Mike Sullivan (Wyoming politician)

File:Mike Sullivan 1957.png

Michael John Sullivan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 22, 1939, to Margaret Elizabeth Sullivan and Joseph Sullivan Jr., who was elected as Converse County attorney as a member of the Democratic Party and served as the president of the Wyoming State Bar.{{Cite news |date=May 11, 1986 |title=A tale of two brothers: blood runs thicker than party loyalty |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55830490/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529065305/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55830490/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1987 |title=Gov. Sullivan inherited strength to lead |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55998549/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529065529/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57066366/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1988 |title=Margaret Elizabeth Sullivan |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102799098/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530010222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102799098/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} His brother, Dan Sullivan, served in the Wyoming Senate as a member of the Republican Party. His uncle, John Sullivan, and grandfather, Joseph Sullivan, served in the Wyoming House of Representatives.{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1990 |title=Hathaway calls for optimism about Wyoming's future |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102949889/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143315/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102949889/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan was raised in Douglas, Wyoming, as a member of the Catholic Church.{{Cite news |date=August 7, 2017 |title=Mike Sullivan: Former Wyoming Governor who Embodies the Spirit of the West |work=Wyoming Humanities |url=https://www.thinkwy.org/whats-your-why/mike-sullivan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029233337/https://www.thinkwy.org/whats-your-why/mike-sullivan |archive-date=October 29, 2020}}

Sullivan graduated from Converse County High School, where he served as class president and was the salutatorian of the class of 1957.{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1997 |title=High School |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384981/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529065810/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384981/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |title=Sullivan Biography |url=https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/governors-of-wyoming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529065926/https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/governors-of-wyoming |archive-date=May 29, 2022}} In 1961, he graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor of science in petroleum engineering and later with a Juris Doctor in 1964.{{Cite news |title=The Honorable Michael J. Sullivan |url=http://www.uwyo.edu/ceas/development/awards/sullivan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213045255/http://www.uwyo.edu/ceas/development/awards/sullivan.html |archive-date=December 13, 2021}} In college, he was a member of the student senate. In 1961, he married Jane Metzler, with whom he had three children.{{Cite news |date=May 1, 2010 |title=Marriage |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384035/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073448/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384035/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} From 1968 to 1986, he worked as an attorney for Brown, Drew, Massey & Sullivan.{{Cite news |title=Harvard Michael Sullivan |url=https://iop.harvard.edu/fellows/michael-sullivan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073606/https://iop.harvard.edu/fellows/michael-sullivan |archive-date=May 29, 2022}} He became a member of Delta Theta Phi in 1986.{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1986 |title=Nicholas, Sullivan make law fraternity |page=35 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55830431/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55830431/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1974, Sullivan was speculated as a possible nominee for Wyoming's Attorney General by Governor-elect Edgar Herschler.{{Cite news |date=November 28, 1974 |title=Wyoming Attorney General |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385326/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385326/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 1970s, he served as president of the Natrona County Bar Association.{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1975 |title=Local lawyers agree with fee schedule ruling |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385614/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200211/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385614/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On January 27, 1976, Natrona County commissioners appointed Sullivan to the Building Appeal Board of Casper, Wyoming and the Natrona County Memorial Hospital board to fill the vacancy created by Bill Barton's death.{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1976 |title=New officials attend meet |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385823/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200328/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385823/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1976 |title=Posts filled |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385828/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200441/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54385828/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On February 17, the board unanimously approved a resolution giving Sullivan another term.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1976 |title=Appointed to another term |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55693151/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200526/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55693151/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} During his tenure on the hospital board, he served as its treasurer and president.{{Cite news |date=May 18, 1977 |title=Hospital will try to reduce high turnover of employees |page=2 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55765382/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200622/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55765382/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=November 23, 1977 |title=Abortion vote divided; another ballot today |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55765708/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200713/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55765708/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=July 25, 1984 |title=Hospital made $1.5 million profit in year just ended |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55804919/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55804919/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On December 11, 1986, he resigned from the hospital board following his election as governor.{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1986 |title=Sullivan resigns from WMC board |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991850/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529200857/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991850/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Main article|1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election}}

