Thousands take part in 'Tea Parties' across West Virginia
A crowd estimated by most at about 500 or so turned out at the State Capitol in Charleston (top photo) on Wednesday to participate in one of hundreds of "tea parties" across the country to protest government spending, taxation and other issues. Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of citizens continued filing onto the Capitol complex grounds with signs and shirts proclaiming various political statements. Emcee Steve Harrison led a program featuring Fred Joseph, Bill Riggall, Mike Agnello, Donna Gosney and others addressing the crowd. The Charleston event was organized by Thorney Lieberman. In Martinsburg (bottom) about 400 turned out for a "Tea Party" there, carrying signs and banners.
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The Republican Gazette 
MONDAY APRIL 13, 2009The Dr. Phil show has contacted Del. Craig Blair about appearing on the program to discuss Blair's drug testing legislation. "Dr. Phil" has been an advocate of parents randomly drug testing their kids, and similar measures......Former Republican state senator and current circuit judge John Yoder of Harpers Ferry is making it known that he intends to run for the state Supreme Court in 2010 for the unexpired term of the late Justice Joe Albright. Yoder, a former federal prosecutor and candidate for the high court, was elected last year to the bench in the 23rd Judicial Circuit......Watched NBC Nightly News the other night, and anchor Brian Williams was discussing the economy with reporter Chuck Todd , who said President Obama's challenge is "explaining to America what the new normal is and that we're not going to have that crazy growth that we had over the last decade." Seriously? Too much growth is "crazy?" We really haven't had such a downer in the White House since Jimmy Carter... ...Some new items featured now on the offical WVGOP Think Tank site, including a column by former state Sen. Steve Harrison, and a tentative schedule of regional Think Tank meetings. A finalized list of those meetings will be announced early this week.News, notes & observations
Session recap: GOP opposed bad laws, drove most debates
(Press Release) Republicans in the House of Delegates fought successfully for West Virginians in the just-concluded legislative session by opposing a number of laws that would cost jobs, burden residents with additional taxation, and worsen the current economic downturn.Dr. Doug McKinney, state Republican Party chairman, said that House GOP leader Tim Armstead deserved high marks for leading his caucus to stand firmly against Democrat initiatives that would have been disastrous for West Virginians."People across the state should thank Del. Armstead and the GOP caucus for boldly countering a Democrat agenda that once again focused on trivial issues and ignored the bold actions needed to turn our state around," said McKinney.Even on issues that were passed, the GOP fought hard to improve the bills and spare citizens and small businesses from unfunded mandates and tax hikes."From the tax hikes on unemployment premiums, to unfunded mandates like forcing restaurants to post calorie counts, to breaking their promise on Promise Scholarships, to ignoring West Virginia values on marriage and abortion, Democrats in the legislature proved once again they are out of touch with average West Virginians," said McKinney.McKinney commended Republicans for pointing out that Promise Scholarships were originally touted hand in hand with the expansion of video lottery machines, which have blossomed across the state while still somehow failing to adequately fund the scholarships, the standards for which have changed since the bill originally became law. McKinney also lauded GOP lawmakers for opposing rate hikes on employment insurance premiums, and also for fighting to, at the very least, exempt businesses with fewer than 20 employees. "These small businesses are the backbone of our state, and the least able to afford these rate hikes," said McKinney. "But Democrats don't seem to care, and they've approved legislation virtually guaranteed to cost jobs and add more people to unemployment lines, increasing the fund's burden even more."McKinney also applauded Del. Craig Blair for his effort to end the practice of tax dollars supporting the drug habits of those who have learned to abuse the public assistance system, noting that Blair's bill enjoyed widespread support from citizens in West Virginia and across the nation who are tired of lawmakers turning a blind eye to the problem.McKinney also criticized Democrats for ignoring the need for a Defense of Marriage Amendment (DOMA), especially in the wake of the developments in Iowa, where a state law similar to West Virginia's was struck down by that state's Supreme Court, as well as legislation to end public funding of abortion."Republicans fought hard to add a DOMA initiative to the agenda, but Democrats once again said no," said McKinney. "And once again, Democrats failed to act on ending public funding of abortion, ignoring the values of the people of West Virginia."McKinney warned Republicans to be on guard against backdoor maneuvering by Gov. Joe Manchin and Democrats between now and late May, when lawmakers will reconvene to finalize a budget. "Since the session has not officially ended, there's plenty of time for Democrats to engage in their old tricks and spring a few surprises on the people of West Virginia," said McKinney. "And as history shows us, their surprises usually end up costing taxpayers for the benefit of those in power."So-called "tea parties" have been held in various places across the country to protest current government spending, waste and debt. Some events have already been held in West Virginia, but there are more to come, such as:* State Capitol in Charleston at noon on Tax Day, April 15th.