© 2024 Wyoming Public Media
800-729-5897 | 307-766-4240
Wyoming Public Media is a service of the University of Wyoming
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Transmission & Streaming Disruptions

State Senate shoots down two governor appointments

For the first time in many years, the State Senate has failed to confirm two appointments by Governor Matt Mead. 

The Senate voted no on Wyoming Public Service Appointees William Russell and Kara Brighton after Senator Cale Case complained that they appear to be unqualified attorneys.  He’d like to see economists and others considered.

“Since 2005, no one has appointed anyone other than a lawyer to the Public Service Commission,” says Case. “The last non-lawyer to serve on the Public Service Commission left the Commission in 2008.  So with these two appointments today, we’ve had five appointments in a row who are lawyers.”

Some Senators argued support for Brighton, but, in the end, voted not to confirm the candidates. 

The governor will have to submit two more names of people who will serve until the Senate considers them next year.  

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
Related Content