File:1986 Mike Sullivan gubernatorial campaign logo.png

On January 16, 1986, Sullivan said that he was considering running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.{{Cite news |date=January 17, 1986 |title=Sullivan mulls entering gubernatorial race |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55807318/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530082938/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55807318/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Former state Senator Bill Rector stated, "I think Mike [Sullivan] would be a good candidate," after he dropped out of the Democratic gubernatorial primary.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1986 |title=Democratic faithful may unite behind gubernatorial hopeful |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55810039/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083100/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55810039/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On March 20, Sullivan announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination at a press conference inside his house in Casper.{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1986 |title=Sullivan announces candidacy |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816048/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083157/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816048/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Teno Roncalio, who served in the United States House of Representatives, supported Sullivan and was selected as an honorary chairman of his campaign.{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1986 |title=Honorary chairman |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816623/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083328/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816623/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1986 |title=Roncalio returns to political limelight to help Sullivan |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816895/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816895/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Charles Brown, the director of KTWO-TV News, was selected as Sullivan's campaign manager.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1986 |title=Brown to manage Sullivan's campaign |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55818098/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55818098/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On June 6, Sullivan filed to run for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.{{Cite news |date=June 7, 1986 |title=Candidates file in Cheyenne |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55832453/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083826/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55832453/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In the primary, Sullivan defeated Pat McGuire, Keith Goodenough, and Al Hamburg after spending $102,219.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1986 |title=Balloting in primary sets record |page=12 |work=Billings Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55959366/the-billings-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530083924/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55959366/the-billings-gazette/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1986 |title=Democratic opponents |page=26 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55959702/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084038/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55959702/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1986 |title=Simpson outspends Budd in primary |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55957682/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55957682/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On September 3, Bryan Sharratt, a former candidate in the 1982 Senate election, was selected as Sullivan's campaign manager after Brown was assigned as the campaign's media coordinator.{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1986 |title=Sullivan picks Sharratt to manage campaign |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55960573/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084241/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55960573/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In the general election, Sullivan defeated Republican nominee Pete Simpson after spending $192,917.{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1986 |title=Official election tally confirms winners |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55992200/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55992200/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{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://web.archive.org/web/20220530084541/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991500/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=22}} Sullivan did not expect to win the election, according to Joseph Meyer.{{cite book |last=Junge |first=Mark |title=Oral History – Honorable Joseph B. "Joe" Meyer – Part 1 |publisher=Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources |date=April 14, 2011 |url=https://archive.org/details/Transcript-HonorableJosephMeyer-OralHistoryPart1/page/n5/mode/2up?q=sullivan}} He was the first person from Casper to win Wyoming's gubernatorial election since Bryant Butler Brooks in 1906.{{Cite news |date=March 26, 1986 |title=Casper Democrat Sullivan enters Governor's race |page=23 |work=Jackson Hole News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816342/jackson-hole-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084634/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55816342/jackson-hole-news/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1986 |title=Sullivan's election ends jinx |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991346/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530084739/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55991346/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Main article|1990 Wyoming gubernatorial election}}