* City Hall in downtown Huntington on April 14th at 5p.m.* Courthouse Square in Morgantown at noon on April 15.* Noon to 1:30 p.m. on April 15 in the vicinity of the Parkersburg City Building towards Market Street.* Beckley, Large Fountain, Word Park on Neville Street, across from University Book Store, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., April 15.* Charles Town in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on April 15.* Martinsburg, 5 to 6 p.m. at the old Lowe's building parking lot on Winchester Avenue and Apple Harvest Drive.* Wheeling, 6-7 p.m. April 15, Heritage Port.“Tea Party” protests began in early 2009 when Rick Santelli, the On Air Editor for CNBC, called for a “Chicago Tea Party” where advocates of the free-market system could join in a protest against out-of-control government spending. A few days later, average Americans began organizing what would soon become the Nationwide Chicago Tea Party effort. On February 27th, an estimated 30,000 Americans took to the street in 40-plus cities across the country in the first nationwide “Tea Party” protest.As one of the local organizers said, “It’s time for the Silent Majority to quit complaining and stand up and be heard.”The group stresses that this is an American event, not a partisan one. All West Virginians who are concerned – or more likely, alarmed – by the numbers they’re hearing for spending, waste and debt on all levels of government, are urged to attend. Participants are expected to arrive from all over the state to have their voices heard.Protest 'tea parties' set all across West Virginia
West Virginia participating in 'Tea Parties'
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.
Tickets for Michael Steele visit to WV on sale now
Tickets are now available for the WVGOP fundraising dinner in West Virginia featuring Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee. The event is set for 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 22, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston.Tickets are $50 each. For tickets or more information, call WVGOP headquarters at 304-768-0493.Steele is the first African-American to chair the national GOP, and was Lt. Governor of Maryland from 2003-2007.
MICHAEL STEELE
In WV on May 22nd
TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2009See you in the
Eastern Panhandle
I'll be in the Eastern Panhandle this weekend, on Saturday at 10 a.m. at our first Regional Think Tank Meeting at the Old Charles Town Library in Jefferson County, then Saturday evening at 6 speaking at the Berkeley County Lincoln Day Dinner in Inwood.I always enjoy trips to the E.P., where Republicans are always working hard for the cause.Special appreciation to Anne Dungan, Jefferson County chair, for helping organize the Think Tank meeting. All interested Republicans in the region are invited to attend and engage in a discussion of the Republican Party and its activities in West Virginia.Berkeley County chair Mick Staton and his committee always pull off a great Lincoln Day Dinner, and I'm looking forward to talking to attendees about the party and the opportunities before us in the coming elections. Coming right up next week will be a Think Tank meeting in Keyser on Wednesday, April 22, organized by Gary Howell and set for 7 p.m. at the Grand Central Business Station, second floor meeting room.A full schedule of Think Tank meetings are being finalized this week and will be announced in a day or two. Republicans are encouraged to attend the meetings at the locations most convenient for them.
Summers
Lincoln Day
On April 3rd, Summers County held its Lincoln Day Dinner, with former Secretary of State Betty Ireland (left) on hand as guest speaker. Pictured with Betty are Summers chair Joe Garcia and his wife, Brenda. Last year, the county elected its first GOP sheriff, Ed Dolphin, in many years.Photo courtesy Sue McKinney
Without lights, cameras, not surprising there was no action
Over the years, there has been a widespread belief that the State Legislature intentionally scheduled dramatic votes and high octane floor speeches for the last night of the session, in order to provide riveting TV for West Virginia voters watching it all live courtesy of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.But WVPBS announced before the session that it would no longer produce its live coverage, and in so doing seemed to prove true what so many had long suspected -- that without TV cameras on hand, legislative leaders decided there really was no reason to stage a show filled with dramatic theatrics as the clock wound down to midnight. So boring was the final night, that the House of Delegates actually did something previously unheard of -- adjourned twenty minutes early. Most West Virginians didn't seem to notice.Watch out for sneaky maneuvers, come what May
If you think the final word has been written about the 2009 "regular session" of the West Virginia Legislature, think again. The legislature has not adjourned. It has only recessed until it reconvenes in late May to finalize the budget. But a simple resolution in each chamber allows Gov. Joe Manchin and his Democrat cohorts to revisit virtually every piece of bad legislation that failed to advance up until now.In fact, an Associated Press story that moved Monday pretty much foreshadows such shenanigans. So between now and May 26, when lawmakers will get back together, there will likely be tons of phone calls, emails and even text messages between the governor, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, House Speaker Rick Thompson, and assorted Democrat committee chairs.
