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traveling across the large seven-county district, appearing at events and meeting voters. Observers across the district are increasingly commenting on the fact that Howell seems to be everywhere while his opponent, Democrat Bob Williams, is rarely seen.
In the coming days, Howell will be in Burlington, Elgon, Reedville, Lenox, Moorefield, Kingwood, Phillipi and Haymond.
In between, Howell will travel to Charleston to accept an award from Gov. Joe Manchin for again being a leader in exporting West Virginia products to overseas markets through his business, Howell Automotive.
Sarah connects in showdown with Joe Biden
In a debate performance with many high points, one of the best for Gov. Sarah Palin came at the very end of the evening when she expressed the desire to engage in more such events because, "I like being able to answer these tough questions without the
filter of the mainstream media kind of telling viewers what they've just heard. I'd rather be able to just speak to the American people like we just did."
Palin's enthusiasm to debate some more was the clearest indication of just how well she did and how confident she was standing before millions of Americans in the hottest spotlight of the campaign so far.
The Sarah Palin who wow'd Americans in her speech at the Republican National Convention was back, after the McCain campaign, according to reports, made the wise decision to just let Sarah be Sarah Thursday night. Yes, she crammed for the debate, but back on display was the plain talking, expressive and energetic hockey mom whose ability to relate to the average American made her the most popular governor in America.
The contrasts in style between Palin and Sen. Joe Biden were striking as well. Biden decided to low key his performance, tamping down his natural effusiveness -- which often leads to gaffes -- and presenting himself as an elder statesman and learned, experienced politician. He looked at moderator Gwen Ifill when answering questions. Palin, by contrast, almost always looked directly into the camera, communicating straight to the millions of Americans watching at home. She exhibited the whole range of mannerisms that have already become trademarks -- the sly smiles, the wrinkled nose, the winks, the use of slang -- all the traits that some advisors might be inclined to weed out were, thankfully, present in spades.
Biden had an understandably emotional moment in referencing the deaths years ago of his wife and daughter, but he set it up with a false assertion, saying, "But the notion that somehow, because I'm a man, I don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone, I don't know what it's like to have a child you're not sure is going to -- is going to make it -- I understand." In fact, no one, including Palin, had made an allegation that Biden did not know what it's like to raise two kids alone, or anything close to it.
Overall, Palin's performance served to remind people why John McCain chose her in the first place, and how her poise, optimistic nature and unique sense of determination relate to Americans in a way that overcomes any worries that in some areas she's learning as she goes. Don't we all, forever?
Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin during their debate last night in St. Louis.
Howell criss-crosses district in Senate bid
As the race for the state Senate in the 14th District heads into its final month, GOP hopeful Gary Howell continues to outpace his opponent in
Gary Howell participated in the recent Keyser Home Coming parade in Mineral County.
Ireland unveils new filing tool
(Press Release) Secretary of State Betty Ireland announced this week that all businesses (with the exception of sole proprietors and general partnerships) may file annual reports online with her our office through the State's online portal "Business for WV"
Sole proprietors and general partnerships are not required to file annual reports or other registration documents with the Secretary of State's Office, as those entities only file with the State Tax Department.
"Implementing more online tools for those who do business with my office has been one of my highest priorities and I am pleased to bring this new option to the business community in West Virginia," Secretary Ireland said.
All business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this new option and file their company's report through the State's online portal.
Online filing saves time and provides immediate and accurate integration of customers' updates into the Secretary of State's database. Filers will receive electronic confirmation when the Secretary of State's Office accepts filing. Businesses may access the online filing tool and complete the process at their convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In the future, the "business4wv" site will allow business owners to file changes to their officers, members, and owners; file trade names and other business recordings; and change a point of contact between the public and state agencies providing public information of any new state regulatory changes or state code changes relating to businesses.
"It has been a priority of this office to make high use of technology to serve the public and our business customers. The opening of this portal has been a long time in the making, and we are pleased to offer it to all those business entities that have to file reports with our office," Ireland said.
AARP lends a hand to Manchin in new ad
The AARP is lending a hand to Gov. Joe Manchin in his reelection campaign, allowing the governor to voice a new radio ad paid for by the organization urging people to file for their economic stimulus tax rebates by the Oct. 15 deadline.
The end result is just one more way for Manchin -- who apparently is struggling to keep his campaign afloat with only $2 million on hand -- to get his name and voice on the airwaves without dipping into his own reserves.
In the ad, Manchin urges listeners to contact the AARP for help in filing for their rebates, even though there are a number of true public organizations -- like the IRS itself -- where people can turn for assistance.
In September, Manchin got cozy with the AARP through a program in the Mountaineer State to teach people 50 and older financial management ranging "from how to balance a checkbook to understanding the interest rate," according to news reports.
While the AARP is often regarded almost as a quasi-government institution, it is in fact simply a political organization which charges for membership and has become known primarily for its supplemental insurance programs. It often lobbies for a variety of legislation and programs, usually allied with Democrats. In fact, AARP originally evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association.