Citizens for Sullivan was registered on December 7, 1989, by Marilyn Lyle and Mark Gifford, who met with Sullivan to allow campaign donations to be sent to him, although he stated that it was not a campaign announcement.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1989 |title=Sullivan campaign committee formed |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102918596/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143315/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102918596/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He waited until after the passage of the 1991–1992 budget as he stated that doing so before its passage would politicize the budget.{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1990 |title=Sullivan doesn't want to politicize budget |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102936844/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143316/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102936844/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He announced his reelection campaign on May 1, 1990. He defeated Ron Clingman in the Democratic primary after raising $142,559 and spending $115,966.{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1990 |title=Cheyenne Democrat will run for governor |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102959952/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143317/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102959952/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1990 |title=Six-city tour kicks off Sullivan re-election bid |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102960364/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143318/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102960364/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1990 |title=Mead, Sullivan release campaign spending sums |page=17 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964109/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964109/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Richard Lindsey was his campaign manager.{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1990 |title=Sullivan |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102960453/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143318/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102960453/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Mark Hughes, chair of the Wyoming Republican Party, blamed their defeat in the 1986 election on the primary which had seven candidates that divided the loyalty of the party. The Republican's central committee held a meeting in 1989 to reduce the size of the primary field of candidates.{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1989 |title=GOP wants to limit office seekers prior to primary |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102915864/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201337/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102915864/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Mary Mead won the Republican nomination after every candidate except for Nyla Murphy dropped out and endorsed her.{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1990 |title=Message to GOP: Get behind Mead |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964787/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193150/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964787/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan participated in five debates against Mead.{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1990 |title=Mead, Sullivan use final debate to reemphasize familiar themes |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102967208/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193151/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102967208/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He defeated Mead{{Cite news |date=November 9, 1990 |title=Simpson |page=12 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102976518/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193152/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102976518/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=22}} and Sullivan's margin of victory was the largest for any governor in Wyoming's history at the time.{{Cite news |date=November 15, 1990 |title=Proposals |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102977172/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193152/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102977172/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Mead spent $702,105 during the campaign while Sullivan spent $310,030.{{Cite news |date=November 28, 1990 |title=Mead outspent Sullivan by 2 to 1 |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102977341/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102977341/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1991, Sullivan vetoed legislation allowing tax exemptions for wildcat oil drilling, which was overridden due to the Republicans gaining support from two Democratic members in the state senate and Eli Bebout in the state house. This was the first time in Wyoming's statehood that a governor's veto was overridden by the Wyoming Legislature.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20220606211538/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81328844/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1991 |title=Session one of mixed success for governor |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103044186/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103044186/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 22, 1991 |title=Governor wins power struggle |page=37 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53328338/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601144259/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53328338/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He criticized the leadership of the Republicans in the state house in 1988 for denying committee chair positions to Representatives Murphy and Mary Odde due to them not supporting an attempt to override one of Sullivan's vetoes.{{Cite news |date=November 22, 1988 |title=Democrats critical of Republican leadership |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102845984/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102845984/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} The Republicans gained a veto-proof majority in the state legislature following the 1992 elections.{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1992 |title=Republicans win veto-proof Legislature |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103138131/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604132608/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103138131/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan vetoed multiple pieces of legislation altering the appointment to fill vacancies in partisan offices as to require the governor to choose from three people selected by the central committee of the party that held the office.{{Cite news |date=February 17, 1989 |title=Sullivan vetoes appointment bill |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102889657/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1993 |title=Veto fight possible on HB 35 |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103240729/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606020229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103240729/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1993 |title=Sullivan vetoes measure on filling state vacancies |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103240783/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606020229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103240783/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, the Republicans successfully overrode his veto in 1993.{{Cite news |date=February 25, 1993 |title=Legislature overrides veto on filling office vacancies |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103241246/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan's first judicial appointment was his appointment of Nicholas Kalokathis to the First Judicial District in 1987.{{Cite news |date=July 16, 1987 |title=Cheyenne man sworn in as new judge |page=19 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102740406/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529024212/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102740406/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He made three appointments to the Wyoming Supreme Court, appointing Michael Golden to replace Charles Stuart Brown in 1988, William A. Taylor to replace Steve Urbigkit in 1992, and Larry Lehman to replace G. Joseph Cardine in 1994.{{Cite news |date=July 2, 1988 |title=New Supreme Court justice sworn in |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817510/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601144348/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817510/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1992 |title=Judge Taylor has handled high-profile trials |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103138577/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604133925/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103138577/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 2, 1994 |title=Lehman named to Wyo Supreme Court |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103138577/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103285330/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He attempted to reappoint Carrol Orrison to the Wyoming Board of Equalization, but the state senate rejected his nomination.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1989 |title=Orrison thinking about running for state auditor |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102917680/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201338/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102917680/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He appointed Joseph Meyer as Attorney General in 1987.{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=26}} He appealed to President Bill Clinton to appoint a Wyomingite to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in 1993.{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1993 |title=Wyo, Oklahoma vie for appellate judge |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103279901/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan was selected to replace Dave Freudenthal as the chairman of the Economic Development and Stabilization Board on January 21, 1987.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1987 |title=Sullivan wins chairmanship of EDS board |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56024549/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601144508/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56024549/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He led an eighteen-member delegation to Australia and Taiwan for sixteen days in 1987 with the goal of increasing agricultural, business, and tourism investments with Wyoming, and he established a trade office in the Taipei World Trade Center in 1989.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1987 |title=Sullivan will head state trade mission |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102748047/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529065117/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102748047/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1989 |title=Wyoming's Taiwan trade office officially opened |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102914638/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102914638/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was elected to the National Governors Association Executive Committee in 1988.{{Cite news |date=August 11, 1987 |title=Sullivan named to NGA oversight panel |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102820440/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102820440/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was the vice-chair of the Western Governors Association and succeeded South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson as chair in 1991.{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1991 |title=Sullivan will chair governors' group |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103100958/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103100958/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was offered the presidency of the Council of State Governments for 1992, but declined, stating, "I have enough outside activities".{{Cite news |date=December 10, 1991 |title=Sullivan refuses national position |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103707/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103707/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Bill Clinton National Governors Association Dinner, February 1, 1993.jpg Dinner]]

Sullivan remained neutral during the 1988 Democratic presidential primaries until he endorsed Michael Dukakis on May 6, 1988.{{Cite news |date=February 9, 1988 |title=Sullivan neutral for now on candidates |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102798447/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090833/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102798447/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1988 |title=CAMPAIGN '88: 6 More Governors Join in Endorsing Dukakis |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-07-mn-2343-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090552/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-07-mn-2343-story.html |archive-date=May 30, 2022}} He endorsed Clinton during the 1992 Democratic presidential primaries, the first governor to do so, and co-chaired Clinton's campaign in Wyoming with Secretary of State Kathy Karpan.{{Cite news |date=November 28, 1991 |title=Sullivan, Karpan endorse Clinton |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103428/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203434/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103428/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1992 |title=Poll |page=12 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103137691/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604131220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103137691/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 20, 1992 |title=Wyo politicos eye presidential selection |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103112207/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603225024/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103112207/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He served as a superdelegate to the 1988 and 1992 Democratic National Conventions{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1988 |title=Poll |page=12 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102802859/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090833/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102802859/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=180}} and chair of the Wyoming delegation to both conventions.{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1988 |title=Sullivan says West will like Dukakis |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817595/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111757/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817595/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1992 |title=Sullivan looking for unity at Democratic convention |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103137279/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604125551/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103137279/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan endorsed Sharratt in the 1988 election for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming's at-large congressional district and John Vinich in the 1989 special election.{{Cite news |date=May 1, 1988 |title=Sullivan endorses Sharratt for Congress |page=17 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817195/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090833/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102817195/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 1, 1989 |title=Sullivan, Herschler endorse Vinich; Thomas rejects debate in final week |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102890008/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102890008/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan supported Dick Cheney's appointment as United States Secretary of Defense.{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1989 |title=Wyo leaders heap praise on Cheney |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102889878/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111800/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102889878/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} A Wyoming chapter of the Democratic Leadership Council was organized in 1991, with Sullivan and Karpan as co-chairs.{{Cite news |date=April 11, 1991 |title=Wyoming to open Democratic Leadership Council chapter |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103052924/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203423/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103052924/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

