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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2009Kansas on verge of OK'ing Blair-like drug test bill
Raleigh GOP endorses drug testing bill
The Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee on Tuesday added its endorsement to several others that have backed Del. Craig Blair's bill to randomly drug test recipients of public assistance.The state GOP endorsed the bill back in February, and Mercer and Berkeley counties followed suit. The bill has also been endorsed by the West Virginia Farm Bureau. The Kansas House of Representatives is on the verge of passing a drug testing bill similar to one offered in West Virginia by Del. Craig Blair.According to a story in the Topeka Capital-Journal, "If it is approved on a final vote Wednesday, the bill would still need to be adopted by the Senate and signed by the governor to become law."Critics of Blair's proposal have typically raised constitutional and fairness questions, but Kansas lawmakers who favor the proposal, including sponsor Kasha Kelley, said the state should work to get parents off illegal drugs and advance the interests of children in those families. “Shouldn’t you only be fearful if you’re using?” Kelley said. You can read the story here.Meanwhile, Blair is planning a press conference today at 4 p.m. to discuss the latest developments with his proposal.In four short years, it's a different court
Having Fun With Mojo
Mountain Mama, Obama and me
Hey kids! Mojo here! Remember how last year I told you not to worry about voting for Barack Obama? Remember how I said that he wasn't nearly as bad for West Virginia as the mean old Republicans said he was? Remember? In fact, what I said was, “One person, a governor, a president or whoever, doesn’t have the clout to change the things you’re concerned about when they (Republicans) get you all scared.”Remember that? I hope not! Cause it turns out I was really, really wrong!Like yesterday, Barack's EPA -- that stands for some big, long words -- sent a message that it's going to crack down hard on something called mountaintop removal, and it will pretty much be the first step in an all-out attack on the coal industry in our state! So what lesson have we learned, kids? That's right! When I tell you not to worry about something, GET REAL SCARED!Manchin's best move would be to leave McHugh in place
When some more time passes and it's appropriate for Gov. Joe Manchin to choose a replacement for the late Justice Joe Albright, his best move would be to appoint Tom McHugh to continue in the position he has been filling since Albright was first sidelined by illness.First, McHugh is a Democrat, so Mojo's party should be content with such a choice. Second, McHugh has already demonstrated the ability to play well with his fellow justices. Third, it is unlikely that McHugh would have any interest in seeking election in 2010, when voters will decide who fills the position until the term expires in 2012. The governor is apparently going to go through the sham process of having a committee make recommendations to fill the vacancy -- which means he lets the committee know who he wants, and that's who it recommends. Typical political gerrymandering would result in the governor filling the spot with someone who would then have a tremendous advantage as an "incumbent" in the election. Instead, the governor should put the best interests of the Court and the citizenry first, and let McHugh continue doing what he has already been doing so well.Going into the fall of 2004, the West Virginia Supreme Court consisted of Warren McGraw, Larry Starcher, Spike Maynard, Joe Albright and Robin Davis.Now, barely four years later, only Davis remains.Voters retired McGraw and Maynard. Starcher did not seek reelection. And, sadly, Albright lost a battle with cancer on Saturday.And when I say "sadly," that's not a case of a Republican crying crocodile tears over a Democrat. When it comes to life threatening illnesses, man's humanity toward his fellow man trumps the relative insignificance of politics. I wish Justice Albright had recovered and returned to the court, because someday his illness could well be an illness that strikes any one of us, and any one of us would want everyone's prayers, regardless of political party or philosophical differences.But the rapidity with which the makeup of the state Supreme Court has undergone a complete makeover is startling. The longterm effect of the changes remains to be seen.It also demonstrates how short-sighted those who advocate for change can sometimes be. As this world demonstrates time and again -- sometimes cruelly -- change just happens, without laws or rules or even elections forcing it to happen. Such is life.The Republican Gazette is owned, operated, written and edited by Gary Abernathy, and does not represent the views of any other person or organization, except for guest commentary signed by other contributors.
THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2009
St. Albans resident Brian Caldwell, center, with his wife, Mitzi, told reporters that if a drug testing bill sponsored by Del. Craig Blair, left, had been in effect several years ago, his life might have been different.
