A Democratic governor in Wyoming? It could happen, again

Democrats have what the Associated Press says is their best shot in a dozen years of reclaiming the governor’s office.

Politically moderate energy-industry attorney Mary Throne won Wyoming’s Democratic gubernatorial primary Tuesday. She faces Republican State Treasurer Mark Gordon in the general election.

Throne politically is a lot like Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a popular moderate who served from 2003-2011.

Voters registered as Republicans in Wyoming outnumber registered Democrats by more than 5 to 1. But many Democrats in Wyoming register as Republicans to vote in more consequential primaries.

Some say Democrats have hidden influence in Wyoming – one that in the past has given the advantage to centrist candidates like Throne.

Democrats have held Wyoming’s governor’s office 32 of the last 55 years.