What's the only group that will be omitted from the fun? You got it -- Republicans. When GOP lawmakers join their colleagues in May, they're likely to suddenly find that, miraculously, completed bills have been drafted, printed, and placed under their noses for quick up or down votes.With only about half of his agenda emerging from the dark recesses of Capitol dome committees, Mojo's sterling record of legislative success is in jeopardy of taking a big hit, percentage-wise. So for the 2009 session, the fat lady has yet to sing.April 15 is 'adjustment day' for WV Democrats
In a recent column I explored some of the most common examples of the "newspeak" with which our society is plagued, but West Virginia Democrats have pounced upon another addition to our Orwellian lexicon.During the 2008 campaign, Gov. Joe Manchin promised there would be no need for tax hikes in the coming year. But he and his party broke that pledge with the unemployment compensation premium hike which, by any other name, is still a tax hike.Well, unless you're a Democrat in West Virginia. In that case, a tax hike is an "adjustment." Or an "assessment." Or maybe even a "premium increase." But it's not a tax hike.
Manchin originally wanted to revive the "special assessments" that were placed on businesses twenty years ago. Instead, they just hiked unemployment taxes, er, I mean, "premiums," by about 50 percent. Of course, when there's a real emergency, there's always an extra $40 million or so lying around in an old account that everyone forgot about.So tomorrow, remember, you're not being taxed. You're just being assessed. Or adjusted. Or premiumed. Feel better?"We truly haven't raised any taxes. Now, what we did is we made some adjustments, and this one here, unemployment, is an adjustment."
WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2009If you don't think Obama is great,
you might be a 'right-wing extremist'
Just when a conscientious conservative might start to wonder if he's not overreacting to the socialist tendencies of the Obama administration, along comes a report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that identifies one of the top threats to the United States. Al Quada? No. Other foreign terrorists? Nuh uh. Global warming? Nope. Another season of "Two And A Half Men?" Not even that.The threat that has Homeland Security up in arms is, well, you and me. That is, if either of us fits the definition of someone who is "antagonistic toward the new presidential administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearm ownership and use." And it includes "groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority," and adds, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
Did it leave anyone out? Not among conservatives.A DHS official was quick to assure everyone that "there is no link between extremists being talked about in that report and conservative political thinkers, activists and voters." Yeah.It would all be laughable if it weren't so serious. To oppose Barack Obama -- to be a conservative -- is to pose a threat to the nation, according to the Obama administration. 
Tea Party in
Huntington
About 250 citizens braved the rainy conditions Tuesday evening in Huntington to participate in one of many nationwide "Tea Parties" to protest government policies on spending and other issues. A much larger crowd is expected today in Charleston at a similar event, and many other communities are holding rallies as well. See the story in Monday's edition, below.
Fox follows up on Corridor H issue
Fox News has followed up on a previous report on West Virginia's Corridor H with a story on Sean Hannity's blog site, saying, "It seems that WV’s Department of Transportation has changed its mind and decided to turn down the $21 million it was set to receive from the economic stimulus package."The story quotes Mineral County Republican Gary Howell at length. Howell was featured in Fox's original report on the subject.Howell tells Fox, "Waiting on earmarks from Washington has delayed this road’s completion, delayed much needed job creation and put additional burden on the nation’s taxpayers for years." Read the full story here. 'Dr. Phil' follows up with Blair for drug test show
As reported here on Monday, producers of the "Dr. Phil" television show have contacted Del. Craig Blair about his participation in a future program on the issue of Blair's drug testing bill.On Tuesday, producers followed up and asked Blair to participate in a pre-interview session in anticipation of such a show.During the legislative session, Blair introduced a bill designed to stop the use of taxpayer dollars from supporting the drug habits of individuals who have learned how to take advantage of public assistance programs, but Democrats refused to consider the measure, with Del. Carrie Webster keeping the bill bottled up in her Judiciary Committee. But the issue caught fire across the country, and Blair and others around the nation made a number of appearances on national news outlets to debate the subject.
