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Benjamin campaign believe to this day that Blankenship's spending may have hurt more than it helped, that since joining the bench Benjamin has ruled against Massey more than 80 percent of the time with rulings against Massey costing it much more than rulings in its favor, or that Benjamin heard several Massey cases before anyone thought to ask him to step aside.
These would be inconvenient facts that do not fit neatly within the simplistic story line that Caperton wants to promote, i.e., "evil coal baron buys seat on state Supreme Court, and if you don't believe us, read a John Grisham novel."Whether Blankenship helped or hurt the Benjamin campaign is an issue for legitimate debate. But for those who may snicker at the notion that Blankenship's $3 million in spending may have actually hurt Benjamin in 2004, consider 2006, when Blankenship undertook another multi-million dollar campaign in support of 40 Republicans in House of Delegate races, the result being that 39 of those races were lost to the Democrats. The point is, a large expenditure of funds in and of itself does not guarantee victory, or necessarily serve as the deciding factor even when victory does result.An old saying holds that victory has a thousand fathers, defeat is an orphan. There are many factors in Benjamin's victory in 2004, and Blankenship's spending may well have been one of them. But it is almost indisputable that the major factor in the race was incumbent Warren McGraw's own bizarre Labor Day speech at Racine, captured on tape and played in various forms on radio and TV for the people of West Virginia, who decided they no longer wanted such a character to continue serving on their highest court. (In fact, McGraw himself has laid the blame for his defeat squarely on his own Labor Day rant, later filing suit against someone who was involved in a car accident with him before that speech, claiming that the resulting injuries and pain caused him to act so strangely, thereby costing him the election.) During a press conference after oral arguments last Tuesday (video above), lawyers for Harman and Massey took questions from the media, and it was embarrassing to see just how one-sided most questions were, revealing a firm pro-Harman bias. Caperton himself briefly stepped up to the mike at the very end (with a Charleston Gazette reporter by his side), and the first question asked of him was, "How did you feel when you walked into court (in West Virginia) and there was a judge who had received $3 million from your opponent?" Caperton, of course, could have pointed out that a group to which he contributed, Consumers for Justice, spent $2.4 million on his side, but that would not have fit the story line he and his lawyers have carefully crafted, and which the media finds convenient to repeat in lieu of the story that really occurred.
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MONDAY MARCH 9, 2009Lost in Caperton-Massey are the actual case merits
While the politics of recusal gets attention, the media loses interest in the fact that the case was rightly decided, and that the vaunted 'deciding vote' was by Fred Fox, not Benjamin
If all you knew about the case of Hugh Caperton's Harman Mining v. Don Blankenship's A.T. Massey company was what you had read in the press for the past six months, you would conclude that Caperton lost at the state Supreme Court level only because Brent Benjamin heard the case, and his judgment was tainted by Blankenship's spending in the 2004 election. You would have no clue that Caperton lost the case not because of a biased judge, but because the merits of his case were completely lacking -- a fact agreed to by two of the most respected judges in West Virginia, Robin Davis and Fred Fox.Davis is currently the longest serving justice on the state Supreme Court. Fox is practically a legend in West Virginia in regard to the respect in which he is held, and is the chairman of the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission.Along with Benjamin, they looked at the facts of Caperton v. Massey, and concluded that Massey was right and Caperton was wrong. Remember the tortured route this case took? It was first heard by Benjamin, Davis, Larry Starcher, Spike Maynard and Joe Albright, with Benjamin, Davis and Maynard ruling for Massey, Starcher and Albright dissenting. But after the Maynard-Blankenship vacation photos surfaced (courtesy of a Caperton lawyer), Maynard stepped down from Massey cases, and Starcher stepped aside from the Caperton-Massey case. The case was then considered again, with Hampshire County Circuit Judge Donald Cookman replacing Maynard, and Marion County Circuit Judge Fred Fox replacing Starcher. Once more, Benjamin and Davis sided with Massey, while Albright and Cookman went with Harman. Fox -- sitting in for Starcher, remember -- cast his vote for Massey. In reality, despite what the media loves to report, Fred Fox ended up casting the "deciding vote" in the case, if there is such a thing when three justices agree.It is ironic that had Starcher not recused himself -- which he admittedly did only to try to force Benjamin to do the same -- Caperton would have found himself victorious. So, twice the state Supreme Court considered this case, and twice Massey prevailed on the merits -- the merits being that after Harman won a big verdict against Massey in a Virginia court, they decided to file suit against Massey in plaintiff-friendly West Virginia on even broader issues stemming from the Virginia case. But the Supreme Court majority ruled -- twice -- that West Virginia (or any other state than Virginia, for that matter) was not the right venue to puruse this particular case.The case law on which those findings were made is so beyond reasonable argument that Caperton decided against arguing it at all. Instead, he and his lawyers engaged in the old shell game, substituting an entirely new argument focusing on judicial recusal for the merits of the case itself, which had proven to be a consistent loser.For the most part, with a handful of notable exceptions, the media has been delighted to help Caperton play his poker hand, engaging in the ultimate bluff -- bamboozling most of the public and possibly even the United States Supreme Court with the notion that they're holding a Royal Flush in the form of a clear-cut populist argument that a judge supported by millions of dollars should under no circumstances sit on a case in which that supporter is a part. Don't look at the man behind the curtain, folks. Pay no mind to the fact that Blankenship's spending was done without any input or approval from Benjamin, that many in the Blair talks drug testing on statewide television, thousands weigh in online
Caperton/Harman lawyer Ted Olson, left, and Massey lawyer Andrew Frey discuss the big case. Watch it here.