When mobile phone service was provided to Wyoming, Sullivan performed some of the first mobile phone calls in the state when he called Mayor of Casper Judi Laird and received a call from Gerald Ford.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1990 |title=Cellular phone service comes to Wyoming |page=24 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103039948/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103039948/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{See also|1994 United States Senate election in Wyoming}}

On April 11, 1994, Sullivan announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination for the Senate election to succeed Republican Senator Malcolm Wallop. He filed to run on June 1.{{Cite news |date=April 12, 1994 |title=Karpan says Sullivan plans makes governor run likely |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53422356/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212001/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53422356/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 12, 1994 |title=Sullivan jumps into Senate race |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53422448/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212109/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53422448/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1994 |title=Sullivan formally enters Senate race |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103285988/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212300/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103285988/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the election, the campaign of Republican nominee Craig L. Thomas said in a fundraising letter that President Clinton had pledged $1 million to aid Sullivan's campaign. Sullivan and White House spokesman Joshua Silverman stated that no pledge was made.{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1994 |title=White House denies pledging a million dollars to Sullivan |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53443093/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212357/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53443093/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On July 20, Sullivan returned a $1,350 contribution from U.S. Representative Lawrence J. Smith, made at a June 17 fundraiser in Florida held by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, after Thomas's campaign sent copies of the donation and news reports of Smith's misuse of campaign funds to Sullivan.{{Cite news |date=July 21, 1994 |title=White House denies pledging a million dollars to Sullivan |page=14 |work=The Billings Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53448094/the-billings-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212519/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53448094/the-billings-gazette/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan faced no opposition in the Democratic primary and was defeated by Thomas in the general election.{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1994 |title=No opponents |page=52 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53459678/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212806/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53459678/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1994 |title=1994 Democratic primary |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53458410/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606212908/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53458410/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |title=Clerk of the House of Representatives 1994 Election Results Page 45 |url=http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1994election.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525002435/http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1994election.pdf |archive-date=May 25, 2017}}

During the 1992 presidential election, Sullivan and Karpan published a letter calling for Wyoming voters to support Clinton and criticizing President George H. W. Bush for his negative campaign tactics, such as the Willie Horton ad during the 1988 presidential election.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1992 |title=An Open Letter to Wyoming Voters |page=36 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53523476/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528191622/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53523476/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He supported Clinton's reelection campaign in the 1996 election and served as the co-chair of Clinton's Wyoming committee alongside Bob Schuster.{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1996 |title=Clinton-Gore opens headquarters |page=12 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53396104/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606213845/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53396104/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was considered for ambassadorships by the Clinton administration. He was considered as a candidate for Ambassador to the Holy See to replace Raymond Flynn, but that position was given to Lindy Boggs instead.{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1997 |title=Sullivan considered for Vatican post |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384765/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214015/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53384765/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 11, 1998 |title=Report: Sullivan tops Irish ambassador list |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53346957/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53346957/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On June 10, 1998, The Washington Post reported that Sullivan was the leading candidate for Ambassador to Ireland, and Sullivan stated that he had been contacted by White House officials. On August 28, President Clinton announced his nomination of Sullivan for the ambassadorship.{{Cite news |date=August 29, 1998 |title=Sullivan nominated U.S. ambassador to Ireland |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347179/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214355/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347179/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was the tenth resident of Wyoming to receive a high-level diplomatic position.{{Cite news |date=August 29, 1998 |title=Other Wyo diplomats |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347198/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214455/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347198/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} His nomination was approved by the United States Senate on October 21 and he was sworn in at a ceremony in the Indian Treaty Room on December 8.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1998 |title=Sullivan sworn in today |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347404/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214742/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53347404/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=176}} On January 21, 1999, Sullivan presented his credentials to President of Ireland Mary McAleese.{{Cite news |title=Department of State Biography |url=https://1997-2001.state.gov/about_state/biography/sullivan_michael.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606214833/https://1997-2001.state.gov/about_state/biography/sullivan_michael.html |archive-date=June 6, 2022}} Members of the Wyoming Legislature sent him a legislative resolution honoring his appointment.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 1999 |title=Resolution honors Sullivan |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53376072/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215007/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53376072/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He served until June 20, 2001.

