1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming

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1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming
← 1966 November 7, 1972 1978 →
 
Nominee Clifford Hansen Mike Vinich
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 101,314 40,753
Percentage 71.31% 28.69%
County results
Hansen:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
U.S. senator before election

Clifford Hansen
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Clifford Hansen
Republican

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The 1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming was held on November 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican Senator Clifford Hansen ran for re-election to a second term. He was challenged by Democratic nominee Mike Vinich, a former aide to Congressman Teno Roncalio and a bar owner in Hudson.[1] As Hansen ran for re-election, President Richard Nixon was overwhelmingly defeating Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern in Wyoming. Hansen managed to outperform even Nixon, winning his second term in a landslide over Vinich.

Democratic primary[edit]

Candidates[edit]

  • Mike Vinich, Hudson bar owner, former Director of the Wyoming Employment Security Commission[1]
  • Doyle Henry, handyman[2]
  • Patrick E. Shanklin[3]
  • William E. Fritchell, maintenance worker[4]

Results[edit]

Democratic primary[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mike Vinich 16,148 52.54%
Democratic Doyle Henry 5,642 18.36%
Democratic Patrick E. Shanklin 4,665 15.18%
Democratic William E. Fritchell 4,281 13.93%
Total votes 30,736 100.00%

Republican primary[edit]

Candidates[edit]

Results[edit]

Republican primary[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Clifford Hansen (inc.) 50,774 100.00%
Total votes 50,774 100.00%

General election[edit]

Results[edit]

1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming[5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Clifford Hansen (inc.) 101,314 71.31% +19.52%
Democratic Mike Vinich 40,753 28.69% -19.52%
Majority 60,561 42.63% +39.04%
Turnout 142,067
Republican hold

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Vinich's David eyes Goliath". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. August 24, 1972. p. 2.
  2. ^ "Henry files for Democrat nomination to Senate seat". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. June 18, 1972. p. 1.
  3. ^ "Wyoming primary lineups set". Billings Gazette. Billings, Mont. July 13, 1972. p. 25.
  4. ^ "Candidate hits tax 'loopholes'". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. August 8, 1972. p. 5.
  5. ^ a b c Thomson, Thyra (1973). 1973 Wyoming Official Directory and 1972 Election Returns. pp. 90–91.
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