MEET JOHN
U.S. Senator John Barrasso
Throughout Wyoming’s history, serving in the U.S. Senate
has meant standing tall among a distinguished line of frontier
statesmen. From Senators Cliff Hansen to Milward Simpson, Francis
E. Warren to Alan Simpson and Malcolm Wallop, Joe Carey to Craig
Thomas, each one served the Cowboy State as strong, independent,
thoughtful leaders, fighting for Wyoming’s best future.
John Barrasso is Wyoming’s newest U.S. Senator to
join the state’s rich legacy of public service.
On June 25, 2007 Wyoming’s own Vice President Dick
Cheney swore John Barrasso into the U.S. Senate after the
passing of Craig Thomas.
An orthopedic surgeon based in Casper, John Barrasso served
patients for nearly 25 years, including in the position
of chief of staff for the Wyoming Medical Center. At the
time of his appointment, Barrasso was most notably known
around Wyoming as “Wyoming’s Doctor” through
dedicated years of public service informing families in
newspaper columns and television reports about important
health information. In addition to his official duties as
a surgeon, Barrasso has for over 20 years been the local
host for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon to benefit the
Muscular Dystrophy Association and as Medical Director of
the Wyoming Health Fairs.
Prior to his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Barrasso served
Wyoming in the State Senate for Natrona County from 2003–
2007, eventually chairing the Senate Transportation, Highways,
and Military Affairs Committee.
In the United States Senate Barrasso upheld a 100-year Wyoming
tradition of serving on the Senate Energy Committee as well as
being a member of the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public
Works and Indian Affairs Committees.
Good government, fiscal responsibility, strong leadership
for Wyoming’s energy future and Wyoming’s western
heritage are among Barrasso’s top priorities.
Conservative and dedicated to sportsmen rights, Barrasso
earned an “A” rating from the National Rifle
Association, was named Wyoming Physician of the Year, earned
the Medal of Excellence for his work with the Wyoming National
Guard, and the Legislative Service Award from the Veterans
of Foreign Wars (VFW) for his work on behalf of Wyoming
veterans.
Barrasso has three children – Peter and Emma both in college,
and Hadley in high school. He and his wife Bobbi make their home
in Casper.
Quick Stats:
John A. Barrasso, Republican, of Casper, Wyoming; born July 21,
1952; married to his wife Bobbi; education: B.S., Georgetown University,
Washington, D.C., 1974; M.D., Georgetown University, Washington,
D.C., 1978; professional: Casper Orthopedic Associates, 1983-
2007; Chief of Staff, Wyoming Medical Center; President, Wyoming
Medical Society; President, National Association of Physician
Broadcasters; member, Wyoming State Senate, 2003-2007; children:
Peter and Emma; appointed on June 22, 2007 to the 110th Congress
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Craig Thomas.