Barrasso Appointed To Replace Senator Thomas

Wyoming's governor appointed Republican state Sen. John Barrasso to replace the late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas:

Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon from Casper, will serve until the beginning of 2009. A special election in November 2008 will decide who will finish Thomas' term in 2012.

UPDATE: Here's a bit more about Barrasso via the Houston Chronicle:

Barrasso also left no doubt that he will be a conservative voice in Washington.

"I believe in limited government, lower taxes, less spending, traditional family values, local control and a strong national defense," the orthopedic surgeon and state senator from Casper wrote in his application.

He said he has "voted for prayer in schools, against gay marriage and have sponsored legislation to protect the sanctity of life."

[. . .]

Barrasso, a state senator since 2003, rose quickly in the Legislature and became chairman of the Senate Transportation, Highway and Military Affairs Committee.

He ran for the U.S. Senate in the 1990s, but lost the 1996 Republican primary to Mike Enzi, now the state's senior senator.

University of Wyoming political science professor James King said the state won't see much change in its political representation in Congress, though Barrasso's medical background will bring some practical knowledge to issues like heath care reform.

[. . .]

Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he spoke with Barrasso by telephone shortly after the announcement and hopes to have him in the Senate as early as Monday.

More from NPR:

The selection of Barrasso will likely please anti-abortion groups: They particularly appreciate his many attempts to get a so-called Laci Peterson bill into state law.

That legislation would make the murder of a pregnant woman count as two murders - one for the woman, and one for the unborn fetus.

Barrasso has also said that Wyoming's coal industry will be a big part of the answer to American energy independence. And he says he does not think climate change is a real threat.

Like his predecessor, Barrasso supports President Bush's approach to the war in Iraq.