Bob Nicholas

Bob Nicholas
Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives
from the 8th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded by Lori Millin
Personal details
Born October 14, 1957 (1957-10-14) (age 54)
Lander, Wyoming
Political party Republican
Alma mater University of Wyoming
Religion Catholicism
Website State Legislature Page

Robert 'Bob' A. Nicholas (born October 14, 1957) is a Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from the 8th district, which covers parts of Cheyenne. A lawyer by profession, Nicholas was elected in November 2010, taking office early the next year. He is eligible for re-election in November 2012.

Contents

Early life and career

Born in Lander, Wyoming,[1] Nicholas graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in political science in 1982, followed three years later with a degree in law.[2] In a private law practice for 10 years and a part-time public defender for 6, Nicholas was also Cheyenne City Attorney in 2008 and a former member of the City Planning Commission.[3] He was also the owner of Proform Technologies, Inc. (a paintbrush manufacturer) for a decade and operated his own ranch.[3] He also worked in the Wyoming Attorney General's Office for 6 years, 2 of which were spent on federal environmental litigation, and says he had represented "the Department of Transportation, the Game and Fish Department, the Public Service Commission, and the Department of Employment" in the past.[3]

Political career

Nicholas first ran for the 8th district in 2008 but failed to get elected – losing to incumbent Lori Millin 2438 votes to 2271 – but succeeded two years later.[4] He was unopposed in the 2010 party primary and beat Democrat Ken McCauley 1950 votes to 1635.[5] He is a member of the House Judiciary Committee.[6] During his campaign, he emphasized economic growth, smaller government and environmental protections as his priorities, and he also wanted to push for a pilot charter school in Laramie County.[3]

On November 23, 2011, Nicholas was arrested in Boca Grande, Florida on the felony charge that he had assaulted his 19-year-old, mentally disabled son outside a restaurant.[7] The charges, however, were subsequently dropped upon review by the Florida State Attorney's office due to "insufficient evidence".[7]

Personal life

A widower, Nicholas has three children.[1] He is a Catholic and lives in Cheyenne.[1] State senator Phil Nicholas is his brother.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Biography: Biography Biography Representative Bob Nicholas". Project Vote Smart. http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/106111/bob-nicholas. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  2. ^ "Legislator Information: Representative Bob Nicholas". Wyoming State Legislature. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LegislatorSummary/LegDetail.aspx?LegID=1980. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  3. ^ a b c d "Bob Nicholas: Background". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2010/10/03/election_2010/races/wy_legislature/house_of_representatives_district_8/bob_nicholas/bob%20nicholas.txt. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  4. ^ Van Cassell, Michael. "Millin keeps seat, vows to work on smoking ban". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2008/11/05/election_2008/races/wyoming/house_of_representatives_district_8/hd%208%2048.txt. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  5. ^ "Statewide House Candidates Summary". Secretary of State of Wyoming. http://soswy.state.wy.us/Elections/Docs/2010/Results/General/2010_Statewide_House_Candidates_Summary.pdf. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  6. ^ "Legislator Information: Committees". Wyoming State Legislature. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/LegislatorSummary/Committees.aspx. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  7. ^ a b Brown, Trevor (December 15, 2011). "Charges dropped against Nicholas". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2011/12/15/news/01top_12-15-11.txt. Retrieved December 18, 2011. 
  8. ^ "Editorial: Millin willing to provide leadership for House 8". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2008/10/29/election_2008/races/wyoming/house_of_representatives_district_8/hd%208%2049.txt. Retrieved December 11, 2011.