Caperton, Massey lawyers discuss case
Del. Craig Blair discussed his widely talked about bill to drug test recipients of public assistance on "Decision Makers" over the weekend, telling host Bray Cary that the bill has widespread support across West Virginia and will meet legal standards."Decision Makers" is broadcast on stations across the state on Saturday and Sunday, and is also available online. You can watch the video at left.Meanwhile, thousands of residents are commenting on news sites carrying stories on Blair's proposal, with WSAZ-TV's report alone followed now by more than 350 posts. His own site continues to be updated with new comments, too.Legislative Democrats who no doubt hope to simply ignore the bill might find that they have gotten too far behind the curve as the issue resonates with the public. CNN rips Manchin over big pay hike for himself, freezing others' salaries
On CNN's Lou Dobbs program recently, a report ripped Gov. Joe Manchin for taking a big pay raise for himself while freezing the wages of other state workers.The report contained interviews with state workers who said they could barely make ends meet, while Manchin's salary has increased by well over 50 percent. You can watch the report in the video at right.Manchin engaged in a somewhat bizarre exercise in showing his dedication to responsible spending during the economic downturn by canceling an annual legislative black-tie reception known inside the Capitol as the "prom." But the event was canceled only after invitations were sent.Manchin's claim during the 2008 campaign that West Virginia was poised to weather the economic downturn seems less true with each passing week.Dick Morris rips Mollohan on use of earmarks for non-profits
Friday night, political guru Dick Morris ripped into Congressman Alan Mollohan, saying Mollohan abuses earmarks to create phony non-profit organizations, then buys land in Florida with the executive director of the company where the earmarks are sent.Morris was appearing on Greta Van Sustern's program, and his comments come near the end of the segment available at left.Morris also said that Mollohan is under FBI investigation.Mollohan has been the subject of various reports over the last two years regarding his use of earmarks. Meanwhile, there has been increased interest of late among Republicans in the 1st Congressional District about finding a strong candidate to challenge Mollohan in the 2010 elections. 
TUESDAY MARCH 10, 2009
Blair's drug test bill finally formally unveiled
Sources said late Monday the bill, 12 days after it was presented, finally debuts today
The most talked-about piece of legislation so far this year in the West Virginia Legislature will finally be unveiled today in official form when Del. Craig Blair's drug testing bill is formally introduced.Sources at the Capitol said late Monday the bill was online for introduction today.Blair's bill would require anyone signing up for welfare, food stamps or jobless benefits to agree to random drug testing.Blair has been annoyed at the amount of time his bill has languished in the drafting and assignment process, but it will emerge today as HB 3007, according to sources. Blair is waiting to find out to which committees the bill will be assigned.The merits of Blair's bill have been debated on talk radio, television and newspapers ever since he announced the idea almost two weeks ago. Every online poll conducted by various media outlets shows the measure with support in the 80 to 90 percent range.The bill has been formally endorsed by the state Republican Party as well as some county GOP committees. Other special interest organizations are said to be considering endorsing the bill as well.McKinney blasts Dem failure to OK amendment by GOP on funds
DOUG McKINNEY
Add-on would have promised that taxpayers would not be committed when stimulus ends
(Press Release) State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney said Monday that Democrats in the State Legislature displayed a complete lack of fiscal responsibility by rejecting an amendment offered by House Republicans that would ensure that West Virginia taxpayers are not on the hook for additional spending after federal economic stimulus funds expire.“By rejecting this common sense amendment, Democrat leaders are making it clear they intend to burden the West Virginia taxpayer with additional obligations long after the short-term effects of the so-called economic stimulus package are gone,” said McKinney.The amendment offered by Republicans said simply, “All economic stimulus funding should be expended in the most efficient and effective manner possible to either create or preserve jobs for West Virginia’s citizens, and in a manner that will ensure that the West Virginia taxpayers will not be left with the burden of funding new or expanded programs in future years when the economic stimulus funding is no longer available to West Virginia from the federal government.”The amendment was intended to be added to House Resolution 18, which attempts to ensure that stimulus spending is used to buy “materials, goods and services for projects from companies that are produced with in the United States…” “By failing to go on record making sure we do not engage in projects which will cost more than the stimulus funds provide, Democrats are making it clear that they see this as an opportunity to force their pet projects onto the people of West Virginia with no plan to pay for them after stimulus funds expire,” said McKinney.The amendment was offered by Delegates Tim Armstead, Mike Porter, Daryl Cowles, Patrick Lane, Larry Border, Craig Blair, John Overington, John Shott and Jonathan Miller. Democrats again seek to add people to anti-discrimination laws based on who they choose to have sex with
Kanawha County Democrats once again find high on their agenda the need to amend the state's discrimination laws to include people who have sex with those of the same gender. The measure is introduced by Sen. Brooks McCabe and supported by Del. Carrie Webster, who bizarrely told the Charleston Daily Mail that her job as judiciary chair is "to unite." Since when? What job description did she read?The fallacy of the reasoning offered by McCabe, Webster and others on this issue has been explored here before. WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2009Blair's drug test bill introduced; click link at left to watch report
Random thoughts & observations
I visited a local bookstore Tuesday night hoping to find something -- anything -- on Barack Obama, and I was disappointed to discover that there were not more than 50 or 60 titles to choose from. After mentally agonizing over choosing between "Barack Obama: His Historic Journey" or "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope" or "Barack Obama: A Coloring & Activity Book," I gave up and settled for "The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan: A History of the End of the Cold War."