Eli Bebout

{{Infobox officeholder

|name = Eli Bebout

|image = Eli Bebout 20171012.jpg

|office = President of the Wyoming Senate

|term_start = January 10, 2017

|term_end = January 9, 2019

|predecessor = Phil Nicholas

|successor = Drew Perkins

|office2 = Majority Leader of the Wyoming Senate

|term_start2 = 2015

|term_end2 = 2017

|predecessor2 =

|successor2 =

|state_senate3 = Wyoming

|district3 = 26th

|term_start3 = April 17, 2007{{Cite news |date=April 18, 2007 |title=Bebout takes oath of office |page=19 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564765/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716153506/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564765/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

|term_end3 = January 12, 2021

|predecessor3 = Bob Peck

|successor3 = Tim Salazar

|office4 = 55th Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives

|term_start4 = 1999

|term_end4 = 2001

|predecessor4 = Bruce A. Hinchey

|successor4 = Rick Tempest

|office5 = Majority Leader of the Wyoming House of Representatives

|term_start5 = 1997

|term_end5 = 1999

|predecessor5 =

|successor5 =

|office6 = Member of the
Wyoming House of Representatives

|constituency6 = Fremont County (1986–1993)
55th district (1993–2001)

|term_start6 = 1987

|term_end6 = 2001

|predecessor6 = Multi-member district (Fremont County)

|successor6 = District abolished (Fremont County)
David Miller (55th district)

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1946|10|14}}

|birth_place = Rawlins, Wyoming, U.S.

|death_date =

|death_place =

|party = Democratic (Before 1994)
Republican (1994–present)

|education = United States Air Force Academy (attended)
University of Wyoming (BS)

|spouse = Lorraine Tavares Bebout

|children = 4

|signature = Eli Bebout signature.svg

|allegiance = {{flag|United States}}

|branch = {{air force|United States}}

|unit = Air Force Reserve Command

}}

Eli Daniel Bebout (born October 14, 1946) is an American athlete and politician who served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from a multi-member district in Fremont County and the 55th district from 1987 to 2001, and later served in the Wyoming Senate from the 26th district 2007 to 2021, as a member of the Democratic and Republican parties. He was the first person to serve as both Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives and President of the Wyoming Senate

Bebout was born in Rawlins, Wyoming, and educated at Shoshoni High School, the United States Air Force Academy, and the University of Wyoming. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force Academy stating that he believed he had violated the honor code. Bebout became involved in the energy and pharmaceutical industries and gained a net worth of around $6 million.

Bebout entered politics with his successful write-in candidacy to the state house and was a member of the Democratic Party. During his tenure in the state house as a Democrat he was considered a possible candidate in multiple statewide elections, was selected to serve as Minority Whip, unsuccessfully sought the vice-chair position of the Wyoming Democratic Party, and his proposed redistricting plan was adopted. He switched to the Republican Party in 1994, and was given the position of Majority Leader and then Speaker.

Bebout left the state house in the 2000 election and unsuccessfully ran in the 2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election with the Republican nomination against Democratic nominee Dave Freudenthal. He was selected to replace Bob Peck in the state senate following Peck's death. During his tenure in the state senate he served as Vice President, Majority Leader, and President.

Early life and education

Eli Daniel Bebout was born in Rawlins, Wyoming, on October 14, 1946, to Hubert Bebout, a former member of the Wyoming House of Representatives and mayor of Shoshoni, Wyoming. He graduated from Shoshoni High School and started attending the United States Air Force Academy after receiving an appointment in 1963. He was named to the Prep All-American Basketball team after a poll was conducted of coaches and sportswriters in the United States.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1964 |title=Shoshoni High School |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81194844/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210710232217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81194844/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=June 14, 1964 |title=Eli Bebout Is Named All-American |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81193782/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210710232558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81193782/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2002 |title=Hubert Bebout dead at 85 |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552912/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716074531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552912/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=Biography |work=Eli Bebout |url=http://www.bebout4governor.com/bio.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021101082145/http://www.bebout4governor.com/bio.html |archive-date=November 1, 2002}} He played at the 1969 Western Athletic Conference Championship for the University of Wyoming.

