Run, Barbara, Run!

Wyoming Democrats eagerly await another crack at U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin in 2008. Gary Trauner came within a thousand vottes of beating her last time. Calamaties in her personal life have combined to make her even less viable in 2008.

Here's the latest from a story in today's Casper Star-Tribune:

U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin has missed almost half of all House votes this year, staying away from the Capitol due to her husband's illness, her brother's death and her own broken foot.

"It has been an extraordinarily difficult year for our family," Cubin, R-Wyo., said from Wyoming Medical Center in Casper Tuesday, where Dr. Frederick "Fritz" Cubin is scheduled to undergo another surgery this week. "No one regrets the votes that I've missed more than I do.

"Cubin, a Republican, has missed 427 votes this year, or 45 percent. That's the third highest percentage in the House, and the top two -- Republican Reps. Charlie Norwood of Georgia and Jo Ann Davis of Virginia -- are both deceased.

The average number of missed votes per member is 3.9 percent, according to The Washington Post database.

Cubin, who was first elected to the House in 1994, says she is frustrated by rumors and reports that she may not seek re-election in 2008.

"At this point in time I absolutely intend to run again," she said.