Wyoming lost a statesman today (Wednesday). Former U.S. Sen. Malcolm Wallop died after an illness in his home near Sheridan. In a release from the Governor's Office, Gov. Matt Mead expressed condolences to Sen. Wallop's family, saying he will be missed as a leader and a friend.

Wyoming Republican Party Chairwoman Tammy Hooper said that Sen. Wallop exemplified the ideals of the Republican Party.

Stalwart champion:

"And we join with others in Wyoming and around the nation in expressing our deepest sympathies to his family. Sen. Wallop was a great statesman and a leader, in the Senate as well as in Wyoming and for the Republican Party. He was a stalwart champion of the outdoor sportsman as well as other Republican principles of a strong defense, lower taxes and local control."

Details about the passing of Sen. Wallop are still coming in, with a Miami Herald report saying he died Wednesday at his home in Big Horn. A call to the Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan said that memorial services for Sen. Wallop have yet to be arranged. Sen. Wallop was 78.

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