Bebout did not graduate from the United States Air Force Academy which he had attended from June 29, 1964 to February 28, 1967, but did graduate from the University of Wyoming. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force Academy and Bebout stated that he had voluntarily left the academy in 1967, due to him believing that he had violated the honor code after not reporting other cadets who had committed infractions. He served in the reserves until 1970, but did not serve in active duty.{{Cite news |date=May 28, 2002 |title=Bebout explains academy exit |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553517/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716083703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553517/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

In 1977, Bebout married Lorraine Tavares Bebout, with whom he had four children. Lorraine later convinced Bebout to join the Republican Party which she had been a member of.{{Cite news |date=February 17, 1994 |title=Bebout pulls offer to buy school section |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81392995/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713224713/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81392995/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2002 |title=Gov. candidate Bebout follows Jackson issues |page=10 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553449/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716082926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553449/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=Lorraine |work=Eli Bebout |url=http://www.bebout4governor.com/family.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021030083046/http://www.bebout4governor.com/family.html |archive-date=October 30, 2002}} He and his wife later reported being worth around $6 million in the 2000s.{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2002 |title=Bebout releases financial information |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554376/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716100658/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554376/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Bebout served as president of the Nuclear Power & Energy Company which performed explorations for uranium.{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1979 |title=NUPEC gets two contracts |page=25 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81195896/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210710233911/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81195896/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He also founded Smith-Collins Pharmaceutical Incorporated in 1983.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1985 |title=Riverton man looking for federal approval to market anti-cancer drug |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81197041/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210710235544/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81197041/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=October 3, 1987 |title=Fremont's Bebout plans to return to oil, gas industry |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81247546/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711212412/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81247546/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He was one of the organizers of the Yellowstone State Bank of Lander in 1979.{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1979 |title=New Lander bank charter OK'd |page=26 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81195943/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210710234139/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81195943/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Career

=Wyoming House of Representatives=

==Elections==

During the 1986 election Bebout was one of four people to file as a write-in candidate for one of five seats in the Wyoming House of Representatives from Fremont County. He placed fourth out of ten candidates after spending $7,138 during the campaign causing incumbent Republican Representative Bob Baker to not win reelection while the other four incumbents retained their seats. Bebout served as a member of the Democratic Party in the state house.{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1986 |title=Democrats field full slate in Fremont |page=20 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81205027/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711021418/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81205027/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1986 |title=Democrats field full slate in Fremont |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81205860/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711211916/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81205860/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1986 |title=Bob Baker Loses |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81208584/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711212124/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81208584/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 18, 1986 |title=Candidates report campaign spending |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991500/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200724193003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991500/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Representative Scott Ratliff wanted either Bebout or Republican Representative Mary Odde to run in the 1988 state senate election to succeed Senator Frank Dusl, but Bebout chose to run for reelection.{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1988 |title=Ratliff will seek fifth House term |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81251177/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711205838/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81251177/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1988 |title=State Senate to change faces, not imbalance |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81251767/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711210607/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81251767/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} During the campaign he was endorsed by the AFL–CIO and placed first out of seven candidates.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1988 |title=Right-to-Work no 'litmus test' this year: AFL-CIO |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81252122/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711211153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81252122/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1988 |title=1988 election results |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81252509/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711213624/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81252509/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Chuck Graves, the chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party, talked to Bebout about running for a seat in the United States Senate in the 1990 election against incumbent Republican Senator Alan Simpson, but Bebout announced on May 8, 1990, that he would not run in the election and would instead run for reelection to the state house.{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1990 |title=Bebout considering challenge to Simpson |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81294554/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712150433/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81294554/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1990 |title=Bebout says he won't run for Senate |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81295510/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712152205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81295510/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He won reelection in the 1990 election.{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1990 |title=LaLonde wins in Teton-Sublette |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81295983/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712152830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81295983/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Graves listed Bebout as a possible candidate, alongside Secretary of State Kathy Karpan, for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in the 1992 election against incumbent Republican Representative Craig L. Thomas.{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1992 |title=Graves |page=12 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81342821/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713025147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81342821/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Following the 1992 reapportionment of districts he was moved into the single-member 55th district with two other incumbent members of the state house. Bebout stated that he had considered joining the Republican Party, but that he would remain in the Democratic Party.{{Cite news |date=March 22, 1992 |title=New legislative map |page=20 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352124/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713080844/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352124/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1992 |title=Bebout to seek seat in Fremont |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352170/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713081042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352170/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout filed to run for reelection as a Democrat and won in the general election after defeating Republican nominee Marlene Brodrick, who had been appointed to fill the remainder of Representative Odde's term.{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1992 |title=Bebout seeks House District 55 seat |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352221/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713081255/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352221/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=August 20, 1992 |title=1992 primary results |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352284/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713081855/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352284/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1992 |title=House District 55 |page=61 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352332/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713082416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352332/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1992 |title=1992 election results |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352447/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713083514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352447/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

