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The Republican Gazette
MONDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2008
Marti Riggall met all challenges
2008 REPUBLICAN OF THE YEAR
From the daunting task of pulling off the first-ever state Republican presidential convention, to meeting all the demands of local and state candidates, to serving as a liaison between the RNC and Republicans across West Virginia, to stepping in as the party treasurer, to keeping the doors open at the state party headquarters whether getting paid or not, Marti Riggall deserves to be the 2008 Republican of the Year.
THERE ARE VERY FEW PEOPLE finding themselves in Marti Riggall's position who would have survived the ups and downs, highs and lows, and endless turmoil of the 2008 election cycle without throwing up their hands, walking out the door and never looking back.
But Marti persevered and met all challenges, and her dedication to Republicans across West Virginia has earned her the designation of being The Republican Gazette's Republican of the Year for 2008.The R-G received more than one hundred submissions over the past few months, with names ranging from little-known activists and volunteers to county chairs to officeholders and others. But Marti was consistently held up as a model of a self-sacrificing West Virginia Republican who was unfailingly helpful to everyone who asked for help, information or advice. Here are a few of the comments received regarding Marti:"No one has had more responsibility dumped in their lap than Marti Riggall, and she somehow manages to carry it off without screaming out loud -- at least not that anyone has heard yet.""I nominate Marti Riggall -- need I say more?""She often works without pay and without thanks.""I have heard people being completely rude to her, but she keeps her composure and continues to try to meet every demand."In fact, Marti's most impressive service was that even while she often worked for weeks or even months at a time without pay, she continued to come to work every morning, unlocked the doors, and made sure the West Virginia Republican Party maintained a presence and continued to provide every assistance possible to volunteers, candidates, and GOP officials.State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney agreed with the selection of Marti as Republican of the Year, saying Friday that she was "a great choice, and very deserving."Without an executive director or many other positions at the party being filled, Marti -- officially the "office manager" -- ended up wearing just about every hat possible during the past year or so. When the GOP undertook its first-ever state presidential convention, it was Marti who was largely the onsite manager who worked with convention chair Bob Fish, organized volunteers to come in and help, and sort out more than a thousand delegates, over 2,000 internet voters, and many other aspects of the convention.Then, it was Marti who personally handled the coordination of the delegates and guests to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul-Minneapolis, handling housing arrangements and reservations, and making sure all who were traveling to the convention were well informed and accommodated.When Terry Waxman gave up her duties as treasurer in August, it was Marti who stepped forward to fill the void, handling the difficult chore through the remainder of the campaign.On top of all that, the daily duties and responsibilities which she handled every week, with the help of staffer Cheryl Rust and occasionally other volunteers, are difficult to enumerate. They range from requests for yard signs or contact information for local, state and federal candidates, to helping organize or publicize fundraising events for Republican candidates or county parties, to volunteering to hold signs and demonstrate herself for candidates or causes.Her efforts ranged from the mundane -- sending invitations and making name tags for various GOP meetings or events -- to the nearly impossible, like keeping peace between various factions and camps, especially during the often-contentious presidential convention process. She often served as the liaison between local officials and the Republican National Committee. She worked with local and state candidates to make sure the party headquarters continued to be a central gathering place and clearinghouse for yard signs and literature. No matter how swamped or hassled she was, she never refused a call or a new request for help. Her days were almost always interrupted by unannounced visitors who wanted to meet with her or ask for information, and she always made time for them no matter how many extra hours it would add to her day.As the most consistent presence at the party headquarters, it was more often than not Marti who took the heat from individuals with a complaint or gripe about the party, a campaign or something else related to party business. But rather than pass the buck or point fingers at someone else, Marti typically smiled patiently, nodded her head, and promised to look into the matter. Marti became involved with the state party after receiving a phone call in 2005 from a former work colleague, Kanawha County GOP chair Melody Potter. "Melody reconnected with me as I was taking a hiatus from a stressful career in the staffing / human resources industry," says Marti. "She directed me to a volunteer position at the West Virginia Republican Party headquarters. Because of staff transitions, an opportunity arose for a part-time position in 2006 and then, with Anne McCuskey’s unexpected departure in the fall of 2006, I was offered a full-time opportunity by Chairman Doug McKinney."A degree in math had opened doors for a lucrative career in the oil industry in Texas after her graduation from college prior to her move to West Virginia. But "being involved with the West Virginia Republican Party gave me a reason for the first time to love going to the office every day. My 'job' is enriching to me in so many ways because we have a mission. We are 'Republican for a Reason.'"Marti will be formally presented with a plaque during a presentation at an event to be announced soon.OTHER NOMINATIONS