MARTY GEARHEART
Gearheart will again challenge Rahall
(Press Release) Marty Gearheart Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 3rd Congressional District seat opposing Nick Joe Rahall in the 2010 election. He also announced the formation of a new campaign committee, WV4MG. "Tax day tea parties are being held today across the country. What better day to announce the opening of our campaign committee and our effort to unseat a Congressman with an abysmal record of voting for tax increases?" Gearheart asked. Gearheart, the Republican nominee in the 2008 campaign for Congress, said that last year, "Our campaign established name recognition and credibility regarding positions on issues. Early establishment of WV4MG should allow the campaign the time necessary to obtain the final element needed for a successful campaign -- funding." Gearheart is a small businessman and chairs the Mercer County GOP.
Hoppy to Mojo: 'I don't know what you're talking about'
It was a classic moment. Hoppy Kercheval was interviewing Gov. Joe Manchin on "Talkline" Tuesday morning, and after Mojo gave one of his typical, winding, circular explanations about how the legislative session wasn't so bad, and it could be even better when everyone comes back in May, yada, yada, yada, Hoppy actually said, "Governor, I don't know what you're talking about." Which even made Manchin pause -- before taking off again.HOPPY
KERCHEVAL
JOE
MANCHIN
THURSDAY APRIL 16, 2009Tea parties, liberals, and conservatives; and so, what now?
I have no idea whether the "tea parties" held Wednesday, and on previous days, across the country signal anything beyond the fact that there's a general and maybe even a growing unrest among a sizable number of Americans regarding their government. Five hundred people gathering in Charleston, and 200 in Charles Town, 400 in Martinsburg, 400 in Beckley, 250 last night in Huntington, (these are numbers reported to me by people who were at each of those locations) etc., etc., etc. -- is impressive, especially given the weather across most of the state. But to really get the attention of those in power, there probably needed to be, say, 5,000 in Charleston, 2,000 in Charles Town, and on and on. The liberals, the Democrats and the media can pretty much shrug off a few hundred angry citizens -- we know they're there; they already voted against Obama. In Des Moines, the crowd was estimated at about a thousand, while in Boston -- home of the original "tea party" -- it was a "few hundred." Atlanta had maybe the biggest turnout, spurred by the presence of Fox News star Sean Hannity.Tea Party organizers claimed before and after that it was the largest cumulative protest in American history, and, in terms of total numbers state to state, maybe it was. Liberals must really enjoy 'tea bagging'
More interesting to me is the reaction to yesterday's events by liberals, Barack Obama fans, and the liberal media. MSNBC and especially its obnoxous face, Keith Olbermann, along with many other liberals, mocked the name of the protests by comparing it to some sort of sexual practice. In fact, yours truly received an email a couple of days ago from someone I never heard of but who was intent on describing "tea bagging" to me in detail and adding, in case I still didn't get it, "It means to deep throat. But you neocons are too stupid and short sighted to thoroughly vet a name for one of your ultimately completely ineffective protests."Well, this is one "neocon" who had nothing to do with the concept, planning, naming, or organizing of the events, but I do know they were called "tea parties," not "tea bagging." More than anything, I'm struck by the fact that the libs are apparently very familiar with a sexual practice called "tea bagging," and very anxious to tell the rest of us all about it. Thank you. A CNN reporter was so upset by tea party protesters that she claimed the events were "anti-CNN" and "pro Fox News" (video at right), which brought about a humorous response from Fox News (also video at right). 'Tea Party' participants weren't just Republicans
To me, the "tea parties" of yesterday and other days were healthy outlets for a vocal and sizable number of Americans who are very frustrated with the growth of government and its liberal policies under the Obama administration. In wandering around the crowd gathered in Charleston, I was struck by the fact that while Republicans were undoubtedly the dominant presence among the protesters (and dominated the program as well), there were people present who were not typically involved at all politically. I talked to people who were Democrats and independents, including a union steel worker. They just don't like the way things are going, and welcomed the opportunity to voice that displeasure publicly and peacefully.The big question that remains is, what now? What happens next? Anything? Even though Republicans, more than anyone else, no doubt accounted for the largest block of "tea party" protesters, the Republican Party itself has rightfully been the target of criticism for losing its way in recent years. The party of smaller government, lower taxes, and personal responsibility has had a difficult time living up to those ideals, and its own members have noticed. On Wednesday in Charleston, there were lapel stickers being handed out advertising a website for a recently formed local "conservative" organization. That's fine. But there's only one tried and true way to defeat liberals at the ballot box.The best hope for conservatism is still the GOP