On April 26, 1994, Bebout announced that he had changed his political party affiliation from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, but stated that he would not run in a statewide election in 1994.{{Cite news |date=April 27, 1994 |title=Bebout switches parties, joins GOP |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394067/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713230349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394067/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Edward Lee, the chair of the Fremont County Democratic Party stated that resigning would be "the ethical thing for Mr. Bebout to do".{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1994 |title=Fremont Democrats: Bebout should resign |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394233/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713230625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394233/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He defeated Libertarian nominee Jim Blomquist in the 1994 election.{{Cite news |date=November 10, 1994 |title=1994 election results |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81397149/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713235519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81397149/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Bebout considered running to succeed Simpson in the United States Senate in the 1996 election, but chose not to and a poll conducted by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee showed him losing to Karpan, a Democrat.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1995 |title=No shortage of Senate hopefuls |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81413598/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210714060617/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81413598/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=February 13, 1996 |title=Karpan wins in Democratic poll |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59887926/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200924151011/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59887926/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He was reelected without opposition in the 1996 and 1998 elections.{{Cite news |title=1996 primary results |page=31 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1996/96Results/96_Primary_Legislative%20Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327070043/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1996/96Results/96_Primary_Legislative%20Candidates.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=1996 election results |page=34 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1996/96Results/96General/96General_Legislative%20Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327070051/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1996/96Results/96General/96General_Legislative%20Candidates.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=1998 primary results |page=15 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1998/98Results/98_Primary_Legislative_Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327065228/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1998/98Results/98_Primary_Legislative_Candidates.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=1998 election results |page=27 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1998/98Results/98General/Statewide_LegislativeCand.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327065815/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/1998/98Results/98General/Statewide_LegislativeCand.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} Bebout announced on April 28, 2000, that he would not run for reelection to the state house.{{Cite news |date=April 29, 2000 |title=Bebout won't seek reelection |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552068/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716064320/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552068/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Republican nominee David Miller defeated Democratic nominee Linda Bebout, who was no relation to Bebout, to succeed him in the state house.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2000 |title=Linda Bebout makes House bid |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552415/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716070549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552415/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=2000 election results |page=26 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2000/00Results/00General/00_General_Legislative_Summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327064947/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2000/00Results/00General/00_General_Legislative_Summary.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}