More than one hundred submissions for Republican of the Year were received. Here are a few of those, in no particular order, who received multiple nominations, along with some of the best supporting comments about some of the less high-profile nominees:* Craig Blair.* Mike Ankrom. "Mike has dedicated many hours to the Republican cause and candidates for several years. Mike was instrumental in the 2004 Bush victory, and played a huge part in the statewide effort that led Mike Huckabee to victory in West Virgnia. Mike may very well be poised to become known as ,The Architect,' at least in West Virginia."* Vic Sprouse.* Don Caruth. * Doug McKinney.* Sue McKinney.* Christy Barnett. "Her help of candidates in the Potomac Highlands, Eastern Panhandle, and elsewhere in the state has proved invaluable."* Max Grove. "He is a tireless worker for the Republican cause. When he puts out signs, he doesn't just put them along the road. He stops at homes and hands out literature and asks them personally. He uses voter vault list to find the Republicans in heavy Democrat areas to push for stringer support. He does what needs to be done, putting internal party politics aside."* Joe & Julia Long.* Bob Fish* Melody Potter. "She is the most dedicated Republican I have seen. She is chairwomen of KCREC. Former worker on Bush 2004 election volunteers.She believes in the Republican Platform and lives it. A self-starter with new and fresh ideas."* Shelley Moore Capito.* Terry Waxman. "She works very hard every day & night at all hours dealing with the FEC & the McCain/Feingold law. Not only has she straightened out the books & has been instrumental in getting the Party out of debt, in her free time she is usually planning a Russ Sobel event or helping out with our local Republican Party in Harrison County whether it is going door-to-door, phone banking, helping us financially."* Angie Adams. "Angie is young, energetic and involved. The mother of young children, she still finds time to volunteer in community organizations, and has re-invigorated (Wirt) County and regional Republicans through her hard work and enthusiasm. She will be an asset to the party for many years to come." * Betty Ireland.* Brent Benjamin. And here's my favorite submission:* "I nominate Mike Hall. He's quite tall." Byrd told Richardson he had 'squandered treasure'
MARTI RIGGALL
'Republicans inspire me every day'
"I accept the honor of the Republican of the Year with the greatest of honor, pride and absolute shock on behalf of all the great Republicans of our beautiful state who inspire me every day with their commitment through their actions to the principles of the Republican Party. My work philosophy has been that I report to Chairman McKinney but that I work for the Republicans of West Virginia. This award is very humbling to me and I will endeavor to work harder and to volunteer in whatever capacity is most appropriate for me to contribute to the ideals and principles of the West Virginia Republican Party.“'Do not wake up on November 5 and say, “I should have done more.’” This quote was posted in our home the final weeks of the campaign but upon reflection, I realize that one could never do more. I look to the future with great optimism that 2010 will be our year and that we will build on the hard work done in 2008. I give credit to my husband Bill for the aforementioned quote – a James Carville / Mary Matalin scenario does not exist in our home. "Thank you sincerely for this honor and I am so proud to be associated with the many fine Republicans of the great state of West Virginia."-- Marti Riggall
Low pay for West Virginia legislators hurts the Eastern Panhandle in my opinion. An increase in annual legislative pay from $15,000 to $20,000 going into effect on January 1 is still inadequate to attract and retain the best legislators to represent the Eastern Panhandle, given the hardships that Eastern Panhandle legislators incur due to our distance from the State Capitol in Charleston. This is a subject where I have historically been at odds with my Republican colleagues in the House, who vote against and speak out against legislative pay raises. Many Republican legislators love to blame Democrats, as the majority party in this state for 80 years now, for enacting laws that oppress the minority Republican Party and serve to deter Republicans from running for legislative office. In my opinion, however, Republicans have no one but themselves to blame for their minority party status in the Legislature. Legislative pay is an area where Republican legislators shoot themselves in the foot.This year is a prime example. Republicans lost 3 seats in the Senate, dropping their number of Senators from 11 to 8 out of 34, because they could not find competitive candidates to run for Senate positions. In the House, incumbent Democrats were unchallenged in 29 House seats this year because Republicans could not even find anyone to run for the seats. In addition, in an open seat in Jefferson County to replace Del. Locke Wysong (who announced he was leaving the Legislature due to the low pay), Republicans tried hard to recruit someone to run for his open seat, and were unable to find a viable candidate. The best they could do was a student at WVU who did not campaign or show up at any candidate forums, yet received 43% of the votes as a virtual non-candidate, indicating that a Republican who tried could have won. Despite the lack of candidates, House Republicans still gained 1 seat this year, indicating they could have done much better if they had simply fielded candidates to run against Democrats.Good business professionals know that if you cannot attract a person to apply for a job, it is an indication that you need to raise the pay to attract people to apply. That is the market system. I think it is ironic that Republicans, who profess to believe in the market system, are unwilling to raise the legislative pay enough to attract Republicans to run for legislative offices.
