Published Sunday, Aug. 17, ,2008 in the WTE

In the Democratic race for this state's six-year seat in the U.S. Senate, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Editorial Board recommends Chris Rothfuss.

His opponent is perennial candidate Al Hamburg of Torrington, who declined to be interviewed. The winner will face U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., in the general election in November.

Mr. Rothfuss, an instructor at the University of Wyoming who has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, was impressive during his visit with the board.

While he has never run for office before, he did spend time working in the U.S. Department of State. That gives him a perspective that few candidates in Wyoming have.

What we particularly like about Mr. Rothfuss is his desire to end the partisanship that has marked Congress in recent years. He says there is nothing wrong with reaching across the aisle.

Mr. Rothfuss also says he believes in consensus building, and he thinks that by doing so, other senators would be willing to listen to him on issues important to Wyoming. He may be right.

In terms of issues, Mr. Rothfuss supports a balanced energy plan that involves renewables while not ignoring coal or oil. This is different from the general themes of many Republicans.

When it comes to Iraq, Mr. Rothfuss said he would get the troops out as soon as possible. He emphasized diplomacy and seeking solutions to the root causes of terrorism ahead of military intervention.

Mr. Rothfuss' positions on taxes are mixed. He would end the Bush tax cuts and put more pressure on the upper end of the income scale, seeking to "lessen the disparity." But he would do away with the death tax.

One of his lofty goals is to get rid of earmarks. That might be impossible because they are so imbedded in the congressional mindset. Still, it's always nice to dream.

Mr. Rothfuss came across as level-headed during his interview, and he showed he has put a lot of thought into running for U.S. Senate.

Too bad Mr. Hamburg hasn't. Indeed, his response to his invitation from the WTE was an expletive-laden, handwritten note. That, in itself, shows how unprepared he is to serve.

What we know about Mr. Hamburg is that he has sought office many times. He ran for the U.S. House in 2004 and 2006 and has run for a number of other political offices, including president.

Mr. Hamburg has said that reducing the speed limit to 55 mph will help conserve energy. That might work in some parts of the country, but in Wyoming? We do agree with him that people should try to plan their trips to best use their fuel.

Mr. Hamburg is not a serious candidate, and Wyoming voters should not take him seriously.

When it comes time to pull a lever, Wyoming Democrats should back someone who has given real thought to the issues facing the nation. That person is Chris Rothfuss.