......I do not normally feel the need to share every mundane moment of my life with the world, or drivel on about how I happen to feel today, or talk about what mood I'm in, or what I had for lunch, or who I saw on the street, or share photos from my family album, or assume the world is interested in every piece of minutia about my existence, so therefore I have resisted the urge to Twitter, or have my own Facebook or MySpace page, or visit others. I am content to limit my daily drivel to this old fashioned website, a forum I realize is becoming increasingly archaic......In regard to the Harman Mining v. A.T. Massey case, it is interesting that among lawyers, those who have long believed Harman would prevail have changed their minds after reading the transcript of oral arguments at the Supreme Court last week, while those who have believed all along that Massey would prevail now have their doubts. Which just goes to show you, this thing is unpredictable. My money is on Massey prevailing, 7-2......I wondered if Secretary of State Natalie Tennant had used the occasion of the naming of another female Mountaineer to issue a press release reminding the media that she was the first, and learned that not only did she do that, she supplied a couple of pictures from her Mountaineer days in case anyone wanted to use them. Never misses a trick, this one......It was particularly interesting that legislative Democrats refused to adopt a GOP amendment insisting that taxpayers don't end up on the hook for projects started with limited stimulus funds. The floodgates are open......OK, in case you were wondering, I feel great today, I'm in a fair to medium mood, I had a Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries for lunch yesterday, I'll probably have that again today, I bought a great new tie last night to go with my dark blue shirt, I gotta get my car in for an oil change soon, and I have two friends, one of whom just posted this comment: "I'm not your friend, dude." Last login: Nobody's business.In the movie "The Philadelphia Experiment" the destroyer USS Eldridge is part of an experiment to make warships invisible and everything goes wrong. Well maybe Delegate Jeff Eldridge (D-Lincoln) needs to become invisible, because he has gone all wrong. Delegate Eldridge has proposed a bill to ban the sale of Barbie. Yes, Barbie, the Mattel doll that is turning 50 years old this year. The same doll that has taught generation of young girls they could strive for more. In 1965 Mattel introduced Astronaut Barbie years before real life women were accepted into NASA's Space Program. Barbie has worn the uniform our all branches of our armed services, competed in the Olympics and been part of the corporate world. While Barbie may just be a doll in the world of the imagination she has shown lots of young girls what they could be and many have gone on to achieve more than even Barbie, because they dare believe in themselves. Now it has not been reported if Delegate Eldridge is going base his bill off another law. One law that I did find that was similar was passed by Saudi Arabia in 2003 in which Saudi's outlawed the sale of Barbie dolls, saying that she did not conform to the ideals of Islam. Perhaps the real reason for outlawing Barbie in West Virginia is because she is shown taking career paths that are unlikely to be available in our state because of the tax and legal structure that keeps us at 50th in the states rankings?Delegate Eldridge should be introducing legislation to improve the economic conditions in West Virginia by putting in a business friendly tax structure and revamping our legal system to attract businesses to the state. Let's create the economic opportunity for the young girls in this state to actually have the jobs that Barbie shows them are available, so they don't have to leave the state to find those careers. Instead changing West Virginia for the better, what the delegate proposes is to take away the young girls dreams of being something better because his party is unwilling to offer it to the people of this state and they don't want the people to leave to find it.Just throw another
law on the Barbie!
By Gary Howell
Foster wins first 'Order of Guthrie' award; Varner gets honorable mention
Kanawha County Sen. Dan Foster has won The Republican Gazette's first "The Order of Guthrie" award, given for supporting anti-business legislation. Foster wins for his bill requiring restaurants to post calorie counts on their big menu boards, something that is another example of governmental social engineering, and would cost local franchise holders thousands of dollars, since in most cases the corporate headquarters aren't going to pick up the costs. And even if they did, it's still wrong. But honorable mention goes to "pro business" Democrat Scott Varner, a Delegate who recently insisted that all projects using stimulus funds must pay prevailing wage. Congratulations to this week's winners of "The Order of Guthrie."THURSDAY MARCH 12, 2009Farm Bureau to back Blair's bill
on drug testing
At a press conference today, the West Virginia Farm Bureau is expected to endorse the drug testing bill proposed by Del. Craig Blair.In fact, such testing is also part of the Farm Bureau's legislative agenda. Blair met Monday evening with representatives of the organization.Blair's measure has been a hot button issue across the state, but now it appears to be picking up momentum across the country, with national outlets contacting Blair for interviews.Blair's bill would require those signing up for welfare, food stamps or unemployment benefits to agree to random drug testing. If they test positive, benefits will continue for two months while recipients work to become drug free. The assistance would only end if the recipient continued to test positive 60 days later.The press conference with the Farm Bureau is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today at the State Capitol Building.Your West Virginia Legislature is a wonderful House of democracy in which all people, groups, and organizations are free to gather and express their position on various issues. Frequently, labor unions stage enthusiastic, informative rallies designed to advance their agenda. I welcome the input of all people and organizations. However, no elected representative should sacrifice ones position on an issue merely due to the pressure of any person, union, or organization.This past week witnessed a loud rally at the Capital by labor leaders and members on behalf of House Resolution #18. The language of the resolution primarily dealt with the Federal Stimulus money to be received by the state of WV as well as a provision that the monies be spent only for products that are made in America. Many labor supporters from Jackson County attended this event.While I certainly understand an initial reaction to buy only American products, a thorough study of such a protectionist measure reveals its disastrous consequences throughout history. In fact, most economist point to the protectionist policies enacted in the year 1929 as a major contributor to the causes of the great depression. Further, it should be noted that Jackson County and the entire state of West Virginia is greatly benefited by trade. Our state exports over $5 billion in products throughout the world. The U.S. Dept. of Commerce estimates that for every $1 billion in exports, 15,000 jobs are created. In addition, the major private sector employers in Jackson County are foreign owned companies: ALCAN, KS, and Toyota in Putnam County. These companies are great corporate citizens and provide good jobs.With due respect for the position expressed by the labor unions, I voted against this resolution. In my opinion, it would be counter-productive to place a protectionist barrier around American made products while simultaneously exporting over $5 billion to foreign markets. Essentially, we would be in the position of saying to the world “buy WV products, but we won’t buy your products”. The way through this economic downturn is to encourage free and fair trade. We should not erect trade barriers.This type of debate is exactly what should occur within our democratic institutions. While we might not always agree, we should always respect the opinion of our fellow citizens and seek the best solution. Your delegate welcomes this exchange of ideas. Please note that I will be focused on issues that improve the health, welfare, and education of our population. I’ll leave the discussion about Barbie Dolls to others.Protectionism is
the wrong policy for West Virginia
By Delegate
Mitch Carmichael
JAY ROCKEFELLER
Congressional Quarterly reported Tuesday that Sen. Jay Rockefeller has started a new PAC, but what it failed to note was that it operates from a law firm that was also home base for a PAC associated with Senate President Harry Reid that was caught up in the Norman Hsu affair.New Rockefeller PAC operating from home base of one tied to Hsu scandal