The fact remains that the most effective vehicle for bringing America back to a more conservative and representative course is still the Republican Party -- not some third-party movement, not some new independent expenditure organization, and not some growing but fragmented grassrooots anti-government movement.We have seen it all before, in the phenomenons of Ross Perot, Pat Buchanan, and so on. They grab headlines, attention and followers, but they don't win elections. The way to win elections remains within the Republican Party and the Democrat Party, and the Democrat Party is obviously not the party that will ever reflect the beliefs or sentiments of those who gathered for "tea parties" across the nation on Wednesday.And so, to those who participated in those events, continue to make your voices heard, but make your voices heard through the GOP. By working from within the Republican Party, and running for office as a Republican, conservatives can make sure that GOP candidates and platforms reflect the philosophies and values that it espoused when it was at its greatest heights in modern history -- the Ronald Reagan era and, building on that, the Newt Gingrich "Contract With America" generation. Ronald Reagan didn't change America, and ultimately the world, by joining up with some new independent expenditure group. He did it by joining up with the Republican Party, then molding the GOP in 
In Martinsburg, Gary Howell and Delegates Jonathan Miller and Craig Blair make their voices heard.
CNN doesn't like a conservative crowd
Not only is this CNN reporter out of her element, she blames it on Fox News, and tries to carry Barack Obama's water.
But Fox News feels right at home
Fox News strikes back at CNN, the network "people used to watch a long time ago."
his image, from within. And that's how he won, and that's how Reagan conservatism changed America.
'Tea Parties' are a wakeup call for Republicans
The current liberal/socialist dominance I documented in a recent article is real, and it's here, and it's approaching its zenith. But it can be reversed, despite even my own frustration that sometimes surfaces -- but only through a motivated, organized and, most importantly, unified approach. A fragmented amalgam of opposition splinter groups and factions will guarantee Democrat and liberal victories for years to come, and liberal Democrats must salivate at the thought of the birth of a variety of different "conservative" organizations.For me, I'm sticking with the Republican Party. Whether I have been employed by the party, or have just been another registered Republican, I have always been a Republican, I have always been an advocate for the Republican Party, and ever since I started this website in its current format, I have always proudly called it "The Republican Gazette." I love my party, even when it sometimes loses its way, and it is from within this party that I will always work for conservative government, because, frankly, that's the best way to make conservative government actually happen. But sometimes the Republican Party needs a reminder of what it's supposed to be, and a lot of what was said and expressed at the tea parties this week is good fodder for an important refresher course.FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2009(Press Release) An ad-hoc committee of the West Virginia Republican Party will recommend to the full state committee that the GOP’s primary elections remain open to non-affiliated voters, as has been the case since the 1980s.At the last meeting of the state committee in February, committee member Gregg Hendry of Cabell County had asked for the issue to be reexamined. GOP Chairman Doug McKinney appointed Hendry to chair an ad-hoc committee to study the matter, and Thursday night committee members held a teleconference, ultimately voting unanimously to allow the primary to remain open.“I deeply appreciate the time and work our ad-hoc committee members devoted to examining this issue,” said McKinney. “It’s entirely appropriate for our party to scrutinize such issues from time to time.”The committee will present its recommendation to the next full meeting of the state committee, scheduled for June 13 in Martinsburg.Aside from Hendry, committee members voting Thursday were state committee member Diana Brown, Delegates Tim Armstead and John Overington, Senator Donna Boley, former Secretary of State Betty Ireland, and Chuck Flannery, representing Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito. WVGOP ad-hoc committee votes to keep primary open
News & Observations
The Journal in Martinsburg highlights upcoming Think Tank meetings being held by the West Virginia Republican Party in a story you can find here......Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is to be commended for her reluctance to blindly sign on to costly "global warming" legislation that would cost jobs and hinder any chance of an economic recovery, even if doing so puts her at odds with standard political correctness......At a recent parade, Woody Williams, the only living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient in West Virginia, said he disagreed with Barack Obama, saying, "I believe I live in a Christian nation. I believe I live in a Christian community and among people of faith in America." More than most, Williams has earned the right to express a sentiment he risked his life to defend and protect.