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The West Virginia Republican Party's tribute to former First Lady Shelley R. Moore on Saturday was a success by just about every measure.An often overlooked former first lady was rightfully accorded the honor she is due.The WVGOP raised thousands of much-needed dollars.A good time was had by all.GOP Chairman Doug McKinney, his wife, Sue, event co-chair Jeannette Wakim and the state GOP staff are all to be commended. It was gratifying to see a lot of our elected officials attending the event. I hate to start naming names for fear of forgetting someone, but here goes. In attendance were Senators Don Caruth, Clark Barnes, Dave Sypolt, Donna Boley and Jesse Guills, and House members Tim Armstead, Patrick Lane, Craig Blair, Carol Miller, Ray Canterbury, Jonathan Miller, Bob Ashley, Roger Romine and John Ellem. Former Senator Sarah Minear was there, as were former Delegates Debbie Stevens and Larry Swann. National committee man Jim Reed and committee woman Donna Gosney were in attendance as well.Former Governor Cecil Underwood came, and everyone is always very happy to see and speak with him. Also on hand were former U.S. Senate candidates Hiram Lewis and Zane Lawhorn. It was good to see both of them, and now is indeed the time to put aside any past differences and march as a united GOP into 2008.Everyone also appreciated the participation of a couple of Democrats. Former Secretary of State Ken Hechler offered some naturally humorous remarks, and Gov. Joe Manchin sent along a gracious note of congratulations to Mrs. Moore.Mike Agnello, of course, handled his master of ceremonies role with his usual aplomb, and his participation was much appreciated.Of course, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito's participation in any event always increases its drawing power, and her continued friendship to her party is never taken for granted.Secretary of State Betty Ireland and Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin each had prior commitments, but the Secretary sent along a proclamation and the Justice sent along his regrets.The Moore family seemed to truly enjoy the evening and remained on hand until the entire evening drew to a close, "Elvis" concert and all.It's always a blast to watch our dignified and respected officeholders, county chairs, committee members and grassroots volunteers let their hair down a little and enjoy themselves, and the dance floor was filled with Republican party animals, as P.J. O'Rourke would say.As many Republicans said afterward, "We need to do this more often." Amen.January 14, 2024 -- Sen. Robert C. Byrd today announced his bid for reelection to the United Earth Senate, and again took potshots at World President Jenna Bush, saying the war on Saturn was based on false information and misleading rhetoric.Byrd, appearing by animatronic video on the Interplanetary Web Network, said claims that Saturn was hiding weapons of mass destruction were hyped beyond what the evidence showed."How many more Stargate Troopers are we going to send into harm's way?" asked Byrd. "How many more bajillions of Galactic credits are we going to spend? The Saturnites mean us no harm."Byrd, who will be just shy of his 107th birthday when the election is held, brushed aside questions about his age and his health."I am fit as a fiddle and excited to continue serving the thirty-five thousand people of West Virginia," said Byrd.Meanwhile, sources said today that Osama Bin Laden was believed to be hiding in the Banterian Mountains on the warm side of Jupiter."Our intelligence agencies believe we have him cornered and it's only a matter of time before we bring him to justice," said President Bush on Tuesday.Also on Tuesday, former Vice President Al Gore unveiled his newest documentary, "I'm Really, Really Sorry," saying he was finished trying to justify his claims that the earth was getting warmer and would therefore face disastrous consequences."After 18 straight years of ridiculously cold temperatures, I'm throwing in the towel," said Gore, who also announced he and Tipper were moving to Brazil to escape the arctic conditions in Tennessee. "Frankly, we're tired of freezing our butts off."Meanwhile, in local news, former President Joe Manchin held a press conference to announce he was backing longtime West Virginia University President Mike Garrison for governor. Garrison appeared at the press conference along with WVU Board President Steve Goodwin."Mike obviously has the qualifications necessary to lead our state into the future, yada, yada, yada," said Manchin. Goodwin, meanwhile, defended the recent selection process for Garrison's replacement at WVU, saying the search had been universal in scope and "conspicuously open." The fact that the post was awarded to his pool boy, Milo, does not warrant the criticism received from some quarters, said Goodwin."Milo's career as a pool boy gives him the insight necessary to navigate whatever troubled waters may lie ahead at West Virginia University," said Goodwin, adding, "and frankly, I just don't have to care what anyone thinks." 
