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U.S. Senator John Barrasso
After 24 years of service to the people of Wyoming as a physician and community leader, John Barrasso was selected to serve in the United States Senate on June 22, 2007 by the Wyoming governor.
Barrasso's selection, from a group of 31 Wyomingites, was the culmination of a highly competitive process to replace the late Senator Craig Thomas. The Wyoming Senator will be up before voters in 2008 to complete the final four years of the Senate term.
In the United States Senate, he serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Indian Affairs Committee.
John served as Chief of Staff for the Wyoming Medical Center, State President of the Wyoming Medical Society, President of the National Association of Physician Broadcasters, and as a member of the American Medical Association Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs.
Barrasso served Natrona County in the Wyoming State Senate. He was elected to the State Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. During his tenure he served as Chairman of the Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee, as well as a member of the Labor Health and Social Services, and the Mineral Business and Economic Development committees.
In the Legislature, John was known for getting the job done. He was one of the original sponsors of the Hathaway Scholarship which allows Wyoming high school students to further their education. He was a strong advocate for veterans and the National Guard and worked to make Wyoming's roads safer for young drivers.
Barrasso led an effort to bring young people to Washington as part of "A Presidential Classroom for Young Americans," a non-profit, non-partisan organization helping young people learn about their national government. The senator attended Presidential Classroom as a high school student and serves on the program's board of directors.
Barrasso is known as "Wyoming's Doctor." For more than two decades, he has been medical director of the Wyoming Health Fairs, bringing low-cost health screening exams to people all around the Cowboy State. He has additionally done television and radio reports giving people health information they can use to stay healthy and keep down the cost of their medical care. He authors a regular newspaper column called, "Keeping Wyoming Healthy" and is widely recognized for his monthly articles on senior fitness care and prevention called "Caring for Wyoming's Seniors." Barrasso has more than 20 years experience as local host for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Barrasso has been awarded the Wyoming Physician of the Year, the Medal of Excellence for his work with Wyoming National Guard, and the Legislative Service Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for his work on behalf of Wyoming veterans. He has received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association.
Barrasso is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1978 he received his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School. His residency was at the Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Barrasso has two children, a son Peter, and a daughter, Emma, both in college. He makes his home in Casper, Wyoming, where he has lived since 1983. He was born on July 21, 1952.
Quick Stats:
John A. Barrasso, Republican, of Casper, Wyoming; born July 21, 1952; 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, 1988-1989; member, Wyoming State Senate, 2002-2007; 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.
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