Dave Freudenthal

Governor of Wyoming
Dave Freudenthal (D)
	2003 — Current; Preceded by: Jim Geringer

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David Duane "Dave" Freudenthal (born October 12, 1950), a Democrat, is governor of Wyoming. He was elected in 2002 and re-elected to a second term on November 7, 2006, defeating Republican Party nominee Ray Hunkins by a lopsided 70-30 margin.

Background

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 Juris Doctor 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 (Wyoming). Freudenthal left the post of U.S. Attorney in May 2001.

Freudenthal is married to Nancy D. Freudenthal, a native of Cody, Wyoming, who works as a private attorney in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They have four children: Donald, Hillary, Bret, and Katie.

Accomplishments as governor

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. Freudenthal has proposed that the state save $1.2 billion over the next two years. Freudenthal, who enjoys one of the highest approval ratings of any governor at around 68 percent, was endorsed by the National Rifle Association.