As reported by CQ, "It’s never too late for a lawmaker to start his own political action committee. Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., who began serving in 1985, has opened a new fund called Mountaineer PAC, taken from the state’s motto 'Mountaineers Are Always Free.'" But a quick look at the actual filing reveals that the physical and email addresses associated with Rockefeller's new PAC are exactly the same as those used by Searchlight Leadership Fund, a political action committee associated with Harry Reid.As described in a 2007 article on the Free Republic website, "Federal Election Commission documents record that on May 17, 2007, (fugitive fundraiser Norman) Hsu donated $1,000 to the Searchlight Leadership Fund, a political action committee associated with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. On the same day, Searchlight received a $1,000 contribution from Winkle Paw, described by Hsu’s lawyer as a business associate of Hsu. Also donating $1,000 to Searchlight that day was Paul Su of Dilini Management Group, a company Hsu listed on a form while making a political contribution to Senator Dianne Feinstein. "These donations to Searchlight expose a funding conduit reaching to the heart of Harry Reid’s political machine. The financial trail stretches back to Reid’s hometown, his longtime business associate Jay Brown, and his Nevada gambling industry patrons; and it connects the Hsu affair to scandal-ridden lobbyists William Oldaker and Jack Abramoff, Reid’s financial consigliere Claude Zobell, and a political action committee targeting freshmen Congressmen."Later, that same article notes that the law firm of Perkins Coie "lobbies for various interests ranging from natural resources and computers to Indian casinos." It also notes that "April 2007 FEC documents list Searchlight Leadership Fund as having an address of 607 14th Street NW, Suite 800 in Washington, DC, with an email address of PLGroup@perkinscoie.com: the same Perkins Coie addresses used by the Democratic Freshmen PAC in its June 2007 filing." Those same Perkins Coie physical and email addresses are now also shared by Rockefeller's new "Mountaineer PAC," as well as the "John D. Rockefeller IV" committee to which the filing says the Mountaineer PAC is connected.In November 2007, a federal grand jury indicted Hsu on charges of violating federal campaign finance laws and defrauding investors out of at least $20 million. In January 2008, Hsu was sentenced to jail for 3 years by California Superior Court Judge Stephen Hall, but on the federal level, Hsu is charged with mail fraud, wire fraud and violating the Federal Election Campaign Act. He could face a sentence of up to 45 years in prison.Survey ranks West Virginians unhappiest in the nation
A new national survey ranks West Virginia 50th in regard to residents' feelings of happiness and well being -- and no wonder, after nearly eight decades of Democrat rule.A survey conducted by Gallup in partnership with Healthways and America's Health Insurance Plans, gives high marks to Utah as the happiest state.But as a news article on the survey notes, "'wild, wonderful' West Virginia was ranked last among the states."According to the article, "Jim Harter, a researcher at Gallup, said he was reluctant to explain regional differences without more study, but he suspected that some of the variations are explained by income. For example, when people were asked to examine their status in life now and five years from now, wealthier people tended to score higher."
Eric Nielsen, a Gallup spokesman, said, "It's not just about physical health. It's about their ability to contribute at work and be more productive, and it's about feeling engaged in a community and wanting to improve that community."Why are bills taking such a long time to be introduced in 09?
It appears that Del. Craig Blair's drug testing bill is not the only piece of legislation taking forever to reach the actual introduction stage.In fact, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are complaining about how long their legislation is languishing in the drafting process.Several gun bills -- even those sent down by Democrats -- are being handled at a snail's pace. It's been nearly three weeks since a bill was offered to exempt individuals who have concealed handgun licenses from the prohibition on weapons on school property. On the Democratic side, quite a few gun-related bills have been submitted but only one has been introduced. Some suspect that to cover for this foot-dragging, the bill drafting office has actually generated a large volume of bills—nearly 1100 in the House and over 500 in the Senate. But in terms of substance, most of these are minor bills. The bills that are languishing are the big-ticket bills that would substantially shift public policy and generate real, meaningful debate over major issues, rather than tinker with the minutia of rather mundane issues that do not impact the big picture at the end of the day. And the later those bills finally appear, the less time for controversy.Some suspect that Speaker Rick Thompson is encouraging the slowdown to reduce his exposure to the crossfire between Delegate Carrie Webster and outside groups focused on guns and abortion -- groups like West Virginians for Life, which expects a pro-life Speaker to allow occasional legislative victories.Many think there is a growing movement within WVFL to demand that the Speaker choose between them and Webster. But Webster controls enough votes to determine the outcome of a Speaker’s race.FRIDAY MARCH 13, 2009
Farm Bureau says 19,000 members back drug test bill
West Virginia Farm Bureau officials said Thursday its 19,000 members are backing Del. Craig Blair's bill to drug test individuals who sign up for welfare, food stamps and jobless benefits, noting that a similar measure has been part of Farm Bureau's legislative agenda for several years.At a press conference at the State Capitol, Farm Bureau officials, including president Charles Wilfong, offered a hearty endorsement of Blair's bill.In his own remarks, Blair said that contrary to comments by House Judicary Chair Carrie Webster, "The human factor is what this bill is all about. We need to make sure our public assistance system is solvent for those who truly need it, like the folks laid off from Century Aluminum, Chesapeake and other layoffs lately."Blair said the bill is " responsible because it makes sure hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly by our government. It’s compassionate because it gives people the chance to become drug free while continuing to receive assistance. And it’s cost effective because it will discourage drug users from signing up for assistance in the first place, and weed out countless more who try to work the system over the course of their whole lifetimes."Above, Del. Craig Blair addresses reporters at a press conference Thursday with the Farm Bureau. At right, a report from WOWK-TV. Other news coverage was provided by WSAZ-TV, the Charleston Daily Mail, and the Beckley Register-Herald.
Shelley pulls a fast one on Barney
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito pulled a fast one on Congressman Barney Frank last week when the Massachussetts representative unwittingly helped her secure more time for remarks by Congressman Dan Burton against a banking related amendment. Watch the video at right. MONDAY MARCH 16, 2009Sobonya bill on bus safety out of Judiciary phase
A bill sponsored by Del. Kelli Sobonya increasing penalties for failing to heed stopped school buses has made its way out of the Judiciary Committee.The bill was prompted by the 2007 death of 6-year-old Haven Brooke McCarthy, who was killed by a motorist as she stepped off a Lincoln County school bus.As reported by The Associated Press, the father and grandmother of the little girl were on hand Friday when "the House Judiciary Committee voted to make the offense on par with drunken driving. The crime would become a felony punishable by one to three years in prison if the driver causes injury, or one to 10 if there's a death."Click above to watch a WOWK-TV report on Del. Kelli Sobonya's school bus legislation.
Passage of gay rights bill will have some unintended business consequences; and what will the gov do?