==Tenure==

During Bebout's tenure in the state legislature he served on the Corporations, Revenue, and the Mines and Minerals committees.{{Cite news |date=November 18, 1986 |title=Hickey, Jensen chosen as Democrat leaders |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81208982/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711212702/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81208982/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1990 |title=Democrats |page=10 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81325089/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712221201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81325089/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} In 1992, Bebout was selected to serve as Minority Whip without opposition after representatives Don Sullivan and Bill Vasey, who instead became chair of the Democratic caucus, declined their nominations for the position.{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1992 |title=Democrats pick Ryckman minority leader Part One |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81325089/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713082957/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352391/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1992 |title=Democrats pick Ryckman minority leader Part Two |page=10 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352412/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713083153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352412/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

After Bebout became a Republican he lost his position on the Appropriations committee to Representative Bill Bensell and his position as Minority Whip to Representative Wayne Morrow, but Speaker Doug Chamberlain, a Republican, appointed Bebout to serve on the Judiciary and Travel, Recreation and Wildlife committees.{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1994 |title=Democrats divvy up Bebout positions |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394639/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713234058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81394639/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=May 24, 1994 |title=Chamberlain makes room for Bebout |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81396452/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713234400/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81396452/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout was selected by the Republican caucus to serve as Majority Leader in 1996.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1996 |title=Grieve new Wyo Senate president |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81415557/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210714063706/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81415557/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} During the 1998 election Speaker Bruce Hinchey left the state house to run for a seat in the state senate.{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1998 |title=Campaigning after November? |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81516265/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210715195308/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81516265/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout defeated representatives Harry Tipton and Carroll Miller to become Speaker while Rick Tempest was selected to serve as Majority Leader.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1998 |title=GOP leaders push manners |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81516947/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716000059/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81516947/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

During the 1989 United States House of Representatives special election Roger McDaniel and Bebout served as Democratic nominee John Vinich's campaign coordinators.{{Cite news |date=March 29, 1989 |title=Democrats select Vinich by unanimous consent |page=12 |work=The Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293448/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712144355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293448/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He attempted to become the vice-chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party in 1989, but was eliminated from contention after a man was selected to serve as chair due to party rules requiring the chair and vice-chair to be members of the opposite sex.{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1989 |title=Officers |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293644/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712145046/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293644/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1989 |title=Officers |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293636/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712145307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293636/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout served as a delegate to the Wyoming Republican Party's state conventions in 1998, 2000, and 2002.{{Cite news |date=October 30, 2002 |title=Eli Bebout |page=100 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554648/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716102806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554648/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Bebout was selected in 1997, to replace Larry Dickerson, a member of the Oklahoma Senate, as chair of The Energy Council becoming the first Wyoming legislator to serve as chair of the organization.{{Cite news |date=November 4, 1997 |title=Bebout to lead Energy Council |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81513065/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210715191504/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81513065/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

