Sen. Barrasso announces re-election bid

An orthopedic surgeon who has risen
quickly to become one of the highest-ranking Republicans in the
U.S. Senate is officially seeking his first full term in office.
     Sen. John Barrasso kicked off his campaign Tuesday at the
Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne by saying Wyomingites want the
federal government to leave them alone.
     Democratic Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal appointed Barrasso in
2007 after the death of Sen. Craig Thomas.
     Barrasso since has risen to chairman of the Senate Republican
Policy Committee. As such he ranks fourth among the Senate
Republican leadership.
     Barrasso is among the most vociferous critics of health care
reform.
     Two people are challenging him so far: Republican Thomas
Bleming, of Lusk, and Democrat Al Hamburg, of Torrington. Wyoming's
candidate registration period ends Friday.