I would like to write a few comments on the Human Rights/sexual orientation bill SB 238 that passed the Senate last Friday. There were some interesting speeches made. Most of the speeches and points made in support of the legislation were the classic liberal ad hominem argument. Attack the man not the message. Senator McCabe is an exception to that. He sought to argue a business purpose citing several large company policy statements. The rest of the arguments were basically attacks on the religious right combined with the implication that a failure to vote for this would be considered a lapse into a judgmental oppression of a deserving minority. The reason for the lapse according the Chairman of the Judiciary was a lack of courage on the part of those voting “no.” I make the following response to the accusation that a pro-gay, pro choice, pro left radical agenda now controls the entire country. Resistance to this trend may be considered reactionary but it is not a lack of courage. I have to wonder how we reached the point of such simplicity and lack of perception of the nuances of this issue. Here are a few of my responses.To those who see the business purpose of this legislation I make the following remarks. Remember most of the businesses in West Virginia are small. I think they will have to spend money to educate their employees on how to deal with the subjective situation in which they will find themselves. This will cost money, it will lower profits and probably cost the state revenue. This bill should have had a fiscal note.Also most large technology companies have long been known for their active gay agenda. It is well known to those who study these things that most of the companies mentioned on the floor have not only sought to provide rights but have long been active promoters of the gay lifestyle. They sponsor gay events and parades, etc. Corporate dollars have been the financial backbone of the gay rights movement. It is perfectly logical as a strategy to use them as an argument and it was a good strategic move. Senator McCabe speaking first had to be part of the plan to win the debate. Also the headline in the Charleston Gazette that morning was classic.There was an attempt to move the debate of this bill until Monday. I was told that comments were made that a delay until Monday could give the the religious right a chance to stir up opposition. I did not personally hear that said but if it was said I am sure those who said it will admit it. Many times the request “to lay a bill over and retain its place on the calendar” has been accommodated. Not this time. The “No’s” were loud. The Majority Whip did his job. However the “Gay Rights” headlines in the Gazette on Saturday morning came just before Sunday. “The best laid plans of mice and men...”The final vote was 23 yeas, 10 nays, 1 absent.I have already had discussions with organization and business leaders in my area. They do feel it places another bureaucratic burden on their operations. There will be unintended but not unpredicted consequences to this legislation if it passes. And this time I will say, “I told you so.”Should the bill be placed in the Governor’s desk I wonder what he will do. Hmm! By State Sen. Mike Hall
Obama: Prisoners 'enemy combatants' no more; what now?
President Obama has ordered that terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay will no longer be referred to as "enemy combatants," leading to the obvious question, what will they be called now? But as The New York Times reported, "the Justice Department argued that the president has the authority to detain terrorism suspects there without criminal charges, much as the Bush administration had asserted." So, while Obama might be tinkering with the language, he is finding that the way Bush dealt with terrorists might not be all that wrong, campaign rhetoric aside.MIKE
HALL
Business interests in West Virginia often fall prey to the notion that they can support the Democrat Party as much or more than the GOP because, after all, Democrats in West Virginia are conservative and business friendly.More and more, though, the evidence shows otherwise, and was once again on display last week when Democrats in the West Virginia Senate introduced SR 28, which urged the U.S. Congress to pass the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, which would take away the secret ballot from workers when deciding whether to join a union.Known as the "card check" law because it would allow union bosses to get workers to simply sign a card indicating their desire to unionize, the resolution was supported by Democrat Senators Randy White, Jack Yost, Bill Laird, Truman Chafin, Dan Foster, Mike Green, Herb Snyder, John Unger, John Pat Fanning, Erik Wells, Doug Facemire, Jeff Kessler, Larry Edgell and Ed Bowman, who all are honored with The Republican Gazette's "The Order of Guthrie" award for this anti-business resolution. In essence, the legislation would open the door to more coercion and intimidation by labor bosses in getting workers to agree to join unions.Other anti-business legislation being proposed by Democrats so far this session includes Kessler's effort to require restaurants to post calorie information, and Del. Scott Varner's insistence that stimulus funds only go to projects that pay prevailing wage.Multiple Dem senators win 'The Order of Guthrie' award for 'card check' resolution
(Press Release) Delegate Craig Blair, R-Berkley recently introduced a bill in the West Virginia Legislature requiring drug testing for state benefits, garnering attention from groups across West Virginia, including the West Virginia Young Republicans. "Delegate Blair's bill is common sense legislation that West Virginia needs,” said Ashley Stinnett, chairman of the WV Young Republicans, “ The problem with government give-a-ways is that nobody is ever held accountable."The bill would require individuals accepting welfare, food stamps and/or unemployment benefits would be susceptible to random drug testing."There are a lot of dishonest individuals who take advantage of the government at the taxpayers expense. It just makes sense to expose these frauds."The bill has been referenced to the judiciary committee and then to the finance committee. The Young Republicans are urging supporters to contact judiciary chairwoman, Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha to express there support and urge the passage of the bill out of her committee. "Hopefully our Democrat lawmakers who care so much for the well being of West Virginians will pull their head out of the sand and vote for this,” added Stinnett.WV YRs support Blair drug test bill
MICHAEL
STEELE
Steele set for WVGOP event on May 22
(Press Release) New Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will be the guest of honor at a fundraising event for the West Virginia Republican Party on Friday, May 22, WVGOP Chairman Doug McKinney announced today.When Steele was elected in late January, McKinney was one of 46 out of 168 RNC members to vote for Steele on the first ballot, and stuck with him until Steele prevailed with 91 votes on the sixth ballot. “We’re excited to have Chairman Steele coming to West Virginia,” said McKinney. “There are few who are better at communicating a strong Republican message, and we’re extremely glad that Republicans from across West Virginia will have the opportunity to hear Michael Steele’s message and meet him in person.” Details about Steele’s visit will be announced later this week, McKinney said. Steele was the first African American to serve in a statewide office in Maryland, as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007.(Press Release) Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele last week announced the selection of Ken McKay to be the RNC’s Chief of Staff.“I am excited to have such an outstanding leader become part of our team. Ken’s background and expertise will help revitalize the RNC and elect more Republicans,” Steele said.McKay brings extensive campaign leadership experience. He successfully managed Governor Donald Carcieri’s (RI) gubernatorial win in 2002, and his re-election in 2006, winning two statewide campaigns in a decidedly blue state. He also served as Chief of Staff for the governor, giving him experience in managing a very large and complex organization. He most recently served as a partner with the law firm Brown Rudnick. McKay hails from Rhode Island and holds a J.D. from Roger Williams University. As Chief of Staff, McKay will be charged with the day-to-day operations of the RNC, including overseeing personnel and managing resources.Steele names new RNC chief of staff
TUESDAY MARCH 17, 2009
BETTY IRELAND
Ireland at FBI division today for Women's History talk
