Dear editor:

I read Mr. Greer’s recent letter in the Powell Tribune “Wyoming deserves better than this” with both interest and surprise. His characterization of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus (FC) suggests it is some kind of abstract entity that people idolize or “worship.” Thus, I write this letter not just in support of the Freedom Caucus, but to set the record straight. 

In reality, the Freedom Caucus is composed of duly elected members of the Wyoming House, individuals chosen by voters in their districts to represent their interests and carry out the will of the people.

It also appears Mr. Greer may misunderstand what the FC actually is. In a recent conversation, he told me, “You are Freedom Caucus.” Well, I am not a member, nor could I be as I am not a state representative, which is one of the basic requirements for membership. This confusion underscores a broader lack of clarity in his critique. 

Mr. Greer correctly states that concentrating power in government is not a conservative principle. On that point, we agree. However, it is worth noting that recent efforts to influence legislative outcomes have not come from the FC, but from outside it. Public campaign finance records show that Gov. Mark Gordon was the largest donor to the Prosperity and Commerce PAC in 2024, contributing $150,000 (and he donated $150,000 more in December 2025). That PAC supported candidates aligned against more conservative legislators and candidates. That PAC tried to overturn the Wyoming Legislature to give the governor control of the Legislature. By the way, that’s called concentrating power in the executive branch by purchasing the legislative branch. That PAC made a $2,000 contribution to Mr. Greer’s 2024 primary campaign. Also, Mr. Greer accepted a $1,500 donation from a Jackson, Wyoming, donor who contributed $637,000 to Wyoming statewide candidates and PACs. If we are concerned about undue influence and the concentration of power, that is a conversation worth having.

It is also curious that there was little objection when previous legislative caucuses operated to advance their own agendas, agendas often at odds with the principles now being defended. Such as the now defunct Wyoming Caucus. The current criticism of the FC seems less about process and more about disagreement with its policy direction.

Mr. Greer argues the FC has abandoned Wyoming’s core conservative principles: fiscal discipline, individual liberty, limited government, strong communities and respect for the land. Yet a review of the caucus’ stated priorities and recent legislative efforts suggests otherwise. Their agenda includes reducing government spending, strengthening election integrity, expanding parental rights, increasing judicial transparency, lowering property taxes and supporting school choice. Their policy objectives also emphasize responsible energy development; including fossil fuels, alternative energy and nuclear energy, alongside environmental stewardship.

Reasonable people can debate the merits of specific policies. But it is difficult to argue that these priorities fall outside the bounds of mainstream conservatism in Wyoming. 

This raises a simple question: If these positions do not reflect conservative principles, what does?

As to the original letter to the editor, and like media reports throughout the state referencing the Freedom Caucus coming into and during this legislative session we must remember a quote from history attributed to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels, “If you repeat a lie often enough it becomes the truth.” Instead, voters should look to John 8:32, “and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

Respectfully,

Vince Vanata

Cody