Republicans hurt their own cause by opposing better pay and benefits for W. Va. lawmakers
By Sen. John Yoder
After being first elected to the Legislature in 1992, and observing it over the years, I have concluded that Republicans will remain the minority party in the Legislature for at least the next 20 years, if not longer, simply because they are unwilling to vote for legislative pay raises that would attract an adequate number of Republicans to run for legislative office in order to gain majority party status.Legislators get few benefits. In leaving my Senate position to go to a circuit judge position, for example, I was pleasantly surprised, after driving back and forth between Martinsburg and my home in Harpers Ferry for legislative business several times a week, that I get reimbursed for mileage as a judge when I drive between Charles Town and Martinsburg. Mileage expenses for travel within my Senate district, cell phone costs when using the cell phone for legislative business, and postage for letters mailed at home, are amongst costs that legislators must pay out of their own pockets without reimbursement. Legislators also get no health care benefits. In my case, I am paying about $12,000 per year for private health insurance, which is more than the net take-home I get from my Senate pay. For me, it is nice to be going to a position as a State employee in the judiciary where health care benefits are included in the compensation package. In contrast to the lack of any health benefits for legislators, Jefferson County Commissioners receive very comprehensive health care benefits in addition to getting paid $36,960 per year. While Legislators are in session or attending legislative interim meetings more than 100 days per year, and have to live away from home in Charleston during those days, Jefferson County Commissioners are in session 52 weeks per year. Thus, when Jefferson County Commissioner Dale Manuel left the House to run for County Commission, he more than doubled his salary and got to stay at home with his family.Legislators who live in the Southern part of the State, where pay is lower, keep their legislative positions for decades, building up their power base over the years. That puts us at a disadvantage in the Eastern Panhandle, where the Legislative positions are relatively unattractive, resulting in much higher turnover for Legislators. That is one of the many reasons why I believe low legislative pay hurts us in the Eastern Panhandle. ---
Going to inauguration? Better get in line fast
Even though it's a Democrat who is being sworn in as president on January 20, I have met several Republicans who have attended every inauguration of their adult life, be it of a Republican or Democrat.The official inauguration website is: http://inaugural.senate.gov/index.cfm. Tickets for the ceremony are free and issued only through U.S. Senate and Congressional offices; however, tickets are limited and these offices have been inundated with requests. Some offices are not able to accept further requests, officials say. With news reports indicating that Barack Obama is about to name New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as Commerce secretary, one vote in the U.S. Senate Richardson may not get is that of West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd.As reported over the weekend by Fox News, "Richardson also could face a Capitol grilling for accusations he faced from both Democratic and Republican senators for failing to properly safeguard nuclear secrets after he left his U.N. post to become energy secretary."Byrd told Richardson at the time that he would never again receive Senate support for any office he sought. "You have squandered your treasure," Byrd told him.
