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WORLAND – The Washakie County Republican Party hosted the first U.S. House of Representatives debate Saturday in Worland for seven Republican candidates vying to fill a seat left vacant by Rep. Cynthia Lummis. Lummis announced in 2015 that she would not seek re-election.

The debate at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center was moderated by Representative Mike Greear (R-Worland), and featured a variety of questions submitted by Republican voters. Candidates Senator Leland Christensen, Rep. Tim Stubson, Jason Senteney, Charlie Tyrell, Rex Rammell, Mike Konsmo and Darek Farmer answered almost a dozen questions before an audience of almost 100. Casper resident and candidate Paul Paad was in attendance in the audience, but did not participate in the formal debate.

On the subject of shrinking the federal government, Senteney, of Yoder, promised to, if elected, cut the Bureau of Land Management, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Education by 75 percent. Rammell, a former Idaho candidate for governor and resident of Gillette, claimed that as a "constitutional conservative" he would cut any government agency not included in the Constitution. By contrast, Rep. Stubson countered that the only way to effectively limit the size of federal government was to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

When asked if social issues such as marriage equality, abortion rights, and health care should be under state authority, Sen. Christensen stated that "the best government is the closest government," and that all of those topics are issues that should be handled at a state level. Farmer, of Rawlins, advocated for disbanding the Department of Education, and returning education to state oversight. Tyrell, of Casper, noted that Wyoming has different values than much of the nation, and shouldn't be forced to adhere to values that may not fit Wyoming's best interests.

When asked if they would support state management of federal lands, Senteney stated that his priority was to return state lands to state management, and that the government has no right to claim federal ownership under the Constitution. Konsmo, of Powell, noted that a large percentage of Wyoming revenue comes from tourism, and ultimately the state should control any and all lands within its borders. Farmer remarked that a lot of the public lands designated in the state where set aside by Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, and that only a respectful relationship with the federal government can ensure the best outcome.

On the subject of wilderness areas and future designations around the state, Tyrell stated that he is for preserving natural areas, with the exception of those labeled "ag areas," and that he is against eminent domain under any circumstance. Rammell and Senteney agreed that the BLM has failed to control wilderness areas and wilderness study areas, and that further designations should be avoided. Konsmo stated that only the state should decide how Wyoming lands should be used. Rep. Stubson pointed out that the County Commissioners Association has already started evaluating the issue in Wyoming, and that he would advocate for more state control at a national level. Sen Christensen remarked that wilderness areas (due to a general lack of access), excludes senior citizens and the disabled, particularly disabled veterans, from enjoying a large part of the state's natural resources for recreation.

Rep. Greear asked the candidates if they supported the repeal of Waters of the United States, or the "Clean Water Act" as enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency, to which Rep. Stubson pointed out that there never was a passage or vote on the act, but just a decision made by the EPA, which is an incredible breach of power, extending their jurisdiction beyond lakes and rivers. Farmer stated that the measure has been corrupt since induction, as there was no public notice or time for appeal before its passage and that he does not support the act. Senteney reinforced his plan to cut the EPA, and told the audience that the EPA has tactical teams with weapons to enforce their laws, and that he strongly disagrees with such measures. Rammell further agreed that the EPA has no jurisdiction to enforce more rules, and added that neither does the BLM, the Forest Service, or "Fish and Game," in his opinion.

Asked if they support changes to the U.S. immigration system, Tyrrell stated that the system needs an upgrade, while Rammell argued that the U.S. should return to a pre-1965 system with quotas that favor educated and skilled immigrants first. Senteney advocated for increasing the U.S. Border Patrol by 200,000 using primarily military veterans, and installing a GPS tracking system to monitor anyone entering the U.S. "It would give the NSA something else to do besides spying on us," said Senteney.

On the subject of gun control, Sen. Christensen said the Second Amendment is "non-negotiable." Rep Stubson agreed, and reminded the audience that he supported legislation to allow Wyoming residents to conceal carry without a license. Konsmo remarked that Wyoming has more guns per capita than any other state, and with less gun-related crime. Konsmo further stated that Wyoming sets the example, and education is an important part of being a sensible gun owner. Senteney, a former Marine, expressed his support for backgrounds checks. Rammell called for no registration or background checks, and declared himself a "proud owner of an unregistered pistol." Tyrell called for common sense, and supported background checks and cross-state carry.

Ending the debate, moderator Greear asked about possible reforms to the federal tax structure. Sen. Christensen noted that too many people don't contribute their fair share, and it should be examined to balance the scale. Rep. Stubson observed that the corporate tax rate is too high, and that eliminating tax loopholes would lower taxes for everyone. Farmer advocated for increasing taxes on corporations. Konsmo, by contrast, said he would cut taxes for business. Senteney called for a national sales tax and to repeal the 16th Amendment. Rammell stated that the creation of the IRS changed America, and only a repeal of the 16th Amendment and a sales tax is the fairest system. Tyrell voiced his support for either a sales or fair tax.

Following the debate, the Washakie County Republican Party hosted a "Meet the Candidates" session in the museum lobby, with food and soft drinks provided by Firenze and Pepsi, and a cash bar provided by Goose's Liquor of Worland.