Shortly before his death, Senator Thomas released a statement which asserts that Honaker "has a broad range of experience over the last thirty years in both state and federal courts in Wyoming. While his credentials are certainly outstanding, I am particularly impressed with his character and his values which are deeply rooted in Wyoming. He has the right judicial philosophy — he knows the importance of interpreting the law while not legislating from the bench."<ref name=judicialselection>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinedaleonline.com/news/2007/03/RichardHonakerselect.htm|title=Richard Honaker selected for U.S. District Judge: | Shortly before his death, Senator Thomas released a statement which asserts that Honaker "has a broad range of experience over the last thirty years in both state and federal courts in Wyoming. While his credentials are certainly outstanding, I am particularly impressed with his character and his values which are deeply rooted in Wyoming. He has the right judicial philosophy — he knows the importance of interpreting the law while not legislating from the bench."<ref name=judicialselection>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinedaleonline.com/news/2007/03/RichardHonakerselect.htm|title=Richard Honaker selected for U.S. District Judge: |