Dave Freudenthal

Dave Freudenthal
October 12, 1950
Assumed office January 6, 2003
31st Governor of Wyoming
In office January 6, 2003 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Jim Geringer
Succeeded by	Matt Mead
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Attorney

David Duane "Dave" Freudenthal (born October 12, 1950 in Thermopolis, Wyoming), a Democrat and a former 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. He announced March 4, 2010, that he would not seek a third term as Wyoming's governor saying, "I have had my season, we have had our time, and now it is (time) for someone else."

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.

Wyoming Governor

Economy

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.

Wolves

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar invited Freudenthal, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, and Idaho Gov. Butch Otter to meet in Denver, CO to discuss management of wolves.

State Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said the 153 wolves was a minimum count and they needed to add 30 percent to reach more than 200 wolves. An estimated 1,700 wolves reportedly live in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

External links

• Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal Official state site
• National Governors Association - Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal biography
• Follow the Money - Dave Freudenthal 2006 campaign contributions
• On the Issues - Dave Freudenthal issue positions and quotes
• Project Vote Smart - Governor Dave Freudenthal (WY) profile
• Dave for Governor Official campaign site