=Gubernatorial campaign=

File:Eli Bebout gubernatorial campaign logo.jpg

Bebout stated that he was interested in running for governor in the 2002 election in 2000.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 2000 |title=Bebout 'leaning' toward 2002 governor's race |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552642/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716072418/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552642/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} An exploratory committee in support of a Bebout gubernatorial campaign was filed papers with the secretary of state on May 15, 2001, with Senator Bob Peck as the committee's chair.{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2001 |title=Bebout backers start campaign |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552720/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716073003/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552720/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} On January 8, 2002, Bebout announced that he had raised $102,000 to run for governor with $42,000 being from him, he would organize a campaign in twenty-three counties, and that Gale Geringer would be his campaign manager, but did not yet announce his campaign.{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2002 |title=Eli Bebout raises $102,000 |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552883/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716074132/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81552883/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He formally announced his gubernatorial campaign on April 9.{{Cite news |date=April 10, 2002 |title=Bebout makes run official |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553128/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716075913/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553128/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Bill Sniffin, one of Bebout's opponents, regarded Bebout as the leading candidate for the Republican nomination.{{Cite news |date=March 20, 2002 |title=Sniffin promotes campaign with 250,000 newsletters |page=13 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553058/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716075611/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553058/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout raised more in the Republican primary than all three of his opponents combined.{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2002 |title=GOP hopefuls disclose funding |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553405/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716082501/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553405/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Representative Barbara Cubin denied having influenced the National Rifle Association to endorse Bebout.{{Cite news |date=August 18, 2002 |title=Cubin denies influencing NRA |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553878/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716091653/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553878/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout defeated Sniffin, Ray Hunkins, Stephen Watt, and John H. Self in the Republican primary.{{Cite news |title=2002 primary results |page=2 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2002/02Results/02_Primary_SW_Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327061202/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2002/02Results/02_Primary_SW_Candidates.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} During the Republican primary he has raised $372,827 and spent $456,447.{{Cite news |date=September 4, 2002 |title=Primary winners top Wyo spenders |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554190/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716094806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554190/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Dave Dawson, the Libertarian gubernatorial nominee, claimed that the Petroleum Association of Wyoming excluded them from their forum as they wanted to protect Bebout who Dawson said that he would take votes from.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2002 |title=Forum's snub peeves Dawson |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554053/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716093633/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81554053/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Democratic nominee Dave Freudenthal defeated Bebout in the general election.{{Cite news |title=2002 election results |page=2 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2002/02Results/02General/02_General%20Election_SW_Candidates.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327061935/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2002/02Results/02General/02_General%20Election_SW_Candidates.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} During the campaign Bebout had raised $722,345 and spent $691,167 compared to Freudenthal's, who he had outraised and outfunded, $533,424 in fundraising and $512,099 in spending.{{Cite news |date=November 16, 2002 |title=Eli outspent Dave |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81563257/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716150431/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81563257/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

=Wyoming Senate=

==Elections==

Bebout was considered as a possible candidate to replace Peck in the state senate.{{Cite news |date=January 25, 2004 |title=Term-limited legislators in limbo |page=37 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81563539/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716150946/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81563539/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Peck, who had served since 1991, died on March 6, 2007, creating a vacancy in the state senate with multiple people seeking and being speculated about as candidates for the seat including Peck's son Steve, Bebout, Representative Frank Philp, and former Representative Brodrick.{{Cite news |date=March 25, 2007 |title=Steve Peck to seek father's seat |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564042/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716151821/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564042/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2007 |title=Former journalist, legislator Peck dies at age 82 |work=Billings Gazette |url=https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/former-journalist-legislator-peck-dies-at-age-82/article_bd921661-d421-5d4c-bff5-c53338542ca1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716151654/https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/former-journalist-legislator-peck-dies-at-age-82/article_bd921661-d421-5d4c-bff5-c53338542ca1.html |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout was selected as one of three finalist candidates by Republican precinct members of the 26th district who would be voted on by the Fremont County Commission. Lois Herbst, who had unsuccessfully run for a seat in the state house from the 34th district, and Doug Thompson, a Fremont County commissioner, were the other two finalists and Thompson stated that he would not vote on the nomination. The four remaining members of the Fremont County Commission voted unanimously on April 3, to select Bebout to fill the vacancy.{{Cite news |date=March 30, 2007 |title=Bebout gets another shot |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564484/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716152813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564484/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2007 |title=Bebout wins Senate seat |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564674/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716153042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564674/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Bebout ran for reelection in the 2008 election and won reelection without opposition.{{Cite news |title=2008 primary results |page=3 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2008/08Results/R-SWLeg.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327052923/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2008/08Results/R-SWLeg.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=2008 election results |page=7 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2008/08Results/General/SW-LegislatureSenate.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327053937/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2008/08Results/General/SW-LegislatureSenate.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} Bebout announced on April 19, 2012, that he would seek reelection and faced no opposition in the election.{{Cite news |date=April 20, 2012 |title=Legislators announce re-election bids |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81566825/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716160739/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81566825/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=2012 primary results |page=13 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2012/Results/Primary/2012_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327050350/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2012/Results/Primary/2012_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=2012 election results |page=13 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2012/Results/General/2012_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327050822/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2012/Results/General/2012_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} He defeated Democratic nominee Chesie Lee in the 2016 election.{{Cite news |title=2016 primary results |page=27 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2016/Results/Primary/2016_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327044125/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2016/Results/Primary/2016_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=2016 election results |page=7 |work=Secretary of State of Wyoming |url=https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2016/Results/General/2016_General_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327044645/https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2016/Results/General/2016_General_Statewide_Senate_Candidates_Summary.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2021}} He announced on March 13, 2020, that he would not seek reelection in the 2020 election.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Longtime Fremont County Senator Eli Bebout announces retirement |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/e407577483eb11e65ae0a6ac2d66889b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718025353/https://apnews.com/article/e407577483eb11e65ae0a6ac2d66889b |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}

