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The Republican Gazette

"When news breaks, we fix it"

MONDAY MAY 11, 2009

Capito keynotes LD at Harrison County

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito spoke Friday to nearly 100 attendees of the annual Harrison County Lincoln Day Dinner, critiquing the policies of the Obama administration, discussing the party switch of Sen. Arlen Specter, and offering an update of her own activities in recent months. The dinner, organized by Harrison County Chair Tommy Phillips and his local committee, also featured an auction conducted by Wood County Republican and auctioneer Rocky Peck (bottom picture). The dinner was held in Bridgeport, and was attended by several Republican guests from other counties. State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney was on hand for the event in his home county, and invited guests to also attend the upcoming May 22 dinner in South Charleston featuring Republican National Chairman Michael Steele.

WSJ: Rockefeller well briefed on 'water boarding'

(NRCC Press Release) One of President Obama’s first executive orders was to close down the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba within a year, but with that order came no details about exactly what he would do with the terrorists who are held there. In the absence of a real plan to protect Americans, the terrorists could be relocated to penitentiaries around the United States, potentially ending up in West Virginia.

“President Obama's decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba, one of his first acts after taking office, is putting fellow Democrats on the political hot seat as word spreads that terrorism suspects and other detainees would be relocated to the U.S. or transferred to domestic prisons…

"States and municipalities around the country are saying ‘not in my backyard,’ and Republicans are raising the prospect of relocated detainees putting Americans in danger.” (Janet Hook, “Democrats face hard time over Guantanamo,” LA Times, May 7, 2009)

But even some of Nick Rahall's fellow Democrats are troubled by Obama’s insistence to close Gitmo without any real plan in place on what to do with the detainees:

“‘They say, “We’re going to close Guantanamo.” OK, fine. How are you going to do that? That’s the question,’ Rep. Neal Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) told POLITICO Thursday. ‘They should have had that worked out from the get-go.’... Senate Armed

Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said he believed there were prisons in the United States that could handle the Guantanamo detainees, but it’s becoming clear that many states and localities want nothing to do with the terrorist suspects.... On Thursday, House Republicans introduced a bill seeking to make it impossible for Obama to release detainees into the homeland without pre-approval from Congress and individual states.” (Alex Isenstadt, “Democrats see lack of planning on Guantanamo Bay,” Politico, May 8, 2009)

Now that the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act has been introduced into Congress, Nick Rahall has a real opportunity to protect the families in his district, but where does he stand?

“Nick Rahall has the explicit duty to stand up and protect his constituents in the wake of Gitmo’s closing, which could allow dangerous terrorists to be imported to places like West Virginia,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Will Nick Rahall defend the safety of the families in his district and stand up against this dangerous proposal or will he leave the security of American lives in the balance?”

If Rep. Nick Rahall supports this bill, he can stop these terrorists from being imported into his constituents’ backyard. But will he have the resolve to stand up to the president? Or will he stay silent in hopes of avoiding the repercussions by allowing the terrorists to be relocated to places like West Virginia?

NRCC asks where Rahall stands on terrorist relocation

Saturday's Wall Street Journal contains an article that demonstrates conclusiveley that not only was Sen. Jay Rockefeller fully briefed several times about the use of "water boarding" as an interrogation technique, he even admitted as much in documents he released himself last month.

As the WSJ reports, "On February 4, 2003, Senators Pat Roberts and Jay Rockefeller of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence were given a briefing in which 'EITs [were] 'described in considerable detail,' including 'how the water board was used.' The process by which the techniques were approved by DoJ was also raised.' The document also adds that Mr. Rockefeller, the Committee's ranking Democrat, was later given an 'individual briefing."'

"Nor was that the only time Mr. Rockefeller, who chaired the Committee from 2007 to 2009, heard from the CIA. The West Virginian was briefed at least 12 times more about interrogation

techniques, legal authorities and other aspects of the program. The last, in June 2008, was offered to 10 members of the Senate Intelligence Committee and covered 'discussion of EITs and the OLC [Office of Legal Counsel] opinions. Specific mentions of waterboarding numerous time."'

The report adds, "Amusingly, or almost, Senator Rockefeller's denial is flatly contradicted by his own report on the subject released last month, which notes that 'On May 19, 2008, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency provided the Committee with access to all opinions and a number of other documents prepared by the Office of Legal Counsel . . . concerning the legality of the CIA's detention and interrogation program. Five of these documents provided addressed the use of waterboarding.'" May 2008 was several months before Rockefeller claimed last November that he knew nothing about the OLC memos when the Washington Post reported on them.

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.

WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2009

From the time of the Romans over 2000 years ago it has been known that a good road system promotes business and commerce. In 1965 the much needed Corridor H project was initiated as part of the Appalachian Development Highway System for the same reasons. Now some forty-four years later about a third has yet to be completed. For comparison in March of 1942 the US Army began constructing a road to connect Alaska to the rest of the nation. They finished the 1,422 mile unimproved two-lane road through a complete wilderness eight months later in November of 1942. Interstate 80 which was the first transcontinental Interstate to be completed took only thirty years to complete its 2899 mile length. The estimates for a Corridor H completion date is still twenty-six years away. An entire generation of West Virginians will have been born, gone through school, worked a life time and retired before Corridor H’s completion. To build 133 miles of the transcontinental Interstate 80 took an average of sixteen months.

The question to many; Why is the 133 miles Corridor H taking close to seventy years to complete? The short answer for the long delay is the flawed funding mechanism the state is currently using. It relies too heavily on fickle Earmark funding from Washington, funding that can be easily taken away as happened recently. Barry Goldwater once said, “A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away” and that is exactly what happen with the Corridor H funding. The state is required to pay 20% of Corridor H construction cost with the Federal Government providing the other 80% through the Appalachian Region Commission. The reason stated by the Obama Administration for eliminating the latest Corridor H funding was because the Federal portion was exceeding the 80% formula.

West Virginia can no longer afford to wait to finish Corridor H and as a result we must change the funding model the state is currently using. Let’s compare the current model the state is using to build Corridor H to building a new home. It would be as if when you got your pay check you took a small portion and used that money to buy a few two by fours, some sheet rock or shingles. You would then build a small portion of your new home. Every once and awhile you might get a tax refund or better yet a stimulus check (Earmark) from the government, then you run out, splurge and build a bigger chunk of your new house. The problem with this method is the part of your home you are building now would be much more expensive then the part you built in 1965, meaning overall construction cost will be much higher in the end. Additionally you will not have your home ready to move into until your ready to retire and you would be unable to use it to raise your family. That is why, for the most part, we don’t fund new home construction in this way.

The way most new homes are constructed is we borrow the money, build the new home in a short period of time, move in and pay for it over time. This accomplishes several things. One it locks the price in to the prices at the time of construction. Two it still allows us to pay for the new home over the same amount of time. Lastly it allows us to use the home during our life time. The state should be using the exact system funding method to complete the final sections of Corridor H over the next four to six years, instead of waiting the estimated twenty-six years to completion.

West Virginia’s bond rating is in the middle of the pack, and the state has been working hard to maintain or improve it. In other words the state has a good credit rating and this gives us the ability to have a good interest rate on a loan to complete Corridor H in the near future. Right now the estimate for building a mile of Corridor H is $22 million per mile. If we continue to use the current funding method, that final mile of Corridor H will cost the taxpayers around $51 million to build in twenty-six years, costing the tax payer and addition $29 million the last mile alone. If we build it now by issuing bonds we lock the construction cost in at $22 million per mile. We cannot wait to complete Corridor H and continue this current fiscal irresponsibility.

We must borrow the money to complete Corridor H within the next four to six years locking in the cost savings to the taxpayer. It will provide a strong economic impact in the construction industry during construction over the next four to six years helping to offset the current job losses in the state. As the road nears completion the increased traffic along the route will help create jobs in the travel service industry from Hardy County to Lewis County. The increased ease of transport will help retain and attract industry along the route now, all the while increasing tax revenue for the state without increasing taxes.

The increased tax revenue will make it easier for the state to pay its 20%, while the rest of the loan payments are made with the guaranteed 80% Federal matching funds. If we change now and stop waiting on earmark funding, then we take control of our own destiny and will no longer be subject to whims of Washington politics. Now is the time for West Virginia to stand up, be fiscally responsible and complete Corridor H within six years.

Gary Howell is a Keyser businessman, a member of the Republican State Executive Committee, and a member of the U.S. 50 Association.

Flawed funding plan to blame for Corridor H task that never ends

Gary

Howell

(NRCC Press Release) Last week, Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV) made it clear that he is not willing to stand up and block Gitmo detainees from being transported to the United States in the name of protecting his constituents.

“Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee beat back a proposal Thursday by Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt to prohibit the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States…. The committee rejected Tiahrt’s amendment on a party-line vote.” (Jonathan Allen and Joanna Anderson, “Committee Quashes Gitmo Prisoner Transfer Ban,” CQ, May 7, 2009)

Alan Mollohan was among the members in the Appropriations Committee mark-up last week who voted in lock-step with his fellow Democrats to block an amendment to ensure that Guantanamo Bay prisoners would not be transferred to the United States.

“Why didn’t Alan Mollohan stand up and defend the safety of families in his district by supporting this measure to block dangerous terrorists from being brought into the United States?” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Alan Mollohan failed to uphold his duty to protect his constituents, leaving the security of American lives in the balance.”

NRCC rips Mollohan for blocking effort to prevent terrorist relocation plans

Television's nice, but is it a basic necessity?

