2006 Wyoming elections

none February 2026 September 2023 2006 Wyoming elections Wyoming presidential no 2002 Wyoming state elections 2002 2010 Wyoming elections 2010 A general election was held in the U.S. state of Wyoming on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. All of the state's executive officers—the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction—were up for election. Governor 2006 Wyoming gubernatorial election Incumbent Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal sought re-election to a second term. Despite the state's strong Republican lean, Freudenthal entered the race as a heavy favorite against the Republican nominee, Ray Hunkins. Ultimately, Freudenthal won re-election in a landslide, winning 69% of the vote to Hunkins's 30%. Wyoming gubernatorial election, 2006https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2006/06Results/06General/SW_Candidates_Summary.pdf Statewide Candidates Official Summary, Wyoming General Election - November 7, 2006 Wyoming Secretary of State May 22, 2021 Democratic Party (United States) Dave Freudenthal (incumbent) 135,516 69.99% +20.03% Republican Party (United States) Ray Hunkins 58,100 30.01% -17.91% 193,616 100.00% +37.94% Democratic Party (United States) Secretary of State 2006 Wyoming Secretary of State election Wyoming presidential no 2002 Wyoming Secretary of State election 2002 2010 Wyoming Secretary of State election 2010 November 7, 2006 Max Maxfield Republican Party (United States) 148,210 82.0% Dennis Brossman Libertarian Party (United States) 32,551 18.0% 250px County results 250px Precinct results 1 250px Maxfield: #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% #c21b18 80–90% #A80000 >90% Secretary of State Joseph Meyer Republican Party (United States) Max Maxfield Republican Party (United States) Incumbent Secretary of State Joe Meyer was barred from seeking a third term as Secretary of State, and instead opted to run for Treasurer. Max Maxfield, meanwhile, was term-limited from seeking a third term as Auditor and ran to succeed Meyer. He faced longtime Natrona County Clerk Mary Ann Collins in the Republican primary. The campaign between Maxfield and Collins was largely civil, with both of them touting their respective experience and Maxfield pushing back on the idea that he was playing "musical chairs" with different statewide positions.August 13, 2006 Primary decides secretary of state Casper Star-Tribune Morton Tom Casper, Wyo. A1, A7 The Casper Star-Tribune endorsed Collins over Maxfield, praising her as a "capable administrator" who "will bring a valuable, fresh perspective to the secretary of state's office." It praised Maxfield for his "strong experience in management," but ultimately concluded that "Collins's specialized expertise gives her the edge in this race."August 14, 2006 Collins' skill will serve Wyoming well Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A8 Maxfield ultimately won the Republican primary over Collins by a slim margin, winning 54% of the vote to Collins's 46%. While Collins won her home county of Natrona by 4,400 votes, along with a handful of other counties, Maxfield countered with modest wins in most of the counties in the state, enabling him to narrowly defeat her. While no Democratic candidate filed for the race, had a Democrat received at least 25 write-in votes, they could have accepted the nomination regardless. However, Collins was the only person to receive more than 25 write-in votes in the Democratic primary, and as a registered Republican who had previously run for the office, was barred from accepting the Democratic nomination.August 31, 2006 Four can run as write-ins Casper Star-Tribune Barron Joan Casper, Wyo. B1, B2 Accordingly, no Democratic candidate was listed in the race. Maxfield only faced Libertarian candidate Dennis Brossman, who had previously sought the office, in the general election.September 19, 2006 Audit official confronts candidate Casper Star-Tribune Miller Jared Casper, Wyo. B1, B2 Democratic primary Candidates No Democratic candidates filed. Republican primary Candidates Max Maxfield, State Auditor Mary Ann Collins, Natrona County Clerk Results Republican Primary resultshttps://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2006/06Results/R_Statewide_Candidate_Summary.pdf Republican Statewide Candidates Official Summary, Wyoming Primary Election - August 22, 2006 Wyoming Secretary of State May 23, 2021 Max Maxfield Republican Party (United States) 43,531 53.81 Mary Ann Collins Republican Party (United States) 37,360 46.19 80,891 100.00 General election Results 2006 Wyoming Secretary of State election Republican Party (United States) Max Maxfield 148,210 81.99% -0.45% Libertarian Party (United States) Dennis Brossman 32,551 18.01% +0.45% 115,659 63.98% -0.91% 180,761 Republican Party (United States) Libertarian Party (United States) Auditor 250px|thumb|Results by county Meyer: #E27F7F 50–60% #D75D5D 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% Incumbent State Auditor Max Maxfield, unable to seek re-election to a third term, instead successfully ran for Secretary of State. In the Republican primary, Rita Meyer, a colonel in