==Tenure==

During Bebout's tenure in the state senate he served as chair of the Appropriations committee. He was selected to serve as vice-president of the Wyoming Senate in 2012.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 2012 |title=Leadership and Committee Assignments |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81670003/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718020820/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81670003/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 25, 2012 |title=No protection in leadership |page=6 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81670865/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718022954/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81670865/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }} Bebout later served as Majority Leader starting in 2015.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 2015 |title=This session is vital for a better Wyoming |page=6 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686394/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718125230/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686394/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }} On November 19, 2016, Bebout was selected to serve as President of the Wyoming Senate by the Republican caucus becoming the first person to serve as both Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives and President of the Wyoming Senate.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 2016 |title=Harshman and Bebout to lead state Legislature |page=A1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81687156/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718131510/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81687156/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=November 22, 2016 |title=Rothfuss and Connolly to lead Dems |page=A1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81687195/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718131656/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81687195/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=April 2, 2021 |title=Eli Bebout misses legislature; has strong feelings about energy future |work=Cowboy State Daily |url=https://county17.com/2021/04/02/eli-bebout-misses-legislature-has-strong-feelings-about-energy-future/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718131839/https://county17.com/2021/04/02/eli-bebout-misses-legislature-has-strong-feelings-about-energy-future/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 }} Senator Drew Perkins was selected by the Republican caucus to replace Bebout as president.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Local lawmakers to lead |page=A1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56588263/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200802223232/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56588263/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Leadership sets priorities |page=A1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56588615/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200802223613/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56588615/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}

Bebout was considered a candidate for the 2008 United States Senate special election which was held following the death of Senator Thomas, but declined to run as he stated that he was committed to filling out the remainder of Peck's term.{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2007 |title=Voters: Interest already growing for '08 |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564848/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716153332/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81564848/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2007 |title=Senate: 17 of state's 23 counties represented |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81565302/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716154058/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81565302/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} During the 2012 presidential election he and James Lee Anderson served as co-chairs of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Wyoming.{{Cite news |date=February 7, 2012 |title=ROMNEY NAMES LEADERSHIP TEAM FOR WYOMING |work=KTWO (AM) |url=https://k2radio.com/romney-names-leadership-team-for-wyoming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718141005/https://k2radio.com/romney-names-leadership-team-for-wyoming/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 }} Bebout, Diemer True, and Tony Ross served on Senator Mike Enzi's campaign finance committee during the 2014 United States Senate election.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 2013 |title=Enzi |page=7 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686066/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718124305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686066/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}

Political positions

Bebout supports seat belt laws and supported making all passengers in a vehicle wear one.{{Cite news |date=February 25, 1989 |title=House amends seat belt legislation |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293211/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712143907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81293211/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout stated that he was "totally in favor of the death penalty".{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1992 |title=For |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81336028/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713005955/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81336028/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout sponsored legislation calling for the United States Congress to end the United States' participation in the United Nations.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1998 |title=Wyoming House takes on United Nations |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81514970/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210715193831/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81514970/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

