UPDATE: Governor Gordon Responds To Chuck Gray ”Outburst” Statement

UPDATE; 5: 20 p.m. Governor Mark Gordon issued this statement in response to comments from Secretary of State Chuck Gray about what Gray called "an outburst" by the governor at a recent SLIB meeting:

"Meetings are intended to be a time to discuss and decide important matters for the people of Wyoming. The recent inappropriate interactions between the Secretary and myself are a direct result of a creeping casualness of proper decorum in these meetings.  An unfortunate but natural result, as tempers rise and meetings are sadly falling into a political debate by some who constantly demand “rebuttal.” It falls on the Chair to bring back more orderly and correct discussion.  

To that end, I intend to more strongly enforce the proper flow of questions and answers between the board members going forward.  As well, I intend to rule all inappropriate comments as out of order as I hold myself and everyone to a higher standard.  Wyoming people expect public meetings to be about the work of the state and not the political ambitions of a member.”

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Original article: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is accusing Governor Mark Gordon of adopting a "fake tough guy persona" during what Gray says was an "outburst' by the governor at a SLIB board meeting last week.

Gray issued the following statement on Monday afternoon:

Governor Gordon’s outburst was deeply troubling and part of a continued pattern of insider behavior where Gordon tries to use out of control antics to try to shut down any discussion of common-sense, America First policy. At the State Loan and Investment Board meeting, I brought a common-sense amendment to ensure that state-sponsored affordable housing projects are ONLY extended to U.S. citizens.  Illegal aliens should NOT be receiving any of these benefits. The amendment I made to the state affordable housing applications would have ensured that ONLY citizens would be eligible for these state projects. This is common-sense, and mirrors what President Trump is working to do with housing programs at the federal level.

Gordon refused to support these common-sense amendments and instead tried to end these important discussions through multiple unhinged outbursts at Thursday’s meeting, including shrieks to ‘shut up,’ and the repeated fake macho Biden style statement to ‘step outside.’ Gordon’s fake tough guy persona once again shows that he’s the weakest man in the room. Gordon also requested that the audio recording of the meeting be ended to prevent his unhinged antics from being recorded. Although I gradually calmed him down after he stopped the recording, these outbursts and shrieks are simply attempts by Gordon to try to stop common-sense, conservative policy. Gordon knows that the people of Wyoming support my common-sense amendment to make sure that affordable housing will NEVER go to illegal aliens. Discussion on the issue was tabled to the next meeting after Gordon’s outrageously wrong outburst. I will continue to work to ensure that these benefit programs are extended only to U.S. citizens. I will NOT back down in the fact of Gordon’s insider, Biden-style tactics.”

Gray, Gordon Have Often Been At Odds

Gray and Gordon have a history of disagreements which seems to have accelerated over the past year or so. Gordon is term limited as Wyoming's chief executive office holder, and has so far not announced any future political plans.

Gray is one of several candidates running for the Wyoming congressional seat currently held by Harriet Hageman. Hageman, in turn, is running for the U.S. Senate Seat currently held by Cynthia Lummis, who is retiring.

A Townsquare Media email to Gordon spokeswoman Amy Edmonds on Monday afternoon seeking comment did not receive an immediate response.