It was speculated by Del Tinsley, publisher of Wyoming Livestock Roundup, that President George W. Bush would appoint Sullivan as Secretary of the Interior, but Bush appointed Gale Norton.{{Cite news |date=December 29, 2000 |title=Sullivan may be on short list |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53377213/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215310/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53377213/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Gale Norton: U.S. secretary of the interior |work=Kansas State University |url=https://www.k-state.edu/landon/speakers/gale-norton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108235828/https://www.k-state.edu/landon/speakers/gale-norton/ |archive-date=January 8, 2025}} In 2002, he was appointed chairman of the University of Wyoming's Institute for Environment and Natural Resources board of directors, replacing John Turner, who had resigned to become assistant secretary of state for the State Department Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs,.{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2002 |title=Sullivan to head IENR |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53378001/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215417/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53378001/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 2007, Sullivan was named as a distinguished alumnus of the University of Wyoming.{{Cite news |date=November 7, 2007 |title=Former Wyo governor receives UW honor |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53379866/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215558/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53379866/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

During the 2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election, Sullivan endorsed Democratic nominee Dave Freudenthal.{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2002 |title=Sullivan backs Freudenthal |page=16 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53378374/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215655/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53378374/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries, he supported Hillary Clinton for the nomination and was appointed onto a Wyoming steering committee for her campaign on February 28, 2008.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2008 |title=Dem camps rally in Wyo |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53380078/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613220758/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53380078/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 29, 2008 |title=Wyo's politicians choose candidates |page=2 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53380084/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606215935/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53380084/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He registered as a Republican in order to vote for Liz Cheney in the Republican primary in the 2022 election.{{Cite news |date=July 17, 2022 |title=For Wyoming Democrats, voting for Cheney is another chance to vote against Trump |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/for-wyoming-democrats-voting-for-cheney-is-another-chance-to-vote-against-trump/article_c7976d7a-f340-11ec-b570-a7f6cf68ebb0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808185800/https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/for-wyoming-democrats-voting-for-cheney-is-another-chance-to-vote-against-trump/article_c7976d7a-f340-11ec-b570-a7f6cf68ebb0.html |archive-date=August 8, 2022}}

In 1986, Sullivan called for the Reagan administration to be open to an oil import tax as a stable oil price would help maintain the economies of energy producing states and Native American tribes.{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1986 |title=Sullivan supports oil import tax |page=7 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55822112/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223009/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55822112/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1987, Sullivan stated that "we didn't get any great support or reason for optimism" about the possibility of an oil import tax being implemented by Reagan after attending the National Governors Association.{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1987 |title=Oil state leaders offered little hope |page=17 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56628193/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223142/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56628193/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He opposed the Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA), stating that it would negatively impact Wyoming's energy industry.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1987 |title=Sullivan opposes free trade pact |page=15 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779267/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530011034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779267/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} The National Governors Association voted thirty to five in favor of giving its support to CUSFTA, with Sullivan against.{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1988 |title=Governors back U.S.-Canada trade pact |page=20 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102802395/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090834/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102802395/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He supported the North American Free Trade Agreement.{{Cite news |date=November 14, 1993 |title=Wyoming political players take unexpected sides on trade issue |page=29 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103280292/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1986, Sullivan called for the Interstate Commerce Commission to prevent the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad from discontinuing its railroad line to Riverton, Wyoming, as it would be "contrary to the interests of Fremont County and the state of Wyoming."{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1986 |title=Sullivan asks ICC to stop C&NW move |page=21 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55946783/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223300/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55946783/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan sought for the construction of the Superconducting Super Collider inside Wyoming.{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1987 |title=State will bid for supercollider, Sullivan says |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102715233/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529024213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102715233/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1987 |title=Wyoming trails other states in SSC bidding |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102715246/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529024213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102715246/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan asked W. Graham Claytor Jr. to restore Amtrak's passenger service through Wyoming after the line was altered to travel through Colorado instead in 1983.{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1989 |title=Sullivan joins crowd trying to woo Amtrak |page=14 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102919693/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601143319/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102919693/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan opposed the western United States being used for nuclear waste storage.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1991 |title=Western governors don't want region to become nation's nuclear waste site |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103204/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203352/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103103204/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1992, Sullivan was given an A grade of 75 from the Cato Institute, ahead of every other state governor and only behind Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld's score of 85, due to his handling of Wyoming's energy industry growth.{{Cite news |date=February 6, 1992 |title=Sullivan: Gets high marks on finances |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570115/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570115/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On March 8, 1986, Sullivan gave the keynote address at the Natrona County Democratic convention. During his speech he criticized the Reagan administration as it "waffled and rationalized" over allegations of fraud committed by President Ferdinand Marcos during the 1986 Philippine presidential election. He also criticized the administration for its support of military aid to the Contras during the Nicaraguan Revolution.{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1986 |title=Sullivan sounds like he's a candidate at convention |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55810609/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223508/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55810609/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In October, he stated that he would accept the removal of missiles from Wyoming as a part of an arms agreement with the Soviet Union as "if we can secure world peace, we can't be concerned about what effect it may have on our short-term economic development prospects."{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1986 |title=Governor candidates support missile cuts |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55989896/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223620/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55989896/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He signed a legislative resolution supporting Operation Desert Storm.{{Cite news |date=January 29, 1991 |title=Governor signs Gulf resolution |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103041381/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103041381/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