Former addict says Blair bill much needed
Local man tells of losing children due to drug use while on public aid
A local resident told a heart wrenching story Wednesday about how easy it was for him at one time to trade food stamps for drugs, and said Del. Craig Blair's bill to drug test recipients of public assistance could have changed his life.Brian Caldwell of St. Albans,along with his wife, Mitzi, appeared at a press conference with Blair, with Brian Caldwell recounting how easy it was to trade public assistance staples like food stamps for drugs -- feeding a drug habit that eventually cost him his first wife and their five children.
Caldwell was one of the first people to contact Blair by email a few weeks ago after he first read about the drug testing bill, offering his support and his own personal story based on his direct involvement in circumstances like those targeted by the bill.Caldwell has since kicked the habit and is studying a vocational trade.Excellent coverage is provided by the Beckley Register-Herald , WOWK-TV (video above left) and WCHS-TVGOP talks on session today
Minority Leader Tim Armstead and House Republicans are holding a press conference today to discuss the legislative session to date.The press event will take place at 4 p.m. at the State Capitol Building.WOWK drug test story (Real Player)
Craig Blair tentatively set to appear today on Neil Cavuto show on FOX at 4 p.m.
FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2009
National media focuses on drug test bill by Blair
Del. Craig Blair's bill to drug test recipients of welfare, unemployment and food stamps has become the focus of national media outlets after an AP story by Tom Breen was circulated nationally.On Thursday, Blair did interviews with CNN, Neil Cavuto of Fox, CBS Radio, and the Alan Combs show on Fox Radio. Blair is scheduled to do radio interviews today with LosAngeles and Pittsburgh stations, and on Saturday morning he will appear in the 7 a.m. hour of "Fox & Friends."During the Combs radio program Thursday evening, Blair debated Del. Carrrie Webster, who is holding the bill hostage in the Judiciary Committee, and who was either disconnected or hung up before the show was over. Del. Craig Blair conducts an interview with CNN via satellite from the studios of WCHS-TV in Charleston on Thursday. Blair's bill designed to randomly drug test recipients of welfare, food stamps and unemployment gained national attention after it was featured in a nationwide AP story that was carried by hundreds of newspapers across the country and linked by Drudge.
The soft-spoken demeanor of West Virginia House of Delegates Minority Leader Tim Armstead belies a determined spirit to lead the legislative team of Republicans in the short time remaining in the current legislative session. Armstead blames a Democratic-driven legislature placing additional burdens on the citizenry rather than doing its job of removing burdens on the citizenry.Republicans are poised to make a difference in the next several weeks by working to pass legislation so that people keep their hard earned dollars yet as Delegate Mitch Carmichael points out the Democrats are doing the opposite. “This is all about jobs. Jobs are not going overseas but rather, are going to other states".Armstead pointed out that there are now 24,200 less jobs in West Virginia than at this time last year. The state government should tighten its belt. To support this effort, Delegate Kelli Sobonya spoke of making a priority of passing H.B. 3091 which would promote transparency in state spending.When questioned by reporters, Armstead spoke of the desire of Republicans to undertake a bold agenda to address the problems of the state. In stark contrast, the Democrats don’t want to deal with the issues and are eager to avoid controversial issues. In a bit of comic relief but in all seriousness to the job at hand, Delegate John Overington stated that the rules do not prohibit dealing with controversial issues. Armstead summed up the tone of the legislative session to date by observing that the Democrats just want to “ride it out.” (Story by Marti Riggall) You can read the Beckley Register-Herald's report here.Armstead, GOP caucus discuss status of session so far
Blair on Fox News
Click on video at right to watch Del. Craig Blair's interview Thursday with Neil Cavuto of Fox News.
Del. Kelli Sobonya addresses the media Thursday during a press conference conducted by the GOP House caucus.
Blair takes on Combs, Webster on drug testing bill
CRAIG BLAIR
ALAN COMBS
CARRIE WEBSTER
Delegate appearing again today on Fox radio morning show at 9 a.m.
On Thursday night, Del. Craig Blair went head to head with Del. Carrie Webster to debate his drug testing bill on Alan Combs' national radio program on Fox. Before the segment ended -- and after two callers expressed support for Blair's bill -- Webster either hung up or was disconnected. When she was on, her main response to Blair was to repeat "Oh my gosh" as he spoke. Blair debated Combs himself for the remainder of the show. Hear the segment by clicking on the arrow below.