(Press Release) The national celebration and recognition of women's historic achievements began in 1980 when National Women's History Week was proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, this national celebration was expanded by Congressional Resolution to an entire month by declaring March as National Women's History Month.This event provides an opportunity to educate the general public about the significant role of women in American history. In order to unify the observances of National Women's History Month, a special theme is selected. The March 2009 theme is Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.In observance of National Women's History Month, Betty S. Ireland, former West Virginia Secretary of State, will be speaking at the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Her remarks will start at 1:00 P.M. in the CJIS Division's auditorium. Ms. Ireland is the state's 28th Secretary of State. She is also the first woman ever elected to the state's executive branch of government. In addition to her government service, Ms. Ireland taught for several years in the West Virginia public school system and worked in the private sector as a small business owner and executive in the pension business. She currently is Exec. Vice President of Performance Results Corporation, a WV business headquartered in Morgantown.In addition to Ms. Ireland's remarks, Alicia Nieman will be making a "Green" presentation. She is a student at Fairmont State University (FSU) and a member of FSU's Students Taking Action in Nature's Defense (STAND). Media interested in covering this event are instructed to contact the CJIS Division's Multimedia Productions Group at (304) 625-5820.Pro-life rally Thursday at Capitol
(Press Release) Registration for the West Virginians for Life rally this Thursday at the State Capitol begins at 9:30 a.m. The Teens for Life Rally starts at 11:30 a.m. The adult rally starts at noon. National Right to Life President, Dr. Wanda Franz; National Right to Life Political Director, Karen Cross and West Virginians for Life President, Shirley Stanton, will be addressing the crowd. Pro-life legislators, including bill sponsors, will greet those in attendance. The rally will conclude with the annual white cross prayer processional through the Capitol in honor of the unborn lost to abortion, and mothers who often suffer physically and emotionally afterwards.
Having Fun With Mojo
Join my 'Give the Gov a Ride' program!
Hey kids! Mojo here! Did you hear about my new "Give the Gov a Ride" program? Check it out! Times are tough, and even Ineed some help getting around these days! So when a good buddy offered to let me hitch a ride to the big WVU basketball game in New York last week, I said, "Absolutely!" Do you have an extra seat on your way to a big event? Then let me know!
Early voting expansion slows, but concept needs reexamined
For some reason, there are those who believe that the earlier we allow people to vote, the better it is for democracy, because, after all, isn't being able to brag about high voter participation what elections are all about? Well, actually, no. Elections should be about an informed citizenry making intelligent choices, which is not what is accomplished by practically forcing people to the polls who don't know or care what they're voting on, only that they've been told repeatedly that it's their duty to vote, and they'll be harrassed until they do. An effort to expand the number of early voting locations in every West Virginia county has been wisely slowed by the Senate Judicary Committee, but what should be reexamined is the whole concept of early voting itself, Something we once called "Election Day" was a fun and unifying national event. Now it's nothing more than the last day of early voting.WEDNESDAY MARCH 18, 2009(Press Release) On Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 6:30 p.m., the Wood County Republican Executive Committee will host their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The event will be held at the Parkersburg Country Club, 4910 1st Avenue, Vienna, West Virginia. The keynote speaker will be Michael Zak, author of "Back to Basics for the Republican Party," which is a handbook for Republicans who know what they feel in their heart to be missing from the party today. We need to return to our roots, and Michael Zak will show us the way. He emphasizes the fact that the Grand Old Party was established by anti-slavery activists, to oppose the pro-slavery policies of the Democrats. To this day, Republicans have an extraordinary, though overlooked, record of civil rights achievements, as well as, being the fore runner in establishing the rights of women to vote.Mr. Zak is a popular speaker to Republican organizations throughout the nation (28 states so far). The theme of his presentations is that Republicans would benefit tremendously from appreciating the heritage of the Grand Old Party. As he writes, “The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more the Democrats will worry about the future of theirs..” This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, is a terrific opportunity to honor the greatest Republican of all. Republicans in West Virginia take special pride in the fact that their state was created by the GOP. However much President Barack Obama compares himself to the 16th President, the Great Emancipator had a distinctly Republican policy agenda, emphasizing personal responsibility, economic opportunity and limited government. Freedom to work – yes, work – one’s way to the top was Lincoln’s goal for all Americans.The cost for the event is $ 50.00, per person, for the Dinner Buffet and Program. There will also be a Special Reception Fundraiser held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., on March 21, 2009, at the Parkersburg Country Club. Michael Zak will sign copies of his book "Back to Basics for the Republican Party," the cost for this event will be $ 100.00, per person, which covers your Dinner Buffet for the evening and Program, as well as his autographed book. Should you need any additional information, or for reservations, please contact Beverly G. Lockhart, W.C.R.E.C., Chair, at 304-424-7041 Hm., and/or e-mail her at clady57@earthlink.net.MICHAEL ZAK
Michael Zak headlines Wood County Lincoln Day Dinner 21st
Author of 'Back to Basics for Republican Party' at Vienna event
Legislative publications 'bug' many who want to know why union label is appearing on print jobs
It seems that everything from professional licenses to Senate bills are now being printed with a "union bug" embedded, a practice that is increasingly irritating a number of lawmakers.The bug -- a symbol indicating that a print job was performed at a union shop -- is popping up on items like plumbers' licenses and even on the back of legislation produced by the Senate.Typically, union print shops offer customers the choice of having the bug included or not, so it seems likely that the symbol is appearing at the direct request of Democrat legislative leaders who would decide such things.The development is yet one more step in the increasing pro-organized labor sentiment on the Democrat side that is slowly but surely taking over state government at a faster and more noticeable rate than ever before. Last week, as described below, several Democrats co-sponsored a resolution supporting "card check" legislation being considered in Congress, which would allow unions to form simply by workers signing a card indicating their desire to unionize, rather than voting by secret ballot as has historically been done.GOP-led bill designed to make gov spending more accessible to the public
A bil sponsored primarily by House Republicans called the Budget and Spending Transparency Act (HB 3091) will require the State Auditor, working in conjunction with the Legislative Auditor and the Governor's office, to create a searchable database that will allow taxpayers to view all state government spending. Sponsors include GOP Delegates Jonathan Miller, Kelli Sobonya, Carol Miller, Linda Sumner, Craig Blair, John Shott, Tim Armstead, Daryl Cowles, Troy Andes, Pat McGeehan and Democrat Tom Louisos. They say that a transparent government is a responsible government.Currently, the State Auditor posts the salaries of all state employees, which allows the taxpayers to see their tax dollars hard at work. So too should other government expenditures be easily accessible to our West Virginia citizens. The bill states, “The Legislature finds that taxpayers should be able to easily access the details on how the state is spending their tax dollars and what performance results are achieved for those expenditures. It is the intent of the Legislature, therefore, to direct the Auditors to create and maintain a searchable budget database website detailing where, for what purpose, and the results achieved for all taxpayer investments in state government.”Mojo & The Donald: Will gov be apprentice?