Rockefeller goes overboard in concern

I doubt I'm the only one among us who, growing up, heard his father threaten to throw the television out of the house because of the amount of time his son spent staring at the flickering screen when there were better things to do.

With that in mind, it has astounded me how concerned our government has been about the impending switch from the analog to digital television signal, going so far as to pay (with our tax dollars, of course) for digital converter boxes for American consumers. It seems to me that if anyone should be supplying free converters (and that's a big if), it's the TV stations, not taxpayers.

Many politicians, including Sen. Jay Rockefeller, were so alarmed that folks might not yet be ready for the switch that he was a driving force behind delaying the appointed change just to make sure everyone was ready.

Come on. Seriously? How traumatic would it really be for a small percentage of the population -- the folks still using old fashioned antennas (God bless them) -- to wake up one morning and find out their TV wasn't getting a picture? Well, to listen to folks like Rockefeller, it would be akin to starvation, plague or torture. I'm sorry, but as long as there's radio, television is still not a necessity, even in times of terrorist attack or other catastrophe.

Just yesterday, for example, Rockefeller's office issued a warning that there's only one month until the new changeover date is upon us -- June 12 -- and he actually said this: "I am especially concerned about protecting our most vulnerable citizens."

What? Senator Rockefeller is concerned about "protecting our most vulnerable citizens" against what? Fuzzy Picture Syndrome? We have truly grown soft as a nation if one of our biggest governmental concerns is protecting "our most vulnerable citizens" against lack of TV.

If I hear anyone whining on June 12 about their picture going out, I know what to do -- send my dad over and let him toss the TV out the door. And this time, he won't let mom talk him out of it.

THURSDAY MAY 14, 2009

Why conservatives need the GOP in order to advance their causes

Conservatism is a movement, which is an entirely different animal than a party, which is what wins

As a lifelong conservative dedicated to both the economic and social issues to which most conservatives adhere, I have often been as conflicted as many of my fellow conservatives about the sometimes wayward direction of the Republican Party. And yet, I have never for a moment considered leaving the GOP, or joining any kind of organization or third party that might more completely reflect the strict philosophy of conservatism.

I have always believed -- and continue to believe -- that the Republican Party is the only vehicle through which conservative values can triumph at the ballot box. And yet, I have always understood also that in order for the conservative philosophy to carry the day, it is necessary for the GOP to welcome and work with members and officeholders who do not share every conservative value.

That is why, anytime I have been officially associated with the Republican Party leadership or its candidates, I have welcomed and even sought out support, both financially and otherwise, from Republicans who are more politically moderate. To fail to do so is to guarantee the demise of the GOP.

Recently when I shared a segment on Hoppy Kercheval's "Talkline" with Charleston Mayor Danny Jones -- who is a Republican but is not a movement conservative -- the mayor acknowledged that unlike some, I have always welcomed him as part of the party. And I have, and always will, even though he and I strongly disagree on the philosophical direction of the party.

When Arlen Specter bolted the party recently, I happily celebrated his departure -- but not because he did not share my conservatism. Specter finally left the GOP not because he realized the party was too conservative -- it has long been just as conservative -- but because by his own admission he figured out he was on the verge of being defeated in the Republican primary election in Pennsylvania. Such self-serving political animals will not find a happy home in either party, as the newly-minted Democrat is discovering to his chagrin. And to his credit, Mayor Jones reiterated on "Talkline" that he has no intention of leaving the GOP.

This whole dichotomy was perfectly expressed recently in a Weekly Standard article brought to my attention Wednesday by Doug McKinney. The author, Noemie Emery, points out that the cyclical threat by conservatives to punish the Republican Party or replace it, as evidenced by the occasional emergence of new "conservative" groups, represents "a failure to realize that a party and movement are not the same thing. A movement exists to express and promote a coherent set of principles in the world of ideas and of values. A party -- especially in a two-party system -- is something quite different: a gathering of diverse political forces around a large and loosely held set of interests and values, that exists to give all of its factions access to power in the practical world of events. A movement gives a party a spine and a platform; the party assembles a coalition around them that is large enough to win and hold power, and turn some of the movement's ideas into law."

Precisely. The practical conservative recognizes that without a larger umbrella of support, his beliefs -- noble and right though they may be -- will never win elections or be in a position to become the law of the land without the vehicle of the larger coalition, in the form of a broader party, to move them across the finish line.

As Emery points out, smart conservatives "might stop holding up Ronald Reagan as a shield and an icon and look instead at what Reagan did. He was a movement conservative and a movement leader, but he was also a politician, and a builder of party, who understood how a movement fit into a party, and how a party could move a movement ahead. Coalition destruction was not on his agenda."

Tea parties, for example, represent a sincere movement, but they are not a replacement for a party, which is the vehicle by which elections are won.

Emery quotes Reagan as telling conservatives, "After all, you do not get to be a majority party by searching for groups you won't associate or work with. If we truly believe in our principles, we should sit down and talk."