the Wyoming Air National Guard and former Governor Jim Geringer's Chief of Staff, ran against accountant Bruce Brown. Both Meyer and Brown campaigned on their financial experience, but did not significantly differ on the issues.August 5, 2006 Candidates for auditor pound pavement Miller Jared Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A1, A16 The Casper Star-Tribune endorsed Meyer over Brown, praising her as "exceptionally qualified" and for "speak[ing] with authority about the technical details of the auditor's office," noting that she "clearly has done her homework."August 17, 2006 Meyer's experience gives her edgier race Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A12 Meyer defeated Brown in a landslide, winning 60% of the vote to his 40%. In the general election, Meyer was opposed by Democrat Bill Eikenberry, the former associate state director of the Bureau of Land Management. Eikenberry called for significant reform in the Auditor's office, arguing that several state programs failed to meet federal requirement, potentially endangering the funding.September 10, 2006 Candidate says state auditor should do more Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A3, A4 He initially charged that the state "has suffered serious losses due to fraudulent spending," but ultimately backed away from that assertion. The Star-Tribune once again endorsed Meyer, calling her "one of the most impressive candidates we've interviewed for any office this year" and noting that she "has had a distinguished career in public service." It suggested that Eikenberry "seems to have confused some of the duties of the state auditor with the entirely separate state Department of Audit," pointing out that the issue Eikenberry called out with federal program compliance was outside the Auditor's purview.October 31, 2006 Rita Meyer's experience gives her the edge Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A8 Meyer defeated Eikenberry in a landslide, winning 68% of the vote to Eikenberry's 32%, losing every county in the state. Democratic primary Candidates Bill Eikenberry, former Associate State Director of the Bureau of Land ManagementMay 18, 2006 Election season kicks off Casper Star-Tribune Barron Joan Casper, Wyo. A1 Results Democratic Party primary resultshttps://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2006/06Results/D_Statewide_Candidate_Summary.pdf Democratic Statewide Candidates Official Summary, Wyoming Primary Election - August 22, 2006 Wyoming Secretary of State May 23, 2021 Bill Eikenberry Democratic Party (United States) 24,525 100.00 24,525 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Rita Meyer, Wyoming Air National Guard Colonel, former Chief of Staff to Governor Jim GeringerFebruary 1, 2006 Meyer touts wide experience in auditor bid Casper Star-Tribune Morton Tom Casper, Wyo. B1, B2 Bruce Brown, accountant Results Republican Primary results Rita Meyer Republican Party (United States) 46,567 60.34 Bruce Brown Republican Party (United States) 30,601 39.66 77,168 100.00 General election Results 2006 Wyoming Auditor election Republican Party (United States) Rita Meyer 126,900 68.07% +1.30% Democratic Party (United States) Bill Eikenberry 59,534 31.93% -1.30% 67,366 36.13% +2.61% 186,434 Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) Treasurer 250px|thumb|Results by county Meyer: #E27F7F 50–60% #D75D5D 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% Incumbent Republican Secretary of State Cynthia Lummis was barred from seeking a third term due to term limits. Accordingly, term-limited Secretary of State Joe Meyer and former State House Speaker Fred Parady ran to succeed Lummis in the Republican primary.August 7, 2006 Parady promises new ideas, energy Casper Star-Tribune Barron Joan Casper, Wyo. A1, A5 The campaign between Meyer and Parady was largely civil, though they disagreed on the need for a state investment board, which Meyer supported and Parady opposed.August 11, 2006 Meyer, Parady disagree Barron Joan Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. B1, B12 In the closing days of the campaign, Meyer was endorsed by Vice-president Dick Cheney, an old friend and former roommate of his,August 10, 2006 Cheney, Dean visit Wyo Miller Jared Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A1, A16 and by the Casper Star-Tribune. The Star-Tribune praised Meyer's "practical approach to solving problems" and "common-sense approach that seeks what's best for Wyoming." Though it praised Parady's ideas and expressed optimism that "he'll run for another state office" in the future, "the state needs Meyer's experience and leadership."August 18, 2006 Meyer still has work to do as state treasurer Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A8 Meyer defeated Parady by a wide margin, winning 63% of the vote to Parady's 37%, winning in every county of the state except for Sweetwater County, which Parady represented in the legislature. In the general election, Meyer faced Democratic nominee Ron Redo, a former state employee who had previously run as the Democratic nominee for Treasurer in 1990. Redo attacked Meyer for voting to invest state funds in private equity, which