The 2008 United States Senate special election in Wyoming took place on November 4, 2008, at the same time as the regular election to the United States Senate in Wyoming. The special election occurred to complete the term of Republican incumbent Craig L. Thomas, who won reelection in 2006, but died in June 2007. Despite being a Democrat, Governor Dave Freudenthal was obliged by state law to appoint a Republican, and selected state senator John Barrasso, who was unopposed in the Republican primary and won the general election to fill the remainder of the term ending January 3, 2013. This is the last time that both of Wyoming‘s U.S. Senate seats were concurrently up for election.
Background
Wyoming law dictates that when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, the departing senator's state party at the time of the most recent election must create a list of three finalists, with the governor to select one of those candidates to fill the seat. Speculation about potential Republican challengers had included the other finalists to succeed Thomas, Cynthia Lummis and Tom Sansonetti; as well as former state House Speaker Randall Luthi, and former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nick Carter, attorney
Keith Goodenough, Casper city councilman and former Wyoming State Senator
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
John Barrasso, incumbent U.S. Senator
Results
General election
Candidates
John Barrasso (R), incumbent U.S. Senator
Nick Carter (D), attorney
Predictions
Polling
Results
See also
2008 United States Senate elections
References
External links
Elections from the Wyoming Secretary of State
U.S. Congress candidates for Wyoming at Project Vote Smart
2008 Wyoming Senate race from CQ Politics
Wyoming U.S. Senate - Class I Class II from OurCampaigns.com
Campaign contributions for Wyoming congressional races from OpenSecrets
Official campaign websites
John Barrasso, Republican incumbent candidate (Class I) Nick Carter Democratic candidate (Class I)