As usual, Reagan was right, and we conservatives again should heed his words.

Manchin set to get an earful from author who says entitlement plans are outdated notions

MATT MILLER

JOE MANCHIN

Gov. Joe Manchin is scheduled to take off for a posh Idaho resort this weekend for the spring conference of the Council of State Governments, where he'll participate in a governor's roundtable keynoted by author Matt Miller.

Miller is the author of "The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go of the Old Ways of Thinking to Unleash a New Prosperity," in which, according to Publishers Weekly, the writer "denounces such cherished and longstanding beliefs as Your Company Should Take Care of You, and The Kids Will Earn More than We Do, and examines their historical provenances—for example, he traces the adoption of pensions to the early 20th century, when employers like Proctor and Gamble and G.E. acted as feudal lords offering benefits to recruit and retain employees—strategies that are now strangling these same corporations at the expense of global competitiveness."

Manchin's union supporters might be chagrined to learn that Mojo will hear from Miller that "only top business executives can spearhead new ideas since power-driven politicians are incapable of such leadership." Ouch.

The conference is taking place at the Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort, "with its rich history and spectacular scenery," as described by a brochure.

An "optional activity" at the conference is "a beautiful and challenging course at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course during the optional golf tournament on Monday, May 18."

Steele names new finance director at national GOP

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele has announced that Robert Bickhart, a veteran of numerous state and national campaigns who has held senior posts in both Congress and the Reagan Administration, is joining the RNC as Finance Director. Bickhart served as Finance Chairman to U.S. Senator Rick Santorum from 2004-2006. Read more.

MONDAY MAY 18, 2009

Is there a reason for GOP to field candidate against Tom McHugh?

Justice Tom McHugh was appointed first by then-Chief Justice Spike Maynard to temporarily fill in for Justice Joe Albright when Albright fell ill, then was re-appointed by new Chief Justice Brent Benjamin. Then he was appointed by Gov. Joe Manchin, after Albright passed away, to fill the position until the 2010 General Election (which will determine who fills the remainder of the Albright term until the 2012 General Election -- yes, it is confusing).

McHugh is widely believed to be close to declaring himself a candidate for the 2010 election, and will likely offer assurances that, if elected, he will not then run for a full term in 2012. Believed to have Manchin firmly in his corner for a 2010 campaign, McHugh's presence so far seems to be keeping most challengers (of either party) at bay, with the exception of Republican John Yoder of Jefferson County, the former state senator and recently elected circuit judge in the 23rd District.

Various interests would prefer to clear the field for McHugh next year, but so far Yoder seems determined to stick to his guns, and good for him, since elections are supposed to be about offering voters a choice. But would Yoder stand a chance in a head-to-head matchup with McHugh in the fall of 2010? Conventional wisdom would indicate not, but conventional widom ain't perfect.

First, despite his long service in West Virginia legal circles, including previous service on the Supreme Court, and despite being a widely respected jurist, McHugh is not particularly well known across the state. In fact, Yoder's name may not be much less known than McHugh's given his own previous presence on a statewide ballot and his much more recent service in the state senate. And in the Eastern Panhandle, Yoder has consistently surprised the "experts" by pulling off victories year in and year out, including his senate elections, and his most recent court win over attorney Mike Lorensen, in a race where most picked Lorensen to prevail.

Yoder last ran for the Supreme Court in 2000, participating in a three-person race for two available seats, Albright and Justice Robin Davis capturing the top spots. The results were, out of nearly 900,000 voters, Albright, 41%, Davis 35%, Yoder 24%. But if you look at it as a race for second place between Davis and Yoder, then Davis defeated Yoder 59-41 -- still not particularly impressive for Yoder until you consider that Davis spent about a million bucks, and Yoder spent zero, having actually tried to pull out of the race (the elections commission said he couldn't).

But it's better to compare apples to apples. Next year's election will be for just one seat, for an unexpired term, and during an off-year (non-presidential) election. That same scenario happened in 1998, when Democrat Warren McGraw took on Republican John McCuskey, who had been appointed to the bench by Gov. Cecil Underwood. (Ironically, McCuskey was tapped to fill the unexpired term of none other than Tom McHugh, who decided to retire early. Just as ironically, McCuskey defeated Yoder in the '98 GOP primary.) McGraw prevailed in the General Election, but only by a 54-46 margin with only about 360,000 votes cast.

Now, consider the political landscape next year in West Virginia. Barack Obama -- who managed to lose this "Democrat state" by 14 points last year -- is putting in place his anti-coal and overall "progressive" policies, which are likely to result in a backlash in the Mountain State even more than most places. There are no statewide races next year except for Supreme Court to drive out Democrat voters.