During the reapportionment process before the 1992 Wyoming Senate election, Sullivan supported the creation of single-member districts, but the state legislature approved legislation which reduced the state house from 64 members to 62 members, created 16 single-member and 23 two-member House districts, and had the entirety of the state senate elected from single-member districts.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1992 |title=Let court decide redistricting plans |page=4 |work=The Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570445/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223727/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570445/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1992 |title=Legislature pushes through final reapportionment bill |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570505/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223832/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570505/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1992 |title=Sullivan vetoes proposal |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570826/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606223930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570826/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On February 17, 1992, Sullivan vetoed the legislation.{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1992 |title=GOP leaders charge governor with 'hardball partisanship' |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570595/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606224208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53570595/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On February 18, the state legislature failed to overturn his veto with all 42 Republican members of the House and Senate voting to override and all 22 Democratic members voting against, causing the attempted overturning to fall one vote short.{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1992 |title=House upholds Sullivan's veto of reapportionment |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53571574/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606224317/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53571574/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Sullivan signed a new redistricting plan on February 21, which had all thirty members of the state senate elected from single-member districts and reduced the state house from sixty-four to sixty members all elected from single-member districts.{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1992 |title=Governor signs reapportionment |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103128738/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604042312/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103128738/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

During Sullivan's state-of-the-state speech in January 1987, he supported the idea of reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Service into four different departments, but when the legislation was introduced by Senator Win Hickey it died in committee.{{Cite news |date=February 19, 1987 |title=DHSS bill killed in committee |page=5 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56597823/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606224604/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56597823/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He and fellow governors Clifford Hansen, Stanley K. Hathaway, and Jim Geringer opposed ballot proposals during the 1996 election that would institute term limits in the state legislature.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1996 |title=Past, present governors pan term limits proposals |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53396356/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606224440/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53396356/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan is opposed to abortion.{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1989 |title=Potential candidates vary on abortion issue |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102917018/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102917018/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1977, the Natrona County Memorial Hospital board voted two to two, with Sullivan against, on whether to allow non-therapeutic abortions in the hospital. Bill Muller broke the tie by voting to allow non-therapeutic abortions.{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1977 |title=Abortion ruling supported |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55769999/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606225153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55769999/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brown stated that Sullivan was against a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortions and that he would not support legislation that would prevent abortions.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1986 |title=Gubernatorial abortion |page=18 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55942932/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606230547/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55942932/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} The National Organization for Women rated him as anti-choice during the 1990 election.{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1990 |title=National Organization for Women ratings |page=10 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81947538/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606230712/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81947538/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 1994 elections he opposed a ballot initiative that would ban abortion in Wyoming, except to save the mother's life or in the cases of rape or incest, and would punish physicians who perform abortions with up to fourteen years in prison.{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1994 |title=Sullivan won't support abortion ban |page=10 |work=Billings Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53445878/the-billings-gazette/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606230847/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53445878/the-billings-gazette/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

