The Story:
Liz Cheney (R – Wyo.) the only member of the U.S. House of Representatives from her state, is running for re-election to a fourth term. The “main event” is that Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, will have to defeat a Republican challenger in the party’s primary on August 16. The general election in November, on the other hand, is not likely to be competitive since the Democratic Party is weak in the state.
Background:
The primary challenger is Hariett Hageman, a former member of the Republican National Committee. Hageman is showing strength in polls of Wyoming’s Republicans because Cheney has been so ardent in her opposition to the influence of former President Trump. Cheney voted in favor of the second impeachment of Donald Trump, the impeachment action brought as Trump’s term was ending. Also, Cheney is now an outspoken member of the special committee of the House examining the Capitol riot of Jan. 6. 2021. All this strikes Hageman, and many Republicans within Wyoming, as out of line.
Trump has endorsed Hageman. Another Republican former President, George W. Bush, has endorsed Cheney.
The Thing to Know:
Fortunately for Cheney, this is an open primary: that is, any Wyoming voter can participate. It is possible that Cheney will attract many cross-over independents and Democrats, enough to defeat Hageman and win her party’s nomination.