Cecil Underwood's life an amazing journey
Former Governor Cecil Underwood's passing on Monday was the end of a unique and amazing journey for a West Virginian who exhibited the rare political qualities of humility, grace and class.Aside from holding the notable distinction of being both West Virginia's youngest (age 34) and oldest (age 74) elected governor, Underwood was a wealth of political knowledge and a good friend to the Republican Party, agreeing without fail to serve as a guest of honor or special speaker whenever called on by the GOP for a fundraiser or other special event.On a personal note, in recent years, particularly since the passing of his beloved wife, Hovah, in 2004, I enjoyed several quiet visits with the governor at his Charleston apartment, savoring his stories and appreciating his candor and intuitiveness. I will always appreciate and treasure those visits, and his special kindness and hospitality. TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2008
Former Governor Cecil Underwood, right, shares a laugh with Charles Trump at a party held in September 2006 in Trump's honor at Coonskin Park in Charleston. Also visible in the background is Del. Linda Sumner. Gov. Underwood passed away Monday at age 86, leaving a proud legacy from both a political and a personal perspective.
McKinney: Sad day in annals of West Virginia history
Following is a statement released Monday by West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney:Today is a sad day in the annals of West Virginia history. The passage of Governor Cecil H. Underwood deeply saddens not only West Virginia Republicans but all West Virginians who ever met him or who are familiar with his accomplishments. Remembered as both the youngest and the oldest Governor of his beloved state, Cecil and his devoted wife, Hovah, will also be remembered for the courtliness, statesmanship and friendly fashion in which they inhabited the Governor’s manse and for the programs they introduced. In 1958 Governor Underwood instituted the Hi-Y Youth in Government Program, which continues to flourish today and which has afforded hundreds of West Virginia students the opportunity to learn firsthand the inner workings of our state government. It inspired many to take active roles in the political arena and was a source of great pride to him. He continued to play an active role in the program as an advisor and supporter until his death. His soft-spoken manner and an ever ready joke were his trademarks, which gained one’s attention to hear his thoughtful and erudite messages. They also earned him the respect which allowed him to pass his legislative agendas in spite of overwhelming Democrat majorities in the Legislature during his terms in office. His 1998 Tax Study was well ahead of its time and has been repeatedly validated by more recent studies. His success in business, education and politics did nothing to change his friendly, humorous demeanor nor his ability to communicate with the public on all levels. He never declined an invitation to speak on behalf of his party even after being beset with health problems in his later years. We are truly thankful for all he contributed to the Republican Party and truly regret his passage. He was one of a kind and will be long remembered as an outstanding figure in West Virginia’s colorful political history. 
A four decade span
Cecil Harland Underwood was born in Joseph's Mills, Tyler County. He graduated from Tyler County High School, Salem College, and West Virginia University. During World War II, Underwood served in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He taught high school in St. Marys, Pleasants County, from 1943 to 1946 and at Marietta College from 1946 to 1950. For the next six years, he held the position of vice president of Salem College. Underwood first ventured into politics in 1944 at age twenty-two with his election to the House of Delegates. He retained this seat until 1956, serving as House minority floor leader in 1949, 1951, 1953, and 1955. In 1957, he became the youngest governor in the history of the state and the first Republican governor in twenty-four years. In 1996, Underwood defeated Democrat Charlotte Pritt to become the state's oldest governor, forty years after being the state's youngest executive.
-- West Virginia State Archives
1956
1996
State agrees to Pinecrest TB settlement
Russ Weeks had fought to bring WV's attention to the dangers at Pinecrest
The state of West Virginia will pay tens of thousands of dollars to seven employees of Pinecrest Hospital in Beckley who were exposed to the tuberculosis virus in a settlement that compensates each worker to the tune of $35,000 each.The family of one non-employee who has since died, and two other non-employees who cannot tolerate the medicine to prevent TB from going active, settled for different amounts that are not yet known, The Republican Gazette has learned.The lawsuit and settlements center around Pinecrest Hospital's history as a one-time TB care facility. For years,former Senator Russ Weeks fought in vain to alert the state Department of Health and Human Services to the fact that the hospital's ventilation system continued to spread TB germs.
According to the lawsuit, the Pinecrest employees of different departments claim they "were all exposed and have tested positive for tuberculosis as a direct and proximate result of Pinecrest's intentionally failing to inform the public, its patients and employees of the danger..." The settlement in essence means the state acknowledges a TB issue at Pinecrest. In his book, "No Strings Attached," Weeks detailed the problems and included documentation from experts backing up his claims. Gov. Joe Manchin promised Weeks on election night to further look into problems at Pinecrest.HAPPY THANKSGIVING
The Republican Gazette will return Monday