If Democrat turnout is suppressed, and those Dems who do vote are conservatives motivated to send an anti-liberal message, and Republicans are motivated to go to the polls, every Republican on the ballot should benefit, including in the Supreme Court race. There were no such circumstances in 1998, and the eight-point margin for the Democrat could easily swing the other way 12 years later.

For Republicans (and business interests), McHugh's election next year would make picking up a Supreme Court seat in 2012 difficult, even if McHugh himself is not on the ballot then. Having a Republican running in 2012 as an elected incumbent would make it much more difficult for the Democrats, especially during a presidential year when the GOP ticket is likely to benefit even more from an anti-Obama vote, as well as very likely having a strong candidate for governor. (In fact, 2012 could, and should, be a turning point for Republicans in West Virginia, with a strong statewide ticket and good down-ballot candidates.)

As this reality sets in, there may be other Republicans who decide to make a go at the court next year. Beth Walker, the GOP candidate last year, is so far undecided, and is naturally hesitant about running three campaigns in a row over just six years, which is what would be necessary even if she were to win in 2010. But if she does not run, and if Yoder were to pull off the upset next year, and then Yoder and Walker both run in 2012 (and both would survive a Primary Election, since each party will send its top two primary vote-getters into the General), it would mean a four-person General Election race for the two seats to be elected in 2012, making the outcome even more unpredictable.

PRESTON COUNTY LINCOLN DAY -- The Preston County Republican Party held its annual Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday night, with former Secretary of State Betty Ireland serving as keynote speaker. From left, State Sen. Dave Sypolt; state GOP Chair Doug McKinney; Ireland; Preston County Assessor Teri Funk (holding a gift basket that was presented to Ireland); and Preston County GOP Chair Buddy Turner. There were more than 80 in attendance to hear Ireland speak about the opportunities that lie ahead for Republicans in the upcoming election cycles.

Some of the participants in Friday's "Think Tank" meeting in Huntington mingle after the session concluded.

Huntington 'Think Tank' participants offer ideas

Discussion ranges from prez convention to candidates to the overall party message

A wide ranging discussion of Republican activities and prospects in West Virginia from last year's presidential convention to candidates for future elections to the party's overall message took place Friday night at another WVGOP "Think Tank session, this one held in Huntington at the Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, Student Ministry Building.

As was the case at previous meetings, most participants said they would favor again holding another GOP presidential convention in West Virginia, but with significant changes, particularly aimed at assuring more participation from rank and file Republicans, and fewer automatic delegate slots set aside for county chairs, committee members and elected officials.

Others suggested the GOP engage in an education project designed to inform Republicans of how to become members of party committees.

Attendees also discussed upcoming legislative races and potential GOP candidates who might be interested in running.

An animated but positive discussion was held on the subject of the party's message, and how a conservative ideology can be translated into victory at the polls, as well as how the GOP can better differentiate its message from a state Democrat Party that often tries to present itself as conservative on many issues.

The next "Think Tank" meeting is scheduled for June 16, 7 p.m., Chestnut Ridge Community Church, Cheat Lake, Morgantown.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Steele: Notre Dame should not give Obama a degree

Pinecrest Hospital opens new TB unit -- not that there was anything wrong with the old one, right?

According to a story in Friday's Beckley Register-Herald, Pinecrest Hospital is unveiling a new TB unit "in a different location which has been gutted and rebuilt. The locked card-access-only facility also features negative air flow, which is designed to lower the risk of infection spreading."

The lack of negative air flow in the former TB unit at Pinecrest was a cause for concern taken up by former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks, whose complaints about possible TB contamination at Pinecrest were routinely laughed off by DHHR officials over the years. It is telling that officials are stressing that the new unit, financed in part with $1 million of state money, "features negative air flow..." Should those who were exposed to the old unit be concerned? Weeks told the story of his battle in a book.

Back in 2007, seven employees filed suit against Pinecrest Hospital, claiming the state-run nursing home "negligently allowed contaminated air from a TB isolation ward into the main areas of the hospital." Several of the employees tested positive for having been exposed to TB, and the state eventually settled the suit out of court.

WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2009

Steele: Time for Republican apologies is over

Steele in West Virginia Friday for GOP fundraiser

(Press Release) Ticket sales for Friday’s West Virginia Republican Party fundraising dinner with Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele have eclipsed the 200 mark and are continuing to climb through this week.

Steele is the keynote speaker for the Friday evening event at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston, which gets underway with a 6 p.m. reception and 6:30 p.m. dinner.

State Sen. Clark Barnes will emcee the dinner program, and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito is scheduled to attend and introduce Steele at the dinner. Many GOP state lawmakers, county chairs and local officeholders are scheduled to attend.

“We’re thrilled with the response to this event,” said state GOP Chairman Doug McKinney, who is currently in Washington D.C. with Steele attending the three-day RNC state chairs meeting. “Republicans are anxious to hear Chairman Steele’s vision for the future as we prepare for the crucial election cycles ahead.”

