CHEYENNE -- Gary Trauner, the 2006 Democratic nominee for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat, will make an "exciting announcement" on Monday.

A news release Friday said Trauner will make a "short, but important announcement" at the Casper home of Gary and Sue Berchenbriter, contributors to the 2006 Trauner campaign.

Trauner, 48, lost to incumbent U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo., by 1,012 votes in the last general election and is widely expected to seek the post in 2008.

The Wilson businessman hinted at a run during an August video blog interview in which he said he was "definitely going to be running again." Trauner later told a reporter he got ahead of himself.

A phone number listed on Friday's news release connected with an answering machine for "Trauner for Congress." His 2006 Web site is still online.

Cubin, who was first elected to the House in 1994, said this week she was frustrated by rumors and reports that she may not seek re-election in 2008. "At this point in time I absolutely intend to run again," she told The Associated Press.

Republicans Swede Nelson, a substitute teacher and motivational speaker from Cheyenne, and Casper businessman Kenn Gilchrist have announced they're running for the House seat. State Rep. Colin Simpson, R-Cody, earlier this year said publicly that he planned to challenge Cubin in the 2008 Republican primary.

Before his 2006 bid for office, Trauner's only previous political experience was a stint on the Teton County School Board. But he waged an aggressive shoe-leather campaign in which he claimed to have knocked on 15,000 doors across the state.

The effort attracted nearly $1 million in campaign contributions, compared to Cubin's $1.28 million. A recount in Sheridan county eventually confirmed Cubin's narrow victory.

Dave Marcum, political scientist at Laramie County Community College, said a campaign announcement by Trauner now could give him a running start into 2008, while signaling other Democrats to back off.

"My guess is that based on his previous experience he has decided that he maybe needs to get going here as soon as he can, to start again generating some name recognition, to reconnect with the people of Wyoming and to remind them why two years ago almost half of them thought he would make a good representative," Marcum said.

"But he might also be trying to cut off any other potential Democratic candidates who will be announcing," Marcum said.

Marcum also noted that Cubin might be vulnerable next year because her husband's ailing health and a serious foot injury of her own have hurt her ability to cast votes in Congress. As of earlier this week, she had missed 427 votes, or 45 percent of the total this year. That's the highest percentage of any current House member.

"It might be a chance for Trauner to make the case that Wyoming needs a more effective voice in Washington, D.C.," Marcum added.

The state Democratic Party doesn't support individuals during the primary season, but spokesman Bill Luckett said Trauner would make a fine congressman if he were to seek election and win.

"Obviously he did very well last year, and we're very excited about the prospect of him running for that seat," Luckett said.

Depending on Cubin's plans, the field of Republican candidates could be wide open.

A large field of state Republicans revealed their ambitions for higher office following the death of U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas earlier this year.

Thirty-one people applied for Thomas' job, and state party leaders called it a preview of the next generation of GOP leadership.

Some of that ambition could be aimed at either of the state's U.S. Senate seats, both of which will be on the ballot. But Cubin could also be a target.

She had about $32,000 in her campaign war chest in June, and total debts of $15,855. More current campaign finance data could be available Monday.

Both Cubin and Trauner have filed a statement of candidacy, a federal requirement for potential candidates who receive $5,000 or more in campaign contributions.

Reach capital bureau reporter Jared Miller at (307) 632-1244 or at jared.miller@casperstartribune.net.