CASPER, Wyo.—Gov. Dave Freudenthal is maintaining a low profile at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
He gave only a quick speech to Wyoming delegates during a lunch reception on Tuesday, words aimed mainly at thanking the sponsor of the event, FMC Wyoming Corp.
On Wednesday, Freudenthal ate in the last row at a delegate breakfast. He spoke to the group only when people asked him questions.
Freudenthal also declined an invitation to be considered to speak on the main convention stage. The venue has given a boost to more than one politician and could help Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who roused the audience Tuesday night.
Freudenthal, in contrast, wasn’t even sure whether he would go to the convention. He said he reconsidered after his wife, Nancy, told him they were going.
That was more or less the right decision, he suggested at the convention this week.
“This convention is a chance to participate in democracy. It’s an amazing thing,” he said.
He added: “But I can only take small doses of it.”
Freudenthal’s chief of staff, Chris Boswell, said the governor has been happy to let other people take center stage in Denver. Boswell said Freudenthal has spent time with the Wyoming delegation and Wyoming businesses that sponsored events for the delegation.
“It’s essentially a chance to visit with folks, interact with campaign officials, and also to interact with sponsors,” Boswell said. “It’s not easy to put things like this on. A lot of people, meaning sponsors, will want to get the governor’s ear.”
Freudenthal has endorsed Obama. A higher profile at the convention might have increased speculation that he would like a position inside an Obama administration.
Freudenthal has repeatedly denied that he is seeking a federal position, however.
“I’m not ever going to convince the speculators,” he said. “I’m not looking for something. Don’t plan on it.”
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Information from: Casper Star-Tribune – Casper,