Tickets are $50 each and can be picked up at the door, but they must be reserved in advance by calling 304-768-0493, or online at www.wvgop.org.

Shelley Moore Capito to introduce RNC chair; Sen. Clark Barnes will serve as master of ceremonies

Recently an article appeared in the Charleston Daily mail entitled, “Official targets slow work on Corridor H” and state officials gave reasons for the continued delay of the highway. Most of the reasons given by the state make little or no sense.

The state claims they couldn’t pay the back the bonds. According to the article, “Even if the Legislature raised the cap, Walker said the state still couldn't pay back the debt on such a project.” This statement is totally illogical, as the bond method builds the highway at a lower cost. Consider that the current estimate for completing constructions is 1.5 billion dollars over the next 26 years. Of those 1.5 billion dollars, the state is responsible for 20% matching funds as outlined by the Appalachian Region Commission and that cost would be $300 million dollars.

Now if the state issues bonds to complete the final 50 miles of Corridor H that have yet to receive funding, at 22 million dollars per mile , then total construction cost would be approximately 1.1 billion dollars. The states portion of that would be $220 million saving the West Virginia taxpayers 80 million dollars and saving the US taxpayers 400 million dollars.

Walker went on to say, “"It would completely bleed the state road fund. If we were able to do all of that, very important programs, like paving and bridge repairs, would have to be sacrificed." My question to Mr. Walker would be; why would freeing up an extra 80 million dollars from Corridor H, require the state to cut other projects? Those 80 million dollars in savings from Corridor H could be used to increase funding of very important programs, like paving and bridge repairs. The reality

is the exact opposite of what Mr. Walker says; the state will have to cut $80 million worth of future projects, because they are not changing the funding method.

Now it is estimated that Corridor H over its length will create an additional 8,000 jobs in the state. If we bond the highway and complete it in 2015, then using the median income in the state, 32,589 dollars , those 8,000 jobs will create an additional 260 million dollars of annual income in the state. The state taxes as on that median income will be around 15.6 million dollars in annual revenue for the state. From an early completion date of 2015 to 2035 the current funding completion date, the total taxes collected from those new jobs, adjusted for inflation , will be 439 million dollars. The estimated annual Federal Tax from the new jobs will be 39 million dollars annually or 1.1 billion over 20 years adjusted for inflation.

So our choices are continue with the current funding method of Corridor H, which will complete it around 2035 and cost the taxpayers of the nation and state 1.5 billion dollars with small increase in employment during the construction phase, or build it over the next 6 years at a cost of 1.1 billion generating around 1.5 billion in new state and Federal tax revenue between 2015 and 2035 in the process as those new jobs are created in the near term. I prefer the method where Corridor H is completed early and pays for itself with taxes generated from the new jobs it will create.

We have to start being smart about how we build highways and other large projects in the state. We must be fiscally responsible.

Corridor H: We must be fiscally prudent --By Gary Howell

FRIDAY MAY 22, 2009

Steele dinner nearly sold out

Tonight's West Virginia Republican Party dinner with Michael Steele was nearly sold out as of late Thursday, with nearly 250 tickets sold.

Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, will be the keynote speaker tonight at the 6:30 p.m. event at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston. Steele is scheduled to appear at around 11 a.m. today on "Talkline" with Hoppy Kercheval on the MetroNews radio network.

MONDAY MAY 25, 2009

Army Sgt. Gene Arden Vance Jr., 38, of Morgantown. May 19, 2002. Afghanistan.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, 31, of Grafton. June 12, 2002. Afghanistan.

Army Pfc. Richard W. Hafer, 21, of Nitro. Nov. 15, 2003. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Roger C. Turner Jr., 37, of Parkersburg. Feb. 1, 2004. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Ernest Harold Sutphin, 21, of Parkersburg. March 18, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. Joshua S. Wilfong, 22, of Walker. April 30, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Lance Cpl. Juston T. Thacker, 21, of Bluefield. June 24, 2004. Afghanistan.

Army Spec. Danny B. Daniels II, 23, of Varney. July 20, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. DeForest L. Talbert, 24, of Charleston. July 27, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. Bobby E. Beasley, 36, of Inwood. Aug. 7, 2004. Afghanistan.

Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Byrd II, 23, of Fairview. Oct. 30, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Otie J. McVey, 53, of Oak Hill. Evacuated from Iraq Sept. 23, 2004, for a non-combat related illness and died in Beaver, W.Va. Nov. 7, 2004. Marine Cpl. Romulo J. Jimenez II, 21, of Bellington. Nov. 10, 2004. Iraq. (I could not find a photo of him, but there's a story here.)

Marine Lance Cpl. Bradley L. Parker, 19, of Rachel. Nov. 15, 2004. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen, 33, of Bluefield. Dec. 21, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. Bryan J. Richardson, 23, of Summersville. March 25, 2005. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Brian S. Ulbrich, 23, of Chapmanville. June 5, 2005. Iraq.

