wy_gov_VINICH
STATE SENATOR JOHN VINICH
Age: 48 Born: June 13, 1950; Hudson, Wyoming Education: University of Wyoming, B.S. (1972) Military: None Family: Married - Lynette; Three children Hometown: Hudson, Wyoming Religion: Catholic Career: WY State Senator (1983-present); WY State Representative (1975-82); Manager, Hudson Youth Center (1974-75); Manager, Hudson Bar and Lounge (1973-75); Director, Big Brother of Casper (1972-73) |
• Vinich was born and raised in Wyoming. After graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in social work, he worked as director of the Big Brother program in Casper. In 1973, he moved back to his hometown of Hudson to help manage his family's bar and restaurant business.
• In 1974, at the youthful age of 24, Vinich ran and won a seat in the state House of Representatives. He served eight years in the House and went on to be elected to the State Senate in 1982. He has served in the Senate ever since, where he sits on the influential Appropriations Committee.
• Vinich won the Democratic nod to challenge Sen. Malcolm Wallop in 1988. Wallop was seeking his third term even though he had pledged to serve no more than two. Although Wyoming is heavily Republican, Vinich ran a hard-driving campaign and came within 1,400 votes of unseating Wallop.
• In April 1989, Vinich ran in a special election for Wyoming's lone seat in Congress after U.S. Rep. Dick Cheney vacated it for a Cabinet appointment. Republicans were nervous when their candidate was behind in the polls midway through the campaign, but Vinich lost to Craig Thomas by 52% to 43%.
• Vinich is a 24-year veteran of the state legislature. In addition, he is currently pursuing his law degree at the University of Wyoming. He expects to graduate in the spring of 1999.
• Vinich was a last-minute entry into this year's race. He submitted his papes for candidacy less than hour before the deadline. Even so, he defeated two other Democrats for the nomination and received double the votes of his closest competitor, State Senator Keith Goodenough.