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Ireland's future up in the air
Betty Ireland's political future has been a hot topic of conversation among politicos in recent weeks, given a growing likelihood she will not seek reelection as Secretary of State.
Betty almost certainly would run for Shelley Moore Capito's congressional seat if Shelley decided to take on Jay Rockefeller for the U.S. Senate. But the congresswoman is unlikely to take that plunge, leaving open the possibility that Ireland will challenge Rockefeller instead.
Also needed is a GOP candidate to take on Gov. Joe Manchin next year. Manchin's high approval ratings and perceived invincibility (even in his own mind -- remember when he boasted to a Democrat legislator that he was "safe?") -- will scare away most top-tier contenders (whoever that may be), but Ireland, if she's sincerely disinterested in returning as SOS, could decide a high-profile gubernatorial run has its longterm benefits, even with a low chance of immediate success against Mojo.
The most interesting scenario to emerge from recent speculation has Betty running for the State Senate from Kanawha County, if Sen. Vic Sprouse decides not to seek reelection.
In 2004, Betty easily out-polled Shelley, Brent Benjamin and President Bush in Kanawha County, not a negligible feat.
But why would Ireland even consider a State Senate race after winning on the statewide level?
For one thing, she is more and more involved in caring for both of her parents who, both aged 93, are increasingly in need of her personal attention. A local campaign, compared to a statewide race, would allow her to stay close to home to oversee the care her parents need, and service in the Legislature would provide the same benefit.
Plus, Betty is a legislative-minded person, interested in the legislative process and more personally attuned to the kind of public service dealt with by lawmakers than that which the SOS office allows.
Plus, being a State Senator from Kanawha County -- the media center of the state -- would still provide a high-profile platform from which she could seek higher office in the future.
The final scenario is that Betty sits out 2008 entirely.
At any rate, if Ireland does abandon a reelection campaign, Republicans will be challenged to find someone capable of holding the office. With the Dems likely to run either Del. Joe DeLong or Natalie Tenant (Sen. Billy Wayne Bailey is a non-factor), the GOP will be hard-pressed to find a strong contender.
Will she run for gov, U.S. Senate, or -- State Senate?
BETTY IRELAND
Charges mount about DOH practices, plan for auctions
More questions kept coming Thursday about the Department of Highways' plans for auctions to divest itself of "idle" equipment, with current and former officeholders coming forth with additional information about questionable DOH practices.
Former Sen. Russ Weeks said Thursday he was aware of at least one case where DOH rented a backhoe in District 9 for $3500 a month for more than seven years, which could have paid for at least two state-owned backhoes. Another official said reporters should request a complete inventory of the equipment being
sold and suggested filing a Freedom of Information Act request to see whether the equipment was initially purchased through required bidding procedures.
Over the years, the state has allegedly purchased equipment from Hyundai, Kubota, Komatsu and other foreign makers at a price below similar equipment from, for example, John Deere, but then was consistently unable to get replacement parts, making the equipment practically useless and more costly in the long run than if it had purchased from John Deere, which quickly supplies parts.
Sprouse, Yoder attend Giuliani fundraiser
State Sens. Vic Sprouse and John Yoder traveled to Chevy Chase, Md., Thursday night to attend a fundraiser for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.
Afterwards, Yoder said he was extremely impressed by the former New York mayor and is solidly in the Giuliani camp. Sprouse was equally impressed, and said he would support Giuliani over any of the other announced candidates, but added that if former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson entered the race he might have to rethink his position.
Giuliani reportedly hauled in about $500,000 a day in a recent fundraising spurt.
Gov's reason for quiet gambling bill signing is dicey
Gov. Joe Manchin's decision to sign the table games bill in private rather than hold a ceremony was defended by his office for the reason that it was not one of the governor's bills.
But Manchin has held ceremonies to sign bills in the past that he did not introduce, including the "Logan's Law" bill, which was not Manchin's at all after the GOP insisted on changes that caused the rewritten bill to eventually be passed.
Nevertheless, while Manchin did not personally introduce the legislation, his fingerprints are all over it through his aggressive efforts to elect pro-gambling candidates. His signature on the bill means his administration will forever be remembered primarily for the Manchin Gambling Act of 2007.
Albright son still can't be reached
The Charleston Daily Mail reported Thursday that attorney Joseph Albright Jr., son of the state Supreme Court justice, has been disciplined by the high court for being unresponsive to several clients.
The most telling line in the story was that Albright Jr. "could not be reached for comment."
Chris Ferruso honored in Ohio
Chris Ferruso, nephew of longtime West Virginia GOP activist Agnes Ferruso, was honored recently for his service as an administrative assistant to Ohio State Sen. Steve Stivers. A video of the ceremony held to honor Chris is available here.
