CHEYENNE - Gov. Dave Freudenthal Wednesday endorsed Democratic U.S. House candidate Gary Trauner, saying activities in the nation's capital make a strong argument for change.

"Gary has worked hard, and he has demonstrated a willingness to listen and to travel the state," Freudenthal said during a brief meeting with reporters in the State Capitol rotunda. "I think the kind of campaign he's run speaks to the kind of representative he would be."

Freudenthal, a Democrat, also said the best measure of Wyoming's lone representative is the ability to do the job, rather than seniority. Freudenthal pointed to Vice President Dick Cheney, who quickly proved a powerful representative when he held Wyoming's lone House seat, as an example of what a strong delegate can accomplish.

Incumbent Rep. Barbara Cubin, a six-term lawmaker, has touted her seniority after 12 years in Congress as a reason to send her back to Washington, D.C.

Cubin could not immediately be reached for comment. But last week she said an endorsement from Freudenthal would have little, if any, impact on the race.