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Abernathy Strategies
RepublicanGazette
Friday, March 14, 2008 "When news breaks, we fix it" Published daily except some days
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National media being coaxed into state Supreme Court/Massey controversies
Perhaps not satisfied with the level of scrutiny from state or local media, the political forces working to fan the flames of controversy regarding the relationship between Justice Spike Maynard and Massey CEO Don Blankenship are apparently reaching out to the national media.On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal ran a story on this week's re-hearing of the Caperton-Massey case, and also reported that "federal investigators have interviewed court employees to learn more about the Monaco vacation, according to two court employees and a lawyer briefed on the case. Representatives of the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District of West Virginia and the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment on whether their offices have opened investigations."Of course, it can be safely assumed that the "court employees and a lawyer briefed on the case" who are the sources for this information are connected to the effort to defeat Maynard in theAnonymous calls were once crimes; now they're published in newspapers
Once upon a time, if someone called on the phone, said something insulting about you without identifying themselves, and hung up, it was reportable to the phone company as a harassing call. The phone company would put a trace on your line, and try to track down the source of the call for potential prosecution.Today, through various incarnations ("Sound Off," "Ventline," "Journal Junction") anonymous calls are actually encouraged and published in newspapers. It's a strange and curious phenomenon, and a giant step backward for legitimate journalism.DCCC pretends Anne Barth is a top candidate
Charleston lawyer Beth Walker joined Girl Scouts from around the state at the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council Cookie Tasteoff at the Charleston Marriott today to celebrate the 96th birthday of Girl Scouting. "I attribute my professional and personal success in part to the positive influence of Girl Scouting in my life," said Walker. "I had many role models in the Girl Scouts who demonstrated to me at an early age that my potential opportunities in life were limitless. I am extraordinary grateful for my Girl Scout experience and hope that efforts as an adult volunteer enable as many girls as possible to experience Girl Scouting."Walker became involved in the Girl Scouts at age five and achieved the highest award in Girl Scouting as a senior in high school. As an adult Walker pursued opportunities to continue her involvement in the Girl Scouts and in 2002 was invited to join the board of directors of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, of which she is currently First Vice Chair. In 2007, she received the Thanks Badge in recognition of her volunteer contribution. Walker stated, "The mission of 
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a press release Thursday, announced that Anne Barth is among its top candidates for the 2008 election cycle. (It ignored the other Dem candidates, Richie Robb and Thornton Cooper.) Supposedly, this means Barth, who is challenging Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, will be the recipient of "financial, communications, and strategic support" -- the same promise made in 2006 to Mike Callaghan, and made earlier this year to John Unger. That support never came for Callaghan, and apparently Unger didn't believe it was coming his way, either, when he dropped out.Anti-Maynard campaign ramps up; Starcher interviewed, but why?
May primary, and, to a lesser degree (since he's not up for election) to pressure Justice Brent Benjamin in regard to recusal motions.
The Charleston Gazette is reporting today that federal investigators have interviewed Justice Larry Starcher in regard to a probe of the relationship between Maynard and Blankenship. Why Starcher would be interviewed in regard to an issue in which he has no known involvement was not made clear, and raises its own questions about Starcher's role in the alleged investigation.Meanwhile, it appears that ABC News is also preparing to do a story on the case -- likely also at the behest of those with a vested interest in defeating Maynard, and creating headlines and news clips designed to help them do so. The media campaign being orchestrated behind the scenes to keep the Massey-related controversies in the public eye will likely only increase as the May 13 primary election draws near. Whether the national media allows itself to be manipulated for the achievement of the political goals of the anti-Maynard forces will be interesting to watch.Beth Walker
celebrates 96th
Girl Scout birthday
BETH WALKER
Girl Scouting is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character,
who make the world a better place. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential self-worth. Our communities benefit when girls are encouraged to pursue positive activities in their youth and inspired to make a positive contribution to society as adults."
Beth Walker is a candidate for West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. There are two seats available on the Supreme Court of Appeals. Both seats carry 12 year terms. From 1912,
the best campaign report ever
An item from the Grantsville (Ohio) News, June 10, 1912:Defeated for re-election as a member of the Republican County Central Committee, Sargent Charles C. Campbell of Soldiers & Sailors Home, filed the following statement of his campaign expenses: --Four glasses of beer at 5 cents each, 20 cents.
--One glass of beer for a fellow who said he carried the precinct in his pocket, although the returns prove he was mistaken, 5 cents.
Total, 25 cents.
That's all.
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