Dems hold mock debate and straw poll

The Laramie County Democratic Party will host a "Mock Debate of Democratic Candidates for President and Straw Poll Vote" on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., in the Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne. This event is open to the public and attendees are encouraged to participate. If members of the public would like to submit questions for the debate, they may do so via email at windywyo@bresnan.net You don't have to be a Democrat to attend. Pissed-off Republicans and Independents and Libertarians are welcome! For more info, contact Nicole Novotny at 307-514-4685.

I'm a member of the Laramie County Democrats, and I received an e-mail a few months ago about this event. At the time, the LarCoDems were looking for people to fill the roles of some of the so-called "second-tier" candidates, such as Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich. But before I could respond, those roles were snapped up by other Dem thespians. I thought that doing Mike Gravel would be easy, especially after watching his TV commercial where he doesn't utter a word. I could also spend my limited time at the podium complaining about why I have so little time at the podium.

Dennis Kucinich is my candidate. He's the only Democratic hopeful with the courage of his convictions. He actually voted against the war in Iraq and has been working overtime to end Bush's crusade. But I doubt if I could do him justice. I'm too tall, for one thing, although I probably could get down on my knees behind the podium. And it would be too tempting to lampoon this very serious man. He has learned to take a joke (he's held his own with David Letterman and Jon Stewart), but it's a struggle. Maybe he just can't bear laughing while Bush, Cheney & Co. tear this country apart.

Please come out Tuesday and support your favorite. I especially urge Kucinich supporters to come out and cheer on our stand-in Dennis. It may be the closest you get to any of the candidates, as Wyoming is not on their itinerary. Some have been to Jackson to raise funds -- Richardson and Romney, to name two. If I remember correctly, the last presidential candidate to visit the capital city was Bill Clinton in 1992. Any others you can recall?