W(h)Y Not Now?

A case for the candidate for Senate out of Wyoming, Mr. James Byrd

“See you later, alligator!”—“In a while, crocodile!” Byrd said goodbye to his daughter as we began our call. I think we sometimes overlook the importance of the human aspects of our political representatives; I, for one, found this exchange comforting and an example of the care, humor, and humility James Byrd shows as a father. These moments may seem small, but can reveal much about the people we hope to understand. With that, James Byrd:

Byrd is a polite man with a family history of public service that predates his own years representing the people of Wyoming’s 44^th District in the state’s House of Representatives. Both his mother and father were civil servants for years, including their seat in the state legislature and position as U.S. Marshall, respectively. Proud of both, Byrd talked about them with reverence, but expressed the most appreciation for the time and skill that his mom devoted to being an elementary school teacher. After hearing him speak on it, and if you take his word for it, I'm inclined to believe that she was one of the best educators to ever do the job. With much respect for their work and with large shoes to fill, Byrd has approached life in government with a fervor that I am excited to share with you. From his experience as the minority whip in the state legislature (2013-2014) connecting Wyoming school districts on the same online network to reigning in unnecessary, or even possibly fraudulent, spending from his opponent Harriet Hageman, Byrd has been fighting for a better future for years. Don’t believe me? Just ask him. 

The Promise

“I’ll buy the coffee” —A line that could be a throwaway from any other politician is a genuine promise from Byrd. An open and earnest invitation to all those who are unconvinced to meet him; sit down for a cup of coffee, and talk about what matters most to the voters of Wyoming. When I asked him what he believes is the best way to reach rural voters was, James shared that he had traveled “1,400 miles in the past few days without leaving Wyoming once”; he is meeting them where they’re at to have real conversations with the people he intends to represent across the whole state, not just the cities—not just Cheyenne. He’s also stressing to everyone that a D next to his name does not define his goals and that he is willing to put policy over party at a time when so many Americans see pragmatism as what we need most. The message Byrd puts above others when asked if he could speak to each of those voters directly is this: 

"A voice for Wyoming in DC, not a voice for DC in Wyoming. You can quote me on that" - Byrd

In order to further make his case for the US Senate, I asked him what he would tell a younger version of himself heading into public service for the Wyoming State Senate. His answer is the type of thing I like to hear from every politician I support: ”Come out swinging.” As someone who would never miss a chance for a sports analogy or to tell it like it is, Byrd elaborates that you are there as a public servant and should act as such for your constituents. If chosen, Byrd understands it will not be without the support from quite a few voters from ‘across the aisle,’ and so he urges his fellow Wyomingites to look past that and towards what they need to succeed. We can drop the party politics, and focus on the people. With James ready to reward you for doing so I implore you to speak with him so, you can hear it for yourself!

The Opposition

Not being able to be everywhere at once is a universal for us all but Wyoming’s population being the lowest of any state while being the 9^th largest poses a unique challenge. Promising to impress with just how far he can stretch every dollar, our US Senate hopeful stresses the importance of individual efforts of aligned Wyomingites who can as satellites for the message of hope that Byrd brings, not just for Cheyenne, but for every acre of Wyoming. If you live in Wyoming, or have relatives that do, and you believe like James and myself that now more than ever is a chance to protect what makes us great, right now is the time to get involved. Start having conversations with your local community, start organizing for greater outreach, and, most importantly, carry a message that now is the time to give James Byrd a chance. 

What do you get if you go with his opponent? It is a fair question, so it deserves to be answered. With a brief search, it becomes clear that a Hageman term comes with pre-capitulation to DC and the elites that support her. Do you expect her to give meaningful pushback and regulation when those who funded her rise to power ask her to look the other way on corruption? This seems like a blatant return to the party politics we all have become fatigued with. I understand that a majority of people tend to not care all that much about politics in general. Even while sitting here on the computer at 8pm on a Monday, I appreciate the freedom we all have to flourish differently. Most prefer to go about their lives in peace and dignity, for themselves and their families and I completely understand that. Everyone has had this dream, at least somewhat, encroached upon by rising prices lately. This is not disconnected from voting in the past; it is especially relevant now and in the future! If I could stress one difference in the ideas for Wyoming as an admitted outsider, it would be this: politicians who try to sell you the same status quo, that things can stay as they once were always, are simply lying to you. They aren’t capturing the ideal for even a moment, instead they’re subjecting you to stagnation as you cling to what once was. Those who prepare us for the future and offer greater opportunities will always involve some risk, which can be daunting at times. That is why it is important to remind ourselves that the challenging way is often the correct path. Attempting to overcome is more difficult than apathy but the rewards it offers are greater as well. With prices soaring and wars spiraling, it seems now more than ever, might be time to try something different for Wyoming. If there was ever a moment to give Byrd a try, why not now?

Overcome

Byrd describes Wyoming as the “canary in the coal mine,” saying that “if we get a cold, the other 49 states feel it.”. While doing research for this piece on the different traditional energy sources Wyoming has capitalized on, I stumbled upon some interesting facts about the canaries that were used in coal mines. Contrary to what some may have thought, miners cared for them greatly.  They would rush them to safety when they needed aid and treated them as part of the larger project that makes it all work. The canaries were a lifeline keeping them safe; not some disposable tool but a part of the greater team. That is Wyoming now, not in need of a change of spirit, but having to adjust alongside the ever-expanding problems posed for the future. Will we work alongside and use the signals we receive from one another to further our goals or will we turn to disposability and ingroup thinking? The choice, as it often is, is yours to make. Even if you don’t live in Wyoming, their problems will be yours before long. If the people, the wildlife, and the culture of this beautiful state speak to you —or you happen to care about liberal values—; your support here is welcomed and needed. Let us take a note from our brothers in the mines and not be so quick to cast aside our canary, our wonderfully wild Wyoming. 

The path to victory is a steep one, and I don’t believe I’m reaching to say it may be the steepest. I asked James: What will make the biggest difference for the Byrd campaign to win Wyoming its first democratic Senator since 1977? 

“Money.”

His concise response on the need for funds demonstrates just how clear the need is. In a race where the Trump-backed candidate, Hageman, has been able to amass some 2.4 million dollars, Byrd recognizes the need for not only fervor but funding as well^[1] Speaking of just that, when asked, the main way he intends to address the voter’s issues is by going after affordability and stopping the war in Iran. Not one to shirk on his end of the deal, Byrd assures voters that support, and ultimately a vote for him, in November will return money directly back into their pockets. This is what I hope the reader takes away, especially if they live in Wyoming or know residents who do. That in a world where it seems the dollar may always win the day, your vote counts now more than ever. Will you cast your vote for those who feel entitled to it by your affiliation and support the answers that got us here, or will you appreciate how much better things could be if we had solid leadership right now? Fiscally responsible, common-sense legislation, and working hard for the Wyoming voter, Byrd hopes that you will not forget the power your vote has to improve your life; not to "change" what makes the state great, but to expand the opportunities available and bring your voice straight to DC. Let your voice be heard, rather than falling into silence. There is no need for another yes man in DC. Don’t send Hageman. Why not send someone you know will put an end to the silly and get back to the serious? Whether it be branding cattle or putting in the long miles to get to every corner of the state, Byrd knows more about what makes Wyoming so special.

https://www.byrdforsenate.com/ - To donate, contact, or get involved