave Freudenthal (D) (inc.) 69.9% |
| Ray Hunkins (R) 30% |
2002 Wyoming Gubernatorial Election
| Dave Freudenthal (D) 50% |
| Eli Bebout (R) 48% |
[edit] Notes
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ "Wyoming" (Election Day coverage). Washington Post. 7 Nov. 2002.
- ^ "Nation in brief." Washington Post. 4 Dec. 2005.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Survey USA approval ratings. [1]
[edit] External links
- Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal official state site
- National Governors Association - Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal biography
- Follow the Money - Dave Freudenthal 2006 campaign contributions
- On the Issues - Dave Freudenthal issue positions and quotes
- Project Vote Smart - Governor Dave Freudenthal (WY) profile
- Dave for Governor official campaign site
| Preceded by Jim Geringer |
Governor of Wyoming 2003 – present |
Incumbent |
| Governors of Wyoming |
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|---|---|
| Warren • Barber • Osborne • W. Richards • D. Richards • Chatterton • Brooks • J. Carey • Kendrick • Houx • R. Carey • W. Ross • Lucas • N. Ross • Emerson • Clark • Miller • Smith • Hunt • Crane • Barrett • Rogers • Simpson • Hickey • Gage • Hansen • Hathaway • Herschler • Sullivan • Geringer • Freudenthal |