On September 16, 1986, Sullivan stated that he would not require general drug testing of state employees.{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1986 |title=Sullivan says he wouldn't order general drug testing |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55961760/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231002/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55961760/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He opposed legislation that would prohibit children with AIDS from attending school and said that experts should make decisions about individual cases.{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1986 |title=Candidates disagree on school-age AIDS victims |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55986450/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231140/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55986450/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1987, he vetoed legislation which would have repealed a 1985 law requiring rubella tests and Rh factor tests for marriage licenses.{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1987 |title=Marriage license bill vetoed by Sullivan |page=8 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56629666/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231304/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56629666/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Alan Simpson, Sullivan, Thomas, and Wallop questioned the effects of asbestos with Sullivan also stating that the cost of removing asbestos from schools would be expensive.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1989 |title=Asbestos standards raise ire, questions of Wyo politicians |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102918021/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201340/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102918021/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan supports capital punishment although he stated that he would not oppose an attempt to end executions by the state legislature.{{Cite news |date=September 14, 1990 |title=Mead, Sullivan support death penalty |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102965186/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102965186/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1992, he stated that he would not grant clemency to convicted murderer Mark Hopkinson despite the American Civil Liberties Union, Wyoming Public Defender Leonard Munker, Gerry Spence, who led the prosecution against Hopkinson, and Marjorie Coggeshall, a relative of the murder victims, asking for clemency.{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1990 |title=Bomb victim's sister asks Sullivan to stop Hopkinson execution |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964978/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964978/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1990 |title=Munker optimistic Sullivan will delay Hopkinson execution |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964986/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102964986/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1990 |title=Spence opposes Hopkinson execution |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102965363/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 8, 1992 |title=Groups seek clemency for death-row inmate |page=13 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103104360/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103104360/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 9, 1992 |title=Sullivan won't grant Hopkinson clemency |page=11 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53568134/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231416/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53568134/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He stated that he would talk to Mother Teresa about the execution, but only if she started the discussion.{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1990 |title=Sullivan: Would talk to Mother Theresa, but won't initiate call |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102966278/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162219/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102966278/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Hopkinson was executed on January 22, 1992, becoming the first person executed in Wyoming since 1965, and the only person executed in Wyoming after Furman v. Georgia.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1992 |title=Mark Hopkinson executed at pen |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103104889/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603204518/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103104889/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1992 |title=Hopkinson maintains innocence to the end |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103105078/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603204714/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103105078/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |title=Wyoming |work=Death Penalty Information Center |url=https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/state-by-state/wyoming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606041650/https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/state-and-federal-info/state-by-state/wyoming |archive-date=June 6, 2022}}

The Natrona County Memorial Hospital board voted four to zero, with Sullivan voting in favor, to prohibit the sale of tobacco in the hospital in 1977. He supported and signed legislation raising the drinking age in Wyoming from nineteen to twenty-one, making Wyoming the last state to raise its drinking age to twenty-one.{{Cite news |date=February 17, 1988 |title=Sullivan backs 21 drinking age |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102799475/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530011034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102799475/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1988 |title=Sullivan signs drinking age bill |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102816896/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530090834/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102816896/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He stated that legislation by House Minority Leader H. L. Jensen to lower the drinking age from twenty-one to nineteen was "the silliest thing I've heard in a long time".{{Cite news |date=January 4, 1989 |title=New drinking age bill a silly waste of time |page=4 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887504/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111759/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887504/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 18, 1989 |title=Study: higher drinking age reduces deaths |page=10 |work=Jackson Hole Guide |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887526/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111800/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887526/the-jackson-hole-guide/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He opposed the legalization of gambling.{{Cite news |date=April 27, 1993 |title=Sullivan: Gambling not for Wyoming |page=9 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103276266/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=May 21, 1993 |title=Sullivan: No reason to make gambling legal in Wyoming |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103276710/casper-star-tribune/ |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan supported legislation creating a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. while opposing attempts to name the holiday Wyoming's Day of Equal Rights.{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1989 |title=Sullivan says opposed to 'minority' holiday |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887553/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531111758/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102887553/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He stated that it was "profound embarrassment to our state" when the legislation failed to pass.{{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://web.archive.org/web/20220606231515/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81261412/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He signed an executive order in 1989, declaring that Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Day would be on January 15, 1990.{{Cite news |date=January 17, 2022 |title=Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr./Wyoming Equality Day |work=American Heritage Center |url=https://ahcwyo.org/2022/01/17/honoring-martin-luther-king-jr-wyoming-equality-day/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219091128/https://ahcwyo.org/2022/01/17/honoring-martin-luther-king-jr-wyoming-equality-day/ |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1989 |title=Sullivan designates King holiday |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102890390/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531201341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102890390/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} Wyoming was the forty-seventh state to recognize a holiday in honor of King.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1990 |title=Governor signs King-Equality Day bill into law |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102950159/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601193153/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102950159/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan criticized the Gramm–Rudman–Hollings Balanced Budget Act for "cutting and carving without recognition of needs and the merits of programs". Brown stated that Sullivan would not support increasing taxes.{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1986 |title=Both Simpson, Sullivan pledge no tax increases |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55961320/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231607/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55961320/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1987, the Wyoming Legislature voted in favor of decreasing the coal tax which would decrease revenue by up to $15 million by the 1990s. Sullivan opposed the legislation and wrote a letter to legislators voicing his opposition.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 1987 |title=Senate passes coal tax cut |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56597447/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56597447/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} He proposed increasing taxation on alcohol, from 2¢ to 20¢ per gallon, and cigarettes, from 8¢ to 28¢ per pack, in 1987.{{Cite news |date=November 25, 1987 |title=Sullivan proposal to tax cigarettes and booze bothers liquor association boss |page=34 |work=Jackson Hole News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779677/jackson-hole-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530011035/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779677/jackson-hole-news/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=November 25, 1987 |title=Liquor association opposes sin taxes |page=18 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779693/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530011036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102779693/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Wyoming Senate Democratic Minority Whip John Fanos criticized Sullivan in 1992 for not having the leadership abilities to stop budget cuts and encourage tax increases.{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1992 |title=Fanos attacks Sullivan, says leadership lacking |page=4 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53778175/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606231839/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53778175/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} On March 15, 1994, Sullivan signed the 1995–1996 budget into law, but used his line-item veto against thirteen parts of the legislation.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1994 |title=Sullivan signs budget bill |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53421878/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606232034/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53421878/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, the state House and Senate voted to overturn his vetoes with all Republican members voting in favor of overriding and all Democratic members voting against.{{Cite news |date=March 18, 1994 |title=Senate follows House, overrides two vetoes |page=3 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53421797/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606232145/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53421797/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Sullivan and Wyoming's congressional delegation wrote in The Washington Post to criticize Citizens for Tax Justice's report stating that Wyoming was among the ten states with the worst tax structure.{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1991 |title=Sullivan, delegate criticize tax report |page=1 |work=Casper Star-Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103099508/casper-star-tribune/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603203447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103099508/casper-star-tribune/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title=1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election{{cite book|last=Thomson|first=Thyra|title=1987 Wyoming Official Directory and 1986 Election Returns|pages=162, 275–76|date=1987|isbn=}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Mike Sullivan

