Lummis challenger Wendt steps out

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-A Jackson man who is challenging Rep. Cynthia Lummmis for Wyoming’s only congressional seat introduced himself to party members at last weekend’s Wyoming Democratic convention.

David Wendt has a background in policy research and is president of the Jackson Hole Center for Global Affairs, a think tank that leverages the Valley’s unique natural and social qualities to spotlight global issues. The Center for Global Affairs’ flagship project is the U.S.-China Clean Energy Initiative, which brings together policymakers from different countries to discuss the issue of growing global carbon emissions from coal.

Wendt said energy is at the center of his platform, and that Wyoming needs to show an interest in cleaner coal in order to remain viable in the energy marketplace of the future.

“I feel it’s in our interest to support every initiative in Washington, D.C., that can provide market-based incentives to clean up our coal,” Wendt said during a phone interview Tuesday. He was in Cheyenne to meet with AFL-CIO leaders and other organizational heads.

Wendt said he favors the universal health care bill and said the U.S. and China should have meaningful talks to determine what role coal should play in future energy plans.

Wendt said his years of experience with bipartisan organizations would help him reach across the aisle on Capitol Hill.

His campaign staff includes himself and wife Oliva Meigs. Wendt said he would not finance his own campaign because he is not in a position to.

“We’re up and running, it’s just a question of soliciting our war chest,” he said.


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Lummis challenger Wendt steps out | Planet JH News Article: General News

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