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VISIT NO MO MOJO
In the text box below, nominate your West Virginia Republican of the Year, and describe in a few words why he or she should be selected.
REPUBLICAN OF THE YEAR
UPDATED DAILY!
Mojo9/24/08
9/24/08GET YOUR 'DEGREE!' (Click image for details!)
Weeks gets high marks for debate; round two Thursday
Russ Weeks continued to receive congratulatory messages Tuesday after a debate performance Monday night that seemed to surprise many observers who came awayReflections from the first of four debates
impressed with Weeks' knowledge of the issues and his courage in challenging Gov. Joe Manchin face to face on issues of cronyism and favoritism in state government.
Debate watchers also commented on Manchin's uncharacteristic lack of comfort or confidence during the debate. When Weeks discussed the degree scandal at West Virginia University, Manchin tried to chuckle about it, but to many viewers his response came across more as nervous laughter than sincere amusement.Also amusing to many observers -- and to Weeks -- was Manchin's comment that if Weeks has evidence of "double dipping" by state employees he should let him know about it. As Weeks said later, he took issues of criminal or unethical behavior to Manchin when Weeks was serving in the state Senate, only to see them ignored. On Thursday, the pair will square off again in a debate in the Eastern Panhandle, then return to Charleston on Sunday for a Public Broadcasting forum, then travel to Morgantown two days later for a final face off.Other notes from Monday's debate:* As expected, Hoppy Kercheval handled moderating duties efficiently and fairly, allowing both candidates to make points central to their campaigns while also pushing for responses beyond their comfort zones.* Watching the debate live at the Clay Center, then watching it later on a CSPAN2 replay was an interesting comparison of how very different an event can seem on site compared to how it is captured through the TV camera lens. Fortunately, much of the rude snickering displayed by Manchin supporters at the event was not audible on the telecast. And the governor's performance seemed smoother in person than on television, while the effect for Weeks was the opposite.* Officials with the West Virginia Broadcasting Association were professional and helpful, answering all questions during a mid-day walk-through and making sure both candidates were comfortable with the set up and format. Only the extreme pro-Manchin makeup of the onsite invitation-only audience was a disappointment. * At a Kanawha County GOP rally on Tuesday at the Charleston Civic Center, one Republican after the other expressed the same sentiment about the debate-- they were extremely proud of Russ, and admired his courage and determination under daunting circumstances.For many voters across the state, Monday's debate was their first real introduction to Weeks, and the general consensus seems to be that he came off as an impressive, knowledgable and serious candidate.
GRAND OPENING
GOP activists and candidates gathered Tuesday for the grand opening of the Taylor County Republican headquarters. Among those pictured in the center of the photo are 14th District state Senate candidate Gary Howell, Del. Jeff Tansill and county chair Paul Elder.
Joe Manchin and Russ Weeks will square off again Thursday night.
BOB ADAMS
Adams squares off tonight with Snyder in debate
Republican Bob Adams is set to square off in a debate tonight against his Democrat opponent, former state Senator Herb Snyder, who is trying to return to the legislature after being ousted in his party's primary four years ago.
The debate will take place at the Old Opera House in Charles Town at 7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by a face off between the candidates for West Virginia Secretary of State, Republican Charles Minimah and Democrat Natalie Tennant.The Journal and WEPM have been sponsoring a series of debates featuring local and state candidates.Early voting underway today in West Virginia
I am no fan of West Virginia's early voting schedule, since there's still a lot of campaigning to do by all candidates before November 4th, but nobody asked me, so it gets underway today -- nearly three weeks from Election Day.As detailed on the Secretary of State's website, early voting continues until three days before the election. Voting is available during regular business hours and may be available two Saturdays before the election. To vote early, if you must, go to the County Clerk's Office and ask to vote early in-person.You will then vote as you would on election day, in a voting booth just as at the precinct. If a paper ballot is used, your voted ballot will be sealed in an envelope and placed in the ballot box.On election day, your ballot will go to the precinct where it will be counted or placed with other ballots for computer tabulation. No electioneering is allowed on property of county courthouse or any annex facilities during the period of early voting.Citizens who believe a violation of election laws has occurred may call the Election Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-877-FRAUD-WV and speak with one of the office's trained staff.The staff member will verify information for the records and assist a citizen with the filing of a complaint. An election complaint form may also be download, filled out, printed, and notarized, then mailed o the office. 