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A tale of 2 Thompsons
Rick Thompson's election by House of Delegates Democrats as the new Speaker of the House has been a foregone conclusion since the election, when pro-gambling and labor forces successfully knocked back the Don Blankenship-led challenge to Democrat dominance.
As a result, this year's regular session will see fast-track legislation approving local options on gambling and labor-friendly legislation on everything else. Thompson's protests that he is neither a labor nor business Democrat are contradicted by years of pro-union activity; Thompson is not the labor and trial lawyer-backed candidate for speaker for nothing.
Gambling, labor, trial lawyers get their man
Raleigh delegate can't show for sessions, but he's out racing around
Delegate Ron Thompson hasn't attended a session of the state legislature since practically, oh, Bob Wise was slumming in the pre-renovated governor's mansion, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have places to go and things to do.
Thompson was caught speeding last week by Beckley police, doing 38 in a 25 zone (barely speeding at all, in my book), proving he is capable of venturing outside his house. Also, his driver's license was 30 days expired.
Despite his lack of attendance in the House of Delegates, voters chose to reward Thompson with re-election, which just goes to show, the less you do anything controversial, like cast a vote on something, the better the voters like it.
Of course, that doesn't explain the re-election of State Sen. Randy White, except to reinforce the notion that it's better to party in the nude with other naked men than it is to take on DHHR, as Sen. Russ Weeks can attest.
Gov. Joe Manchin, the master of being all things to all people, seriously damaged his credentials as a "pro-business" chief executive by helping elect several of the new labor-backed Democrats who secured Thompson's election.
Manchin was even said to be supportive of Thompson behind the scenes -- a smart move if he saw the writing on the wall and decided to land on the right side of the vote.
Armstead, Caruth lead Republicans
As expected, Tim Armstead will serve as minority leader in the House of Delegates, and Don Caruth will take the Senate side of GOP leadership when the regular session convenes early next year.
The pair will replace Charles Trump and Vic Sprouse, respectively.
The challenge for each will be to demonstrate to both GOP factions --
long-timers who prefer a boat not rocking, and newer members who believe their job is to shake up the status quo -- that they can work with Gov. Joe Manchin and the Dems, but will also stand up to leadership when necessary.
The election of Rick Thompson as Speaker should provide the GOP plenty of chances for disagreement.
TIM ARMSTEAD
DON CARUTH
RICK THOMPSON
RON THOMPSON
McKinney wants to make sure all Republicans feel welcome at the winter meeting of the state GOP
State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney is making an effort to let all West Virginia Republicans know they are welcome to attend the upcoming Winter meeting of the state GOP executive committee.
At a recent meeting of party leaders, McKinney heard some concern that many Republicans think they cannot attend meetings of the committee. The chairman said he wanted to encourage all Republicans to attend and become involved in state party issues.
The winter meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bridgeport Conference Center.
The GOP's Dec. 1 Christmas party at the Ramada Inn in South Charleston was well-attended by more than a hundred of the GOP faithful. State committeewoman Donna Gosney took the lead in organizing the dinner, and a wide array of auction items helped raise several hundred dollars in additional funds, on top of what came in via ticket sales. The party came out several thousand dollars ahead when the evening wrapped up.