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 29,266

| percentage = 70.92%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Pat McGuire

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 5,406

| percentage = 13.10%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Keith Goodenough

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 4,039

| percentage = 9.79%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| candidate = Al Hamburg

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 2,554

| percentage = 6.19%

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 41,265

| percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Sullivan

|votes = 88,879

|percentage = 53.96%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Pete Simpson

|votes = 75,841

|percentage = 46.04%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 164,720

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

|winner = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1990 Wyoming gubernatorial election{{sfn|Roberts|2009|pp=16}}{{cite book|last=Karpan|first=Kathy|title=1991 Wyoming Official Directory and 1990 Election Returns|pages=184, 263|date=1991|isbn=}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Mike Sullivan (incumbent)

| votes = 38,447

| percentage = 88.44%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| candidate = Ron Clingman

| votes = 5,026

| percentage = 11.56%

}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 43,473

| percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Sullivan (incumbent)

|votes = 104,638

|percentage = 65.35%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mary Mead

|votes = 55,471

|percentage = 34.65%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 160,109

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

|winner = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title = 1994 Wyoming United States Senate Democratic primary}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Sullivan

|votes = 39,563

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 39,563

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title = 1994 Wyoming United States Senate election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Craig L. Thomas

|votes = 118,754

|percentage = 58.87%

|change = +8.50%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Mike Sullivan

|votes = 79,287

|percentage = 39.31%

|change = -10.33%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Craig Alan McClune

|votes = 3,669

|percentage = 1.82%

|change = +1.82%

}}

{{Election box total

|votes = 201,710

|percentage = 100.00%

|change =

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

|winner = Republican Party (United States)

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|last=Roberts |first=Phillip |title=Wyoming Blue Book |publisher=Wyoming State Archives |location=Cheyenne, Wyoming |year=2009 |isbn=9780978982928 |url=https://archive.org/details/wyomingbluebook0000unse |url-access=registration }}

{{refend}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• [http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_wyoming/col2-content/main-content-list/title_sullivan_michael.html National Governors Association]
• {{C-SPAN|5621}}

{{S-start}}

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Edgar Herschler}}

{{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of Wyoming|years=1986, 1990}}

{{s-aft|after=Kathy Karpan}}

{{s-bef|before=John Vinich}}

{{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Wyoming
(Class 1)|years=1994}}

{{s-aft|after=Mel Logan}}

{{S-off}}

{{Succession box

| before= Edgar Herschler

| title= Governor of Wyoming

| years= January 5, 1987 –January 2, 1995

| after= Jim Geringer}}

{{s-dip}}

{{Succession box|title=United States Ambassador to Ireland|before=Jean Kennedy Smith||after=Richard Egan|years=October 22, 1998 – June 20, 2001}}

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|before=Martha McSally|as=Former US Senator}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within Wyoming}}

{{s-aft|rows=2|after=Jim Geringer|as=Former Governor}}

{{s-bef|before=Butch Otter|as=Former Governor}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside Wyoming}}

{{S-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Governors of Wyoming}}

{{US Ambassadors to Ireland}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sullivan, Mike}}

Category:Democratic Party governors of Wyoming

Category:Politicians from Omaha, Nebraska

Category:Politicians from Casper, Wyoming

Category:Ambassadors of the United States to Ireland

Category:1939 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Douglas, Wyoming

Category:University of Wyoming alumni

Category:University of Wyoming College of Law alumni