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

Clifford Hansen
Republican

 Elected U.S. Senator

Clifford Hansen
Republican

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

Democratic primary

Candidates

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

Results

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

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

General election

Results

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

References

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