Marine Lance Cpl. Adam J. Crumpler, 19, of Campbells Creek. June 18, 2005. Iraq.

Navy Petty Officer Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway. June 28, 2005. Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy A. Brown, 26, of Mabscott. July 3, 2005. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert F. White, 34, of Cross Lanes. Sept. 26, 2005. Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. Brian C. Karim, 22, of Talcott. Dec. 13, 2005. Iraq.

Army Sgt. Matthew D. Hunter, 31, of Valley Grove. Jan. 23, 2006. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. William B. Fulks, 23, of Culloden. May 18, 2006. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Seale, 25, of Grafton. Aug. 6, 2006. Iraq.

Sgt. Charles J. McClain, 26, of Follansbee. Oct. 31, 2006. Afghanistan.

Army Pvt. Michael J. Slater, 19, of Scott Depot. April 21, 2007. Iraq.

Army Spec. Daniel F. Mehringer, 20, of Morgantown. April 27, 2007. Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Stanley B. Reynolds, 37, of Rock. Aug. 14, 2007. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Thomas Randolph Wilson, 21, of Morgantown. Aug. 27, 2007. Afghanistan.

Army Cpl. Jason N. Marchand, 26, of Greenwood. Oct. 5, 2007. Iraq.

Army Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner, 31, of Pigeon. Nov. 7, 2007. Iraq.

Marine Capt. Garrett T. Lawton, 31, of Charleston. Aug. 4, 2008. Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel. Sept. 29, 2008. Afghanistan.

Memorial Day tribute

Following are West Virginians who have lost their lives in service to their country on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. The tribute was prepared by West Virginia Blue's "Carnacki," who has asked various bloggers to post the tribute, with no political commentary. In honor of our fallen soldiers (and in the spirit of bipartisanship) the Republican Gazette is participating.

Steele event packs hotel for GOP

Nearly 250 Republicans from around the state packed the main ballroom at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston Friday night for a fundraising dinner with RNC Chairman Michael Steele. By Friday morning, ticket sales were so strong that the state party had to announce the event was sold out. Steele impressed everyone in attendance, not just with his well received remarks, but with his personal time and attention, as he lingered in the ballroom long after the dinner concluded to speak with attendees and pose for photos with everyone who wanted some of his time. When final numbers are in, the event should bring $18-20,000 into GOP coffers. Here are some images from the evening, courtesy of Allen Ross from Wood County.

WVGOP Chair Doug McKinney shares a laugh with Steele.

Steele poses with Cecil H. Underwood interns, from left, Scotty Robertson, Ben Adams, Nina Orndorff and Patrick Heavner, who helped staff the event.

Brenda Garcia of Summers County presented Steele with a handmade quilt as a gift. The quilt highlights the WVGOP's "Seeing Red" monthly donor program.

Steele poses with county chairs in attendance, including, from left: Tommy Phillips, Harrison; Frank Tuckwiller, Greenbrier; Marty Gearheart, Mercer; Duane Miller, Monroe; Joe Garcia, Summers; Pam Krushanksy, Monongalia; Anne Dungan, Jefferson; Donna Boley, Pleasants; John Heiss, Barbour; and Melody Potter, Kanawha.

State GOP lawmakers in attendance post with Steele, from left: Ron Walters, Jonathan Miller, Tim Armstead, Mike Hall, Linda Sumner, Kelli Sobonya, Donna Boley, Craig Blair, Carol Miller, Mitch Carmichael and Clark Barnes, who emceed the event. Partially hidden at left are John Ellem and Dave Sypolt.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito introduced Steele, as well as acknowledging her parents, former Gov. Arch Moore and First Lady Shelley Moore, who were in attendance, calling her father "my favorite veteran," in honor of Memorial Day.

Chairman Steele told attendees to be proud to be Republicans, and stop apologizing for mistakes. He also told young people in attendance, "You are not the future of the party. You are the here and now," and urged them to begin taking leadership roles.

Among those in attendance visible in this photo are Sen. Donna Boley, former Mike Huckabee state director Mike Ankrom, former U.S. Senate candidate John Raese and his wife, Liz, event photographer Stephen Ferrell, and Del. Carol Miller.

WVGOP vice chair Bob Fish, left, and West Virginia Federation of Young Republicans president Mike Howerton prepare to hear remarks from Steele.

Former Gov. Arch Moore and his wife, former First Lady Shelley Moore. pose for a photo.

Wood County Republican Allen Ross shakes hands with Steele at Friday night's fundraiser for the WVGOP.

Steele on

'Decision Makers'

RNC Chairman Michael Steele appeared on West Virginia Media's "Decision Makers" program over the weekend in a segment that was taped Friday afternoon at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. Part one is at left, part two at right.

