WASHINGTON -- The Credit Union Association of Wyoming noted the passing of Senator Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), "a good friend to credit unions" and said that his replacement state legislator John Barrasso should continue good relations on Capitol Hill.

"Wyoming is not a dual-charter state, so the opportunities to work with John Barrasso in the state legislature revolved more around the general business climate issues than credit union specific issues," the league said. "Nonetheless, Senator Barrasso has attended our Legislative events and he did support our efforts in 2005 to increase awareness of financial education and literacy through the passage of Senate Joint Resolution No. 5, as well as credit-union led reforms of the small claims court system through the passage of Senate File No. 142."

The CUAW believes, "Wyoming credit unions will continue to find an open door in Washington, D.C."

Senator Thomas passed peacefully June 4, 2007, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his office. Thomas was 74.

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) appointed Barrasso (R) to fill Thomas' seat as of June 22.