On Saturday morning, Blair appeared on the "Fox & Friends" morning TV show, debating a New York drug treatment counselor. Blair held up a small drug testing kit and pointed out that the test cost only $3.70. Blair spoke via satellite from West Virginia Republican headquarters in South Charleston (left). At right, Joe Stevens of The Media Center, which provided the video uplink to Fox, monitors the broadcast from his satellite truck parked just outside the GOP office. Blair is set to appear again on Fox radio today at 9 a.m.
(Submitted by Taylor GOP Chairman Sherman Davidson)
The Taylor County Republican Executive Committee on Saturday held a very successful Annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The two speakers for the event were Betty Ireland, former Secretary of State for WV, and Gary Abernathy, Executive Director of the WVGOP. The event took place with 65 persons participating. The dinner music was provided by The Gospel Express and Mrs. Jacci Maier. A WV Flag, which had flown over the State Capitol, was presented to Rev. Sherman G. Davidson, Taylor County chairman, who recently opened the WV Senate with prayer, invited by Senator Dave Sypolt, who also presented the flag. That flag will join a United States Flag, which was presented to Rev. Davidson as he opened the United States Senate with Prayer on May 8, 1988.
Other dignitaries who were present Saturday were Dr. Doug McKinney, WV GOP Chairman, and his wife, Sue; Del. Craig Blair from Berkeley County; Christy Barnett, member of the State Executive Committee; Sam Haddad, husband of Betty Ireland; Max and Jo Grove (Barbour County); Prosecuting Attorney John Bord and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Nines; Terry Funk Preston County Assessor; and Gary Howell, State Executive Committee member. David Arnold opened and closed the event with prayer.The event was hosted by the local Taylor Executive Committee: which aside from Davidson includes: Colonel Tom Bartlett, Vice Chairman; Aldene Davidson, Secretary;Taylor County GOP Committee member Mary Nines, left, presents Gary Abernathy and Betty Ireland with gifts at the conclusion of the Taylor County Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday near Grafton.
and Barbara Ratka, Treasurer with Rev. Davidson. The other members of the committee are Donnis and Judy Barney, Barbara Bartlett, Carolyn Bolyard, Berlyn and Marj Bryan, Bernard Horovitz, David and Mary Nines, and David and Debbie Sbarra,
The Committee has also planned a Summer Picnic 08-22-09 at Tygart Lake State Park, annual Hog Roast at the Taylor County Senior Center on 10-10-2009 and the Annual Christmas Party on 12-22-2009 at the Tygart Lake Restaurant. The Committee is also in process of having a Web Site and a news letter.Ireland addresses Taylor Co. Lincoln Day Saturday night
(Press Release) West Virginia Young Republicans Chairman Ashley Stinnett recently resigned his position. As a result, Vice-Chairman Mike Howerton will be the political youth organization’s acting chairman. "To be able to serve as chairman for nearly 3 years was something I will forever be grateful for," said Stinnett. "We certainly accomplished a lot over that course of time. I am proud of the fact the West Virginia Young Republicans has become an extremely effective statewide grassroots organization." Howerton will be chairman of the organization until the Young Republicans' next election of officers, which is scheduled to take place at this year’s summer meeting."Mike has been with the organization since its re-chartering in 2006. He was the first county chairman under our new charter,” said Stinnett, "Mike knows the goals of the club and he will carry those out over the course of the next few months."Howerton steps in as new YR chairman
Beckley reporter pens book on Shirley Love
Longtime Beckley Register-Herald reporter Mannix Porterfield has authored a new book on the life of Shirley Love, a former radio, TV and wrestling announcer who later became a state senator. "A Man Called Shirley" explores how "talent, desire, and energy can propel a shy individual with a provocative name from obscurity to success." The book can be previewed and ordered by clicking here.MONDAY MARCH 30, 2009WEDNESDAY APRIL 1, 2009(Press Release) Former United States Senator John Sununu will address attendees of a luncheon on June 13 in Martinsburg, prior to the summer meeting of the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee, state GOP Chairman Doug McKinney announced Monday. Sununu is a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel charged with monitoring the government's Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Sen. Mitch McConnell, who appointed Sununu to the position, said, “Sen. Sununu has long been a leader on economic and financial market issues and has dedicated his career to ensuring that Congress remains good stewards of taxpayer funds. As the co-author of legislation to strengthen oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, John raised warning flags about the risks in our mortgage finance system years ago. American taxpayers and Congress will find that John is well-equipped to provide timely reports on the use of funds and ensure TARP funds are properly allocated to ensure the long-term stability of America’s financial system.” In 1996, Sununu was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New Hampshire. He was reelected in 1998 and 2000. In 2002, Sununu was elected to the U.S. Senate. He is the son of John H. Sununu, former Governor of New Hampshire (1983–89) and former White House Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush. More details on the Martinsburg event will be announced soon, but McKinney today announced additional details for the May 22 fundraising event with Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee. The Steele event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston. Tickets will be $50 each, and can be reserved by contacting 304-768-0493. “We’re excited about these upcoming visits, and we look forward to announcing more big events for West Virginia Republicans in the near future,” said McKinney.Since Delegate Carrie Webster has arbitrarily refused to allow the drug testing bill to come out of the House Judiciary Committee despite overwhelming public support for the measure, Delegate Craig Blair will go before the whole House of Delegates today and demand a vote on discharging the bill from committee so it can receive an up or down vote. Blair will likely have his opportunity to demand the discharge vote between 11 and 11:30 a.m. Webster has refused to give the bill a hearing. She ironically claims it is not ready for consideration, and that questions have not been answered about its costs -- exactly the kinds of issues that are meant to be worked out in the committee process. But Webster has refused to even assign those issues for study. 