Have a

safe and meaningful Memorial Day

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2009

(Press Release) The Republicans in the House of Delegates this week called on Governor Manchin to make economic development and job creation a primary focus of the upcoming Special Session of the Legislature. Republican House members cited the failure of the Legislature to adopt pro-job legislation during the Regular Legislative session and urged Governor Manchin to take bold steps to improve West Virginia’s economy during the Special Session expected to be held within the next few weeks.

Measures House Republicans supported during the Regular Session, and continue to support, include legislation to fully eliminate the Business Franchise Tax, reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax and cut the personal property tax on manufacturing inventory. Republicans in the House have also fought to reduce the tax burden on all of West Virginia’s hard-working citizens, and have advocated tax reductions for seniors and those on fixed incomes to help West Virginians make ends meet.

"Up to this point, the 2009 Legislative Session has been one of missed opportunities. Our Legislature has failed to seriously address the hardships our citizens are facing. We recognize that the people of our state are suffering financially and are facing an uncertain economic future. More and more West Virginians are losing their jobs each day. The upcoming Special Session provides our best opportunity to get serious, roll up our sleeves, and provide some real solutions to the economic problems our citizens are facing," said House Minority Leader Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha.

Republican lawmakers recognize that, in light of the national economic downturn and rising unemployment, job creation has become even more competitive. In order to attract and retain jobs, West Virginia must eliminate long-standing barriers that have put West Virginia out of sync with its neighboring states and hindered economic growth. Significant changes to the state’s tax structure and legal justice system will put West Virginia on the road to economic recovery.

House Republicans also favor immediate action to assist West Virginians who have suffered tremendous loss and whose homes and communities have been devastated by recent flooding. While emergency responders, including local firefighters and National Guard members, as well as churches, businesses, organizations, private citizens and entire communities have come together to assist those whose lives have been affected by this tragedy, the Special Session will allow the Legislature to act, in a united fashion, to provide additional assistance in addressing the needs of West Virginians harmed by these floods.

Republicans lawmakers also urged Governor Manchin to include on his Special Session call legislation that would place on the ballot, to be voted on by all West Virginia voters, an amendment to West Virginia’s Constitution defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Recent court decisions throughout the country have made it clear that immediate action is necessary to ensure that West Virginia’s citizens, rather than the court system, decide this crucial issue. Swift action to define marriage in the state’s Constitution is even more urgent today in light of the recent court ruling in Iowa overturning that state’s Defense of Marriage Act, a statute similar to West Virginia’s existing laws.

"If the Legislative Session is to be extended by the Governor, the Legislature should address those issues that require immediate action and will truly improve the quality of life for our citizens. Certainly, ensuring that our citizens have steady, good-paying jobs and a promising economic future should be a top priority. In addition, allowing our citizens the right to vote on an issue as important as preserving traditional marriage, rather than allowing marriage to be redefined by the courts, justifies immediate action," Armstead said.

For more information, please contact House Minority Leader Tim Armstead at (304) 340-3240 or at armstead@mail.wvnet.edu.

Armstead, GOP caucus: Jobs should be focus

TIM

ARMSTEAD

(Press Release) RNC Chairman Michael Steele Friday night spoke to nearly 250 Republicans and in his remarks he addressed the WV Young Republicans to take action.

“We are determined not to live in the past, but to look forward to a prosperous future,” said Kevin Noe, National Committeeman for the WV YR, “It’s time we stand up, with a clear voice and let our state leaders know that we are going to take charge of our state's future. Realizing that the status quo is no longer acceptable in West Virginia, the Young Republicans are prepared to bring much needed change to Mountain State government.”

The Young Republicans are prepared to lead the way into next year’s election to let the voters of WV know where their representatives stand on key issues.

“We have representatives in Charleston and Washington that are not working for the people of West Virginia, and it’s time we let them know we are not happy with them. It's time to tell them that the radical Cap and Trade laws will kill West Virginia's coal industry. It’s time we stand up and let them know that we support the sanctity of life and traditional marriage.

“It’s time that we start making our voice heard. This is our state and our nation, we need to start acting like it and get involved,” added Noe.

For more information about the WV Young Republicans, please visit www.wvyr.org.

YRs ready to take up challenge by Steele

The Regular Session of the WV Legislature ended last month. "The BB and T Session" is my brief description of the results of that session.

I call the 2009 Legislative Session the BB and T Session (Barbies, Biscuits, and Tax Increases Session). We focused too much time on banning Barbie dolls, forcing restaurants to post the calorie content of biscuits on menus, and tax increases. Of course, that's not all we did.

We have a chance to redeem ourselves starting today. Our extended session begins at noon today and our special session will start immediately following the extended session. From what I've heard, though, it doesn't look like we will make any solid attempts to redeem our wacky actions of the 2009 Regular Session.