WV Supreme Court continues stability with 19 5-0's
While Gov. Joe Manchin is recommending a study of judicial reform, and others debate whether West Virginia is a "judicial hellhole," the West Virginia Supreme Court seems to be quietly fixing its own problems by an increasing stability and unanimity in its rulings.So far this term, the Court has released 19 decisions, and every one of them has been decided by a 5-0 unanimous vote.The change in this Court from the contentiousness of previous terms is represented not just in the like minded decisions, but in the conduct of the Court as a whole. Gone is the soap opera of the McGraw-Starcher regime, replaced by justices who seem dedicated more to quietly going about their business and performing their duties in a manner more appropriate to what most people expect from judges.
Led by Chief Justice Brent Benjamin, the Court is effectively making its own case that what it has needed all along is not a new way of electing judges, or a change to a merit selection system, or a drastic upheaval in the recusal process, but instead justices who understand the behavior, dedication to the rule of law, and the need for predictability and stability that will eventually attract business and industry to the Mountain State. Justices Benjamin, Robin Davis, Menis Ketchum, Margaret Workman, and Tom McHugh (sitting in for the ailing Joe Albright) so far seem to get it.Hoppy Kercheval reports today that Gov. Joe Manchin has talked with Donald Trump about purchasing the Greenbrier resort. Aside from the fact that Mojo injects himself personally into everything from hiring coaches to selecting college presidents to, now, acting as a real estate broker, you just know that The Donald asked the governor to appear on the next season of "The Apprentice." Can you imagine Mojo competing with other governors in contests to see who can sell the most cupcakes? He'd be a natural.Capito on Fox Business Channel this morning on AIG controversy
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito appeared this morning on Fox Business Channel to discuss her outrage over the AIG controversy. See the video at right. ***UPDATED 11:30 a.m. ***
THURSDAY MARCH 19, 2009
Gary Howell interview set for Hannity tonight
GARY HOWELL
Mineral County Republican Gary Howell conducted an interview with Fox News on Wednesday that is scheduled for airing tonight during the Sean Hannity show.Howell was interviewed by Fox reporter Ainsley Earhardt on a stretch of Corridor H, for a report about thelong-under-construction highway and the federal dollars poured into it over the years. Howell has long been involved in issues surrounding area highways, including his leadership in the U.S. 50 Association.
Howell was recently appointed to the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee, and sought a state Senate seat in the 14th District last year.Hannity's program airs at 9 p.m. and again at midnight on the Fox News Channel. Effort to expand early vote spots a Democrat ploy
Additional locations would land in Democrat hot spots statewide
A bill designed to expand the number of places where voters can cast early ballots amounts to nothing more than a ploy to place voting locations in precincts and regions that are heavily tilted toward high Democrat registration.The ill-conceived legislation has been slowed up in the state Senate due to cost issues, but it should be killed on its lack of merit.Sponsors of the bill say it is designed to accommodate voters who in some cases might have to travel long distances to vote at the voter registration office in their county, where early voting is relegated as it stands now. The proposed law would authorize county commissions to designate other early voting locations throughout a county. But like many laws emanating from Charleston, this is another one that primarily is about Kanawha County, and is being pushed hard by Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper, who is never shy about injecting himself into issues outside the parameters of his actual job.Under the logic used to push this bill, we are to believe that during the three weeks of early voting, a Kanawha Countian cannot make it into Charleston one day to cast a vote? If not, how about waiting until Election Day, when precincts are open at a location near you?The cost of the bill, and the opportunity for political favoritism in the choice of new and selective voting locations, makes this bill an unnecessary and counterproductive political ploy.WV Power forgoes Byrd bobblehead
The West Virginia Power, Charleston's minor leage baseball team, announced this week a series of promotions in which it will give away popular bobblehead dolls honoring individuals ranging from Barack Obama to Jesco White to WVU quarterback Pat White.But to honor Sen. Robert C. Byrd, the Power said
it would give
away a "figurine,"
not a bobblehead --
leading some to speculate about the reasons the team would not want to give away a Byrd toy with a shaking noggin, and others to wonder how a Byrd "figurine" will play in a state where a Democrat delegate has already suggested banning Barbie.
Same day voter registration not popular w/clerks
County clerks are reportedly not happy with legislation that would allow people to register to vote, and then vote on the same day during West Virginia's early voting period. In fact, the law should be called the "ACORN bill," since it fits nicely within tactics used by that notorious organization across the country. ACORN is under investigation in several states for fraudulant voter registration tactics. Understanding that policing "same day voter registration" is nearly impossible, clerks are complaining that it just adds to the headaches that already exist on election day. The legislation would also open the door to more voter fraud possibilities, and likely mean countless days or even weeks of work to verify the validity of ballots cast in the election by same-day registrants. Andes bill targets straight tickets
Del. Troy Andes is the lone sponsor of a bill (HB 2974) that would "abolish (...) the one-vote straight ticket voting in all general and special elections within West Virginia." While the bill has little chance of approval, its passage would be a boon to democracy.