Former Senator Sununu at GOP summer meeting in Martinsburg
JOHN SUNUNU
More details announced for visit by RNC Chairman Steele on May 22nd
Blair will demand up or down vote on drug testing
Random Thoughts & Observations
Given that there's almost unanimous agreement from everyone that Justice Tom McHugh should be appointed to fill the vacancy created by Justice Joe Albright's death, Gov. Joe Manchin should forget about even constituting the panel he earlier announced to make recommendations and simply appoint McHugh......Speaking of Justice Albright, I'm not the only one who noticed that the Charleston Gazette's editorial last week in memory of Albright was about as succinct and perfunctory as possible. Was the Gazette not a fan?......Thank goodness the West Virginia State Senate rejected the misguided bill to force restaurants to list calorie legislation, another unnecessary burden for businesses......Speaking of ridiculous government intervention, it was nice to sit in a Taylor County pizza parlor Saturday evening where smoking was permitted. It was like being in America again.......Monday's party-line vote in the House of Delegates defeating a discharge motion on the marriage amendment was yet another example of the Democrat Party's growing disconnect with the people of West Virginia, and today's expected vote on the drug testing measure will likely reinforce that fact......A personal thanks to Chairman Sherman Davidson for inviting me to speak at the Taylor County Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, along with Betty Ireland. He and his committee arranged for great live music and an outstanding meal, and an enthusiastic GOP crowd was on hand. Well done.TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2009Gore admits global warming a complete hoax
In a stunning announcement, Al Gore admitted today that global warming is a complete hoax, and he's been getting filthy rich promoting an idea that had no scientific basis whatsoever."Can you imagine the fun I've been having?" said Gore from an undisclosed location. "People have been eating this stuff up! Good grief! I've won an Oscar! I've won the Nobel Prize! How gullible can people be?"Gore said the idea of creating a global warming scare came to him one day in 2001 when he opened his oven to take out his fourth pizza of the day."I was in pitiful shape. I was overweight. My beard was so thick I looked like Grizzly Adams. I was completely depressed over losing the 2000 election, and I blamed it on big business. But I didn't know what to do about it," said Gore."Then that blast of hot air from the oven hit me, and it came to me -- there are millions of suckers around the world who just might buy the notion that business and industry are causing the earth to get warmer," said Gore.Gore said he developed his pseudo-scientific global warming theories by asking a second grade class in Madison, Tennessee, to do the research, which was completed in about a half hour.