he argued was risky, and campaigned on increasing mineral taxes.August 28, 2006 Redo 'retooling' for treasurer's race Miller Jared Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. B2 The Star-Tribune once again endorsed Meyer, praising him as "eminently qualified" and for his "innovative idea[s]." It noted that Redo was "sincere in his desire to protect the state's funds, and has raised some legitimate concerns about the standards used by the state to evaluate the performance of its investment managers," but "Meyer inspires more confidence in his ability to manage the office effectively."October 31, 2006 Pick Joe Meyer for treasurer Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A8 Ultimately, Meyer overwhelmingly defeated Redo, receiving 73% of the vote to Redo's 27%, winning every county in the state and receiving the highest vote total of any Republican candidate. Democratic primary Candidates Ron Redo, former state worker, 1990 Democratic nominee for Treasurer Results Democratic Party primary results Ron Redo Democratic Party (United States) 23,766 100.00 23,766 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Joe Meyer, Secretary of State Fred Parady, former Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives Results Republican Primary results Joe Meyer Republican Party (United States) 49,300 63.24 Fred Parady Republican Party (United States) 28,654 36.76 77,954 100.00 General election Results 2006 Wyoming Treasurer election Republican Party (United States) Joe Meyer 134,822 72.72% -27.28% Democratic Party (United States) Ron Redo 50,575 27.28% +27.28% 84,247 45.44% -54.56% 185,397 Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) Superintendent of Public Instruction 250px|thumb|Results by county McBride: #E27F7F 50–60% #D75D5D 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% Hoffman: #7996E2 50–60% #6674DE 60–70% Two years into his four-year term, State Superintendent Trent Blankenship resigned from office to accept an appointment as the superintendent of schools in Barrow, Alaska. The Republican Party, pursuant to state law, nominated three candidates as Blankenship's replacement, and Governor Dave Freudenthal appointed Jim McBride, the former president the Community College of the Air Force and the technology director for the state department of education.August 19, 2005 Governor names McBride to post Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A1 In 2006, McBride opted to run for re-election. He won the Republican primary unopposed and was opposed by Michelle Hoffman, the Superintendent of the Fremont County School District 14, who won the Democratic primary unopposed.August 23, 2006 Superintendent hopefuls advance Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A16 In the general election, Hoffman, a special education teacher, argued that McBride "does not understand special education issues," pointing to cuts that he allegedly made in the state's special education office in Riverton.September 23, 2006 Hoffman criticizes McBride on special ed Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A3 She was unable to make the attack land, however, with a poll the week before the election showing her losing to McBride, 45-26%.November 1, 2006 Poll: McBride has solid lead Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A3 The Casper Star-Tribune also endorsed McBride for re-election, arguing that he "deserves to be elected to a full term to continue the work he has begun." It argued that he "brought stability to the department and put the employees on the same page." And while the Star-Tribune praised Hoffman's teaching experience as "a plus, as it gives her an understanding of problems teachers encounter and ideas about solutions," it criticized her opposition to merit pay for teachers and for paying students for higher test scores.October 26, 2006 McBride earns chance to complete full term Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. A8 Ultimately, McBride won a full term over Hoffman by a solid margin, winning 59% of the vote to her 41%. However, Hoffman delivered the strongest performance by a statewide Democratic candidate other than Governor Freudenthal, winning Albany County, Fremont County, Sweetwater County, and Teton County, which no Democratic candidate other than Freudenthal and Hoffman won. Democratic primary Candidates Michelle Hoffman, Superintendent of the Fremont County School District 14June 1, 2006 Dem files for state superintendent Casper Star-Tribune Casper, Wyo. B1 Results Democratic Party primary results Michelle Hoffman Democratic Party (United States) 24,930 100.00 24,930 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Jim McBride, incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Results Republican Party primary results Jim McBride (inc.) Republican Party (United States) 70,230 100.00 70,230 100.00 General election Results 2006 Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction election Republican Party (United States) Jim McBride (inc.) 108,705 58.54% +5.31% Democratic Party (United States) Michelle L. Hoffman 76,978 41.46% -5.31% 185,683 Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) References Wyoming