MONDAY MARCH 23, 2009Andes keynotes
TAR dinner
Del. Troy Andes speaks to more than 100 attendees at the 11th annual Hurricane TAR dinner at Sleepy Hollow Country Club on Thursday. The Hurricane TARS have long been one of the best Teen-age Republican clubs in the country, often winning first place awards at the national level. Their longtime advisor, Mark Higginbotham, is shown seated at center, on the right.Gary Howell featured on 'Hannity' report
Mineral County Republican Gary Howell was featured in a special report on the "Hannity" program on Fox News Thursday night. The report focused on the Corridor H highway project, with Howell saying the roadway is needed, but the state's dependency on pork has not been healthy.
(Press Release) The West Virginia Young Republicans recently added Putnam County to its county list and has retained the services of an attorney to help and advise the youth political organization. Stephen Hall, a Huntington-based attorney has joined the organization to serve as Legal Council. "I have known Stephen Hall for several years and he is someone who is passionate about the Republican Party and West Virginia's future. I am very pleased to have Stephen on board to serve as Legal Counsel for the WVFYR,” said Stinnett. "Stephen understands the desperate need to change the poor business climate here in West Virginia. His ideas and legal expertise will serve the Young Republicans well,” said Stinnett.Ashby Kave, chairman of the newly chartered Putnam County Young Republicans has been volunteering for political campaigns and headquarters since 1994. He is a Marshall alumni with a degree in Business Administration. "I am extremely excited to have Putnam County has our new chartered Young Republicans organization. Ashby Kave is an experienced leader in the Republican Party and will be a great asset to Putnam County,” added Stinnett. Putnam YRs chartered; Hall advises
Statement on passing of Justice Joseph P. Albright
West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney today issued the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Joseph Albright.
We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Justice Joseph P. Albright. Justice Albright has served West Virginia with honor, integrity and distinction for many years. In recent months he displayed remarkable courage in his battle with a serious illness. From his service as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wood County, through several terms in the House of Delegates, including serving as Speaker of the House, through two different tours of duty on the West Virginia Supreme Court, Justice Albright created a legacy that will live as a testament to his love of West Virginia and his outstanding service to its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the countless friends and associates whose lives he touched. ***From Saturday 3 p.m.***
FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2009So now, Barack makes himself just another talk show guest
Years ago, when presidential candidates began making a habit of appearing on the late night talk show circuit, it was a disappointing development and a step backward for the dignity of the process. But Barack Obama's love of celebrity status, demonstrated by his appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno last week, has now lowered the presidency itself to nothing more than tabloid status. From now on, being president of the United States is on a par with being a TV or movie star, pop singer, best selling author, or fashion model. In other words, just another talk show guest."Tonight, Jay's guests are Paris Hilton, Simon Cowell, and, time permitting, the President of the United States!"As he did with so many things, Bill Clinton started the modern trend of lowering the standards of presidential candidates when in 1992 he went on the Arsenio Hall show to play the saxophone. Since then, it's almost a rite of passage for candidates to appear on Leno, Letterman, Oprah, what have you, not to mention elevating the status of Jon Stewart to serious political commentator by trading jabs with him.(In fact, both John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon appeared on the Jack Parr show in 1960, but Parr's program was always much more serious in nature than Johnny Carson and those who followed.)The only thing candidates have accomplished by catering to the couch side talkers has been to elevate the status of the hosts while demeaning their own. When John McCain stood up Letterman last fall, it became almost a scandal, with the CBS host pouting angrily about it on the air it for weeks. When McCain finally did appear, well, he shouldn't have, since Letterman was at his surliest.If there's anything needed now in politics, it's a return to dignity. Candidates making a pact not to appear on any more celebrity-style talk shows would be a good start. Presidents refusing to even consider it should be a given.I watched Oliver Stone's "W" the other night, having passed on the director's take on the life and times of George W. Bush when it was in theaters.I generally enjoy Stone's films, finding him to be a creative and imaginative director. Often, that imagination leads him to manufacture or omit facts as necessary, with his "JFK" being the most notorious example of ignoring history to reach the conclusions he wanted to reach.When I watched Stone's "Nixon" a few years ago, I actually came away feeling the 37th president had been treated pretty fairly, even sympathetically. And I felt the same way about "W."Before I saw it, I had read reviews by some conservatives who claimed Stone had eviscerated President Bush with an expected leftwing Hollywood hatchet job. That's not the movie I saw.Yes, all the known negatives were there -- Bush, the preppie and spoiled son of a prominent political family attending Yale courtesy of a "legacy" tradition; Bush partying it up with late night bar hopping; Bush trying and failing, or quitting, several jobs. All this is pretty well documented fact.But what was also there was Bush's conversion to "born again" Christianity, an event that frankly was treated in the film as a sincere and genuine moment; his never-ending efforts to prove himself to his father and to best his brother; his belief that his philosophy was more like Reagan's than his own father's; his belief also that Saddam Hussein indeed possessed weapons of mass destruction and that they would eventually be discovered.In fact, nowhere in the film is there any indication that Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq for any of the (varied) reasons other than those he told the American public (at varying times).Bush's supporting cast -- Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Powell, etc. -- are drawn in fairly broad strokes, but again, there's no effort to portray them as evil or dishonest, just devoted to the political ends they felt justified to achieve.So is the film one that Republicans and conservatives will want to show at Lincoln Day Dinners? No, because it does not paint President Bush as perfect, and for some Republicans there's no room for criticism or admitting mistakes. But conservatives are not always perfect, and Republicans certainly aren't either. Recognizing our mistakes and embracing the reality of our human failings can actually be helpful.My main criticism is that I didn't come away from "W" feeling I learned anything new about Bush. I think he was a well meaning president who made decisions he believed were in the best interest of the country, and will be more appreciated in future years than he is now. The fact is, there's nothing in Oliver Stone's fairly accurate (for him) film that would lead anyone to feel any differently about Bush than they felt going into it, love him or hate him.. Oliver Stone's 'W' not a leftwing hatchet job
Haley Barbour delivers weekly GOP address
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.