Obama victory disappoints Wyoming Gov. Mead

Associated Press

Updated: Nov 7, 2012 2:21 PM

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says he's disappointed in the re-election of President Barack Obama because he believes Republican challenger Mitt Romney had a better grasp of the importance of domestic energy production, particularly coal.

Wyoming is the nation's leading coal-producing state and draws most state income from energy production taxes. However, the state is projecting essentially flat revenues over the coming years in part because of sagging demand for coal.

Mead, a Republican, had Wyoming join with Florida and other states in challenging Obama's signature health care overhaul, the Affordable Care Act. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld most of the law this summer.

Mead says he intends to decide by next month whether to recommend to state lawmakers that the state expand eligibility for Medicaid, a joint state-federal health program.

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