"I almost fall out of my chair laughing every time I sit through another screening of 'An Inconvenient Truth,'" said Gore. "If I want an extra chuckle, I just sneak a peek at the faces of the audiences who attend this thing, and shake my head at the serious looks on their faces. Where do they find these people?" Gore said he has enjoyed having the last laugh."Big business is crumbling, banks are failing, the auto industry is in shambles, and people are being thrown out of their homes," laughed Gore. "All because of the expensive and unnecessary changes forced on them by 'green' policies! Can you imagine -- even Wal-Mart has gone green! What a crock!"Gore said his next venture will be to convince people that aliens from Mars are preparing an imminent attack, and the only way to stop them is for people to surrender their cars and only ride bicycles for transportation. Based on that scenario, Gore said his next film will be titled, "How Frickin' Inconvenient Will You Let Me Make Your Life Before You Finally Stop Me?" Gore said he expects it to sweep all the major film awards.And unfortunately, today is April Fool's Day -- conveniently.Dems kill bill to weed out drug abusers
Legislation would have kept tax dollars from supporting drug habits of chronic abusers
(Press Release) House Democrats Tuesday voted down a bill designed to make sure taxpayer dollars used for public assistance programs are not being used to feed drug habits instead of putting food on the table for children.By a roll call vote of 70-30, with all Republicans voting for the bill and all Democrats but one voting against it, Del. Craig Blair’s motion to discharge the drug testing bill from committee was defeated.“Today’s vote sends a clear message that the majority party in this chamber is out of touch with the average West Virginian,” said Blair. “This measure has overwhelming support from the people of West Virginia, and that’s because of one simple reason – they have seen for themselves the abuse that exists in the system, and the families and children who suffer because of drug addiction. But Democrats in the House of Delegates apparently have no interest in addressing the problem in a meaningful way.”The bill had languished in the Judiciary Committee, chaired by Democrat Delegate Carrie Webster, so Blair took to the floor of the House today to demand an up or down vote. Every Republican member of the House supported the bill, along with Democrat Delegate Tom Louisos.Blair said that his bill could have helped prevent the need for an unemployment compensation bill pending in the legislature that will likely raise jobless insurance rates on employers and employees both, since those who abuse the system would be weeded out under Blair’s bill. Blair promised to keep fighting for the people of West Virginia. “I’m going to keep looking for ways to amend this bill into other legislation. But even if I can’t, the people of West Virginia can know that I’ve heard their voices loud and clear, and my fellow Republicans and I will keep fighting for issues that are important to them, whether the powers that be agree with us or not.” Read Beckley Register-Herald coverage, Charleston Gazette story.CRAIG BLAIR
KELLI SOBONYA
Sobonya bill on bus stop moving on
A bill sponsored by Del. Kelli Sobonya to increase penalties for ignoring a stopped school bus is moving forward after it was successfully amended into another bill on Tuesday.
As reported by The Associated Press, "A Tuesday amendment keeps alive the push to increase criminal penalties against such drivers. It would make the offense on par with drunken driving. A driver who causes injury would face up to three years in prison, or up to ten if there's a death. Both crimes would be felonies."Sobonya was moved to sponsor the bill after the tragic 2007 death of 6-year-old Haven Brooke McCarthy, who was killed by a motorist as she stepped off a Lincoln County school bus.
TIM ARMSTEAD
Armstead doing web Live Chat
After some GOP commentators (yours truly included) made fun of Natalie Tennant for being the first guest on anew Charleston Gazette online feature called "Live Chat," Gazette columnist Phil Kabler wrote on a "Squawk Box" feature, "Sorry guys, there’s no black helicopters here. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few Republicans show up on future live chats." Sure enough, GOP House leader Tim Armstead is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday. OK, we get one.
Quote machine Mojo on roll in Daily Mail
Gov. Joe Manchin is often a quote machine gone wild, which is why he is rarely unscripted. But in a rambling editorial board session with the Charleston Daily Mail that produced two stories (here and here), the gov exceeded even his own usual high standards. Here are the choicest of the choice.On Del. Craig Blair's drug testing bill: "If that's public policy, then why not test everyone who gets a public paycheck? I wouldn't have a problem with it." Can Blair re-introduce the bill?
On his superhuman powers: "I know that if I can liquefy coal until we get to fusion, then I'm saying I'm fine." Will you feel OK if you can turn water into wine? Nuclear-ize rocks? Leap tall buildings in a single bound?
On how smart his aunt is: "I say if you're going to give my aunt a $400 tax rebate but you're going to charge her $100 a month more for electricity, she'll figure that out. I don't think that's going to go over very well." Maybe you could exampt her, like she's Oshel Craigo or someone.
On other countries: "India won't slow down. China doesn't play by the rules." Does France take steroids? Does Germany cheat at golf?
And, best of all, his biggest worry as Governor:"My number one concern is the security of the nation." Apparently, typical governor-type worries like jobs must wait until the gov secures the country. Godspeed, Mojo. Please keep giving interviews.
