2008 Woodie Awards
Wasden named Statesman of the Year
Attorney General honored for work to prevent
Ryan Hunter
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
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Wasden, who was first elected as Attorney General in 2002 and again in 2006, was selected for the award for his work in protecting children from Internet predation, advocacy of victim's rights, and for aggressive prosecution of fiscal mismanagement by government officials of both parties, according to Pi Sigma Alpha Secretary Rawley Maag.
"These are truly statesman-like qualities, and we recognize them in Attorney General Wasden," Maag said during his presentation of the award to Wasden.
Several state and local officials attended the dinner to honor and praise Wasden's accomplishments as Attorney General these included Secretary of State Ben Ysursa; U.S. District Attorney for Idaho Tom Moss; ISU President Arthur C. Vailas; State Representative James Ruchti; Bannock County Republican Chairwoman Leslie Romriel; District Judge Ronald Bush; and County Commissioner Lin Whitworth.
Moss, who spoke at the event, said that Wasden was well known not only in Idaho, but throughout the U.S. He is currently serving as president of the National Association of Attorneys General, and was chairman of the Conference of Western Attorneys General.
Moss said Wasden's accomplishments as Attorney General could be summarized by highlighting not only his integrity in carrying out his responsibilities, but also his ability to work with others in tough situations.
"That's what I think of Lawrence Wasden, he's a man of great integrity and I've admired him for that for many years," Moss said. "People have also said to me, 'He's very competent,' and I say, 'yeah, and he's a real nice guy,' and that's what matters."
Ysursa also talked of Wasden's competence and amicable nature, calling him a "dear friend" whom he was proud to work with side by side at the state level.
During his acceptance speech, Wasden said he was proud of the accomplishments and impact the Protect Teens program, which educates parents and children on how to be safe on the Internet, he's had to prevent Internet predation.
"Our goal is to keep them from becoming victims in the first place," Wasden said. "Our society, families and communities are far better off if our children are never victims."
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