Wyo. Democratic Party Chair Announces For Gov.

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) ― Leslie Petersen, chairwoman of the Wyoming Democratic Party, filed papers Friday to seek her party's nomination for governor in the Aug. 17 primary election.

Several prominent Wyoming Democrats said Petersen's entry into the race, on the last possible day, gives them a candidate who can galvanize political support statewide. The party has been at a loss for a viable gubernatorial candidate since Gov. Dave Freudenthal announced in early March that he wouldn't seek a third term.

Democrats also put in a dig, saying they hope Petersen's presence will force the crowded field of well-organized and well-funded Republican gubernatorial candidates to spend more of their time on the campaign trail addressing the issues facing the state and less time criticizing the federal government.

In the opening paragraph of her campaign announcement, Petersen, 69, of Wilson, emphasized that she's "a Freudenthal Democrat." She

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