=Economic=

In 1988, Bebout was an initial sponsor of legislation in the state house that would take out a loan that would cost $8.5 million a year in order to building a natural gas pipeline from California to Wyoming.{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1988 |title=LSO estimates costs, benefits of funding gas pipeline |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81248169/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711201950/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81248169/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} In 1991, the state legislature voted forty-three to twenty-one, with Bebout being the only Democrat voting in favor, to override Governor Mike Sullivan's veto, which was the first successful veto override in Wyoming's history, of legislation giving an extension of tax breaks for wildcat oil wells.{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1991 |title=Legislature overrides veto of oil tax break |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81328844/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712230827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81328844/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} In 2016, the state senate voted twenty to ten, with Bebout against, against accepting the Medicaid expansion from the Affordable Care Act.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2016 |title=Medicaid expansion defeated |page=A1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686857/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718130625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686857/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}

Bebout and Ratliff sponsored legislation in 1989, which called for a constitutional amendment to prohibit the implementation of a state income tax without it being voted on through a referendum.{{Cite news |date=December 24, 1988 |title=Legislation calls for amendment prohibiting tax without public vote |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81260940/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711230542/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81260940/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He opposed the creation of a state income tax.{{Cite news |date=July 24, 2002 |title=Eli Bebout for Governor |page=42 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553657/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210716085335/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81553657/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

=Equality=

The state house voted forty-four to twenty, with Bebout as one of the four Democrats voting against, against reconsidering legislation to create a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. after the legislation failed in committee.{{Cite news |date=February 21, 1989 |title=Full House rejects King holiday bill |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81261412/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210711231257/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81261412/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} Bebout supported legislation to declare all same-sex marriages, including those conducted outside of the state, void in Wyoming.{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1997 |title=State need law barring same-sex marriage, Wyo lawmakers say |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81467245/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210715010541/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81467245/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1997 |title=Marriage: Bill would not violate Wyoming's Constitution |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81468669/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210715012535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81468669/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} He opposed the creation of hate crime laws.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2015 |title=Despite calls for hate crimes bill, most Fremont County lawmakers oppose it |page=A3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686623/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718125939/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81686623/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 18, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 18, 2021 }}

=Redistricting=

Bebout proposed legislation in 1991, which would institute single-member districts for the state legislature.{{Cite news |date=January 6, 1991 |title=Panel |page=10 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81325286/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210712221547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81325286/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} The Joint Corporations Committee voted nine to five to adopt an amended version of Bebout's legislation while rejecting other versions that only had single-member districts.{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1991 |title=Multi-member redistricting plan approved by panel |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81351881/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713074652/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81351881/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}{{Cite news |date=January 29, 1991 |title=New legislative plan isolates Wilson in House, Senate districts |page=1 |work=Jackson Hole News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81351988/jackson-hole-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713075400/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81351988/jackson-hole-news/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }} The state house voted thirty-three to thirty, with Bebout against, against an amendment to increase the amount of districts in the reapportionment plan from sixty to sixty-two.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1991 |title=House |page=10 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352061/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713080116/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81352061/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=July 16, 2021 }}

Electoral history

{{Election box begin no change|title = 1986 Wyoming House of Representatives Fremont County election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Scott Ratliff (incumbent)

|votes = 7,592

|percentage = 15.02%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Odde (incumbent)

|votes = 7,331

|percentage = 14.50%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Harry Tipton (incumbent)

|votes = 6,780

|percentage = 13.41%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (write-in)

|votes = 6,409

|percentage = 12.68%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Dennis Tippets (incumbent)

|votes = 6,291

|percentage = 12.44%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Bob Baker (incumbent)

|votes = 6,141

|percentage = 12.17%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Will Murphy (write-in)

|votes = 3,036

|percentage = 6.01%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Richard Emond

|votes = 3,002

|percentage = 5.94%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Rutter (write-in)

|votes = 2,443

|percentage = 4.83%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Steve Gyorvary (write-in)

