Democratic challenger to US Rep. Cheney emerges in Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Laramie attorney has become the first Democratic Party candidate for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat now held by Republican Liz Cheney.

Travis Helm is a native of the small city of Rawlins who graduated from the University of Wyoming law school and specializes in immigration law.

He is the only announced Democrat for the congressional seat.

Helm tells the Casper Star-Tribune in a story this week he was raised in a Republican family but switched to the Democratic Party.

Helm said his campaign will focus on maintaining access to public lands and improving health care.

He said he supports a nationwide single-payer health care option, saying Wyoming is one of the least affordable states for health insurance.

Cheney is nearing the end of her first term in the House.

Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com