When I began the journey of this election

cycle, I was told by many from both sides of

the aisle that my election was improbable if

not impossible – for many reasons. Most of

those reasons had to do with the fact that I

was running as an Independent, and I would

not get the built-in support of either political

party.

On Nov. 6, after exhausting months of

time, miles, door knocking and visiting people

and places from all over House District No.

22, those predictions were proven wrong.

I guess I could pat myself on the back, and

bask in the glory of “my” victory, but truthfully,

this election wasn’t about Jim Roscoe.

It was about the people of House District No.

22. They spoke with their vote, and I am honored

and humbled that they have chosen me to

speak for them in Cheyenne.

Since the election, I have been asked by

both parties to caucus with them, and I have

decided against caucusing with either. I ran as

an Independent to be the voice independent

of party platform or rhetoric. I don’t want to

be hobbled by what a state or national party

has decided is acceptable policy according to

their rules. I want to be able to speak about

what is best for the people of my district and

my state with their voices. The people voted

for an Independent, so I will participate as an

Independent.

Currently, I am busy filling out paperwork

for the Legislative Service Office, discussing

potential committee assignments, trying to

find a place to live while in Cheyenne, meeting

with constituents, and, yes, resting and

hunting.

During session, I intend to fight fiercely

for the protection of our public lands, support

educational funding and give voice to the issues

of the people of House District No. 22. I

am fortunate and deeply grateful that having

served before, I have good friends from both

sides of the aisle who are willing to get me

up to speed and make my transition smooth. I

wish to thank Rep. Marti Halverson for her six

years of service to the people of House District

No. 22, and for her offer to sit and confer

before I head off to Cheyenne.

I want to close this with an expression of

deep gratitude to the team of people who volunteered

hours of unpaid time to assist me in

my election bid, to friends and family who

supported me when I was often tired and in

low spirits, and to the people of House District

No. 22, who spoke clearly on Nov. 6.

I will keep the Roscoe for Wyoming Facebook

page operational to communicate with

you, and will also be reachable at jim.roscoe@

wyoleg.gov. Plan to hear from me consistently

throughout the upcoming session,

and keep those ideas coming.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

filled with family and friends. We are

blessed to be living in this beautiful part of

this great state. n