An old ranch woman’s thoughts on 
Wyoming’s political pulse

I drove out to the Newcastle Country Club this afternoon. Arriving a few minutes early for the event I was there to attend, I wasn’t at all surprised to see a couple of pickups and horse trailers over to one side of the parking area. Nor to see a couple of good, middle-aged ranch cowboys and one good-looking, saddled quarter horse. I chuckled at the sight, thanked God that I live in Wyoming and wondered how many people attending a political rally today saw a sight like that?

The country club parking lot was a sheet of ice, but snow and grass were nearby, now all tracked up by hoofprints, proving the horse had just been “test driven” by the visiting rancher-legislator. He stepped off, patted the horse’s neck, loosened the cinches and loaded it into his trailer, then shook hands with the rancher who brought the horse to town.

“A legislator who’s bright enough to get two birds with one stone,” I chuckled to myself as I watched the typical cowboy scene. Why not? He’s a man with lots of country to cover and cattle to care for, and he knows a good horse. He’s taking care of the business of our state instead of staying home training his own ranch horses. He drove some miles to get here …, what a perfect place for them to meet!

The local rancher (who lives on my maternal grandfather’s homestead) put a lot of miles and sweat on that pretty horse while helping him accumulate all the learning he could at his age. He’ll now get to practice those skills while enjoying a good home and new friends in the next county to the south. The busy visiting politician is doing business for our state in Cheyenne and needed to be here about that business, a double whammy on the expensive gasoline!

Prior to the last election, I put up a poster in my front yard that said, “J.D. Williams For House.” Getting the most votes and winning the seat for 2024 means that J.D. has been away from his ranch in Niobrara County since Jan. 15, fulfilling his legislative role in Cheyenne, on behalf of our states’ future. J.D. came to Weston County to talk to this constituency, and give us the chance to talk to him. Picking up a nice new horse is a boon … and shows me he’s smart about doing business!

In cowboy boots, right after washing some horse sweat off his hands, J.D. Williams fielded questions from the interested women and men gathered to show their support for him as a legislator – and/or become better informed about what he’s doing in this term in the state house. The traditional humor I value so much in cowboys shone as he replied to questions by the interested, well-informed men and women in the room.

Discussion about the need for cost relief in education came up. The income of oil-rich counties was mentioned, in comparison with those not so endowed, which struggle to pay education costs.

That brought a laugh from the crowd, then someones’ comment: “… not supposed to have mineral reserves.”

“I’ve heard they haven’t exempted China corporations,” another voice said. “Bill in the house now . . . think it got beat out yesterday.”

“Washakie County is poorer than Weston County. Niobrara has a little more,” another person commented.

Much more informative discussion took place, and J.D. stressed, “Get your people on their feet or this will fail”. He closed to hearty laughter after saying, “If you hear Williams has gone off the rails call me. It might be true!”

Newcastle’s mayor listened attentively and added some comments. At the end, he said to J.D., “I wanted to come shake your hand.” He got the opportunity, with a radiant Williams smile.

Thanks be to God that — during this time of so much strife, so much recent national tragedy, horrible fires,  hurricanes and destruction — He still reigns, and still loves, protects and provides for us if we let Him.