|votes = 1,527

|percentage = 3.02%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 50,552

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box begin no change|title = 1988 Wyoming House of Representatives Fremont County election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 8,636

|percentage = 17.17%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Scott Ratliff (incumbent)

|votes = 8,081

|percentage = 16.07%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Odde (incumbent)

|votes = 7,991

|percentage = 15.89%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Harry Tipton (incumbent)

|votes = 7,820

|percentage = 15.55%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Dennis Tippets (incumbent)

|votes = 7,491

|percentage = 14.90%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Alan O'Hashi

|votes = 5,352

|percentage = 10.64%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Larry E. Hastings

|votes = 4,914

|percentage = 9.77%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 50,285

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1992 Wyoming House of Representatives 55th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 650

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 650

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 1,955

|percentage = 61.69%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Marlene Brodrick (incumbent)

|votes = 1,214

|percentage = 38.31%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 3,169

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box begin no change|title = 1994 Wyoming House of Representatives 55th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 2,708

|percentage = 83.35%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Blomquist

|votes = 541

|percentage = 16.65%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 3,249

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1996 Wyoming House of Representatives 55th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 1,409

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 1,409

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 2,796

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 2,796

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1998 Wyoming House of Representatives 55th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 1,347

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 1,347

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 2,409

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 2,409

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout

|votes = 44,417

|percentage = 48.98%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Ray Hunkins

|votes = 25,363

|percentage = 27.97%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Sniffin

|votes = 13,633

|percentage = 15.03%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Stephen Watt

|votes = 5,724

|percentage = 6.31%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = John H. Self

|votes = 1,548

|percentage = 1.71%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 90,685

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Dave Freudenthal

|votes = 92,662

|percentage = 49.96%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout

|votes = 88,873

|percentage = 47.92%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Dave Dawson

|votes = 3,924

|percentage = 2.12%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 185,459

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 2008 Wyoming Senate 26th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 2,979

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 2,979

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 7,043

|percentage = 98.37%

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 117

|percentage = 1.63%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 7,160

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 2

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 1,082

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 2012 Wyoming Senate 26th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 3,053

|percentage = 99.19%

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 25

|percentage = 0.81%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 3,078

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 1

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 266

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 7,457

|percentage = 98.33%

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 127

|percentage = 1.67%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 7,584

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 1

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 998

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 2016 Wyoming Senate 26th district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 3,014

|percentage = 97.92%

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 64

|percentage = 2.08%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 3,078

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 448

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Eli Bebout (incumbent)

|votes = 6,461

|percentage = 76.14%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Chesie Lee

|votes = 1,979

|percentage = 23.32%

}}

{{Election box write-in with party link no change

|votes = 46

|percentage = 0.54%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 8,486

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 1

|percentage =

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Overvotes

|votes = 269

|percentage =

}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20021031080205/http://www.bebout4governor.com/ Gubernatorial campaign website]

{{s-ttl|title=Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives|years=1999–2001}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Governor of Wyoming|years=2002}}

Category:1946 births

Category:20th-century members of the Wyoming Legislature

Category:American energy industry businesspeople

Category:Living people

Category:Democratic Party members of the Wyoming House of Representatives

Category:21st-century members of the Wyoming Legislature

Category:Military personnel from Wyoming

Category:People from Fremont County, Wyoming

Category:People from Rawlins, Wyoming

Category:Presidents of the Wyoming Senate

Category:Democratic Party Wyoming state senators

Category:Ranchers from Wyoming

Category:Speakers of the Wyoming House of Representatives

Category:United States Air Force reservists

Category:University of Wyoming alumni

Category:Wyoming Republicans

Eli Bebout

Early life and education

Career

=Wyoming House of Representatives=

==Elections==

==Tenure==

=Gubernatorial campaign=

=Wyoming Senate=

==Elections==

==Tenure==

Political positions

=Economic=

=Equality=

=Redistricting=

Electoral history

See also

References

External links