and part of my plan is to make sure we crack down on those who try to get their way through intimidation, harassment and threats! No, I'm not talking about my chief of staff! I'm talking about schoolyard bullies! My crack staff tells me that kids who get bullied often turn around and do really mean things in return -- which explains a lot of Republican behavior in this state! Anyway, if you get bullied by anyone, please let me know right away! I will personally come to your school and kick their butts!
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Friday, June 1, 2007
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'Unger-mania' draws only a handful
'I didn't know this would turn into a rally,' Unger tells crowd of 10
Earlier Thursday, state Senator John Unger said that his Thursday press conference was not going to be a big event with a lot of people. But according to one attendee who spoke anonymously, when ten people showed up aside from reporters, Unger was duly impressed, exclaiming, "I didn't know this would turn into a rally!"
Unger's penchant for exaggeration, to put it nicely, was on full display Thursday as he formally announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District.
Even The Associated Press reported that the turnout for the Unger announcement amounted to a "small crowd."
Unger painted himself as a world traveler whose experiences in other countries have allowed him to see first-hand the errors of the Bush foreign policy.
He managed to avoid any direct mention of Mother Teresa -- maybe friendly advisors are telling him to cool the M.T. stuff -- although he did refer to spending time in Calcutta.
Congressmen Alan Mollohan and Nick Joe Rahall were on hand and did seem to offer endorsements. Democrat Party Chairman Nick
Casey was there, too, but stopped short of giving Unger the party's stamp of approval. Casey probably understands that Unger's theme of "We Can Do Better" applies to his own party in regard to this race, and if he persists with that theme, Unger will be a constant advertisement for a stronger candidate on the Democrat side.
Casey did claim that the campaign to defeat Shelley Moore Capito was one of the "top six" races for 2008 for the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee, but a DCCC spokesperson would not confirm that for the AP -- probably because it's not true.
If the Capito race is in the DCCC top six, Democrats don't have much hope for next year.
Gov. Joe Manchin was conspicuous by his absence at Thursday's non-rally.
Capito, who has been challenged by a multi-millionaire (twice), a television news reader, and a former Democrat Party chairman, took the latest challenge from a back-bench state Senator in stride, according to her spokesperson, who said the Congresswoman "is fully focused on working day in and day out to be the most effective and accessible congresswoman she can be."
That will be all she needs to do to win.
Ex-WV 'Victory' leader in New Mexico with GOP
Adam Feldman, a key leader in the 2004 West Virginia "Victory" program coordinated by the Republican National Committee, has landed in New Mexico as the new executive director of that state's GOP.
Feldman also was recently married, with former WVGOP political director Ben Beakes in attendance.
LeBron reminds us why NBA can be fan-tastic
It is not hype to call LeBron James' performance Thursday night in a double overtime upset win over the Detroit Pistons one of the greatest in NBA Playoff history.
James' 48 points and personal leadership singlehandedly lifted the Cavaliers to within one victory of playing in the franchise's first-ever NBA Finals.
The NBA has always been a league that thrives most when it can highlight superstars who grab the public's imagination. From the days of Mikan and Cousy through Russell and Chamberlain, West and Robertson, Dr. J, Bird, Magic, and, of course, Michael, the league offers a showcase for individual greatness and pizzaz.
When the league attempts to create "the next Michael Jordan," ala everyone from Penny Hardaway to Grant Hill to Kobe Bryant (who is a great scorer, but not a great winner), fans are always left disappointed because the expectations cannot match the hype.
But last year's Finals emergence of Dwyane Wade, and this year's spotlight-grabbing play of Golden State's Baron Davis, and now LeBron James, offers hope that the sizzle might be back on the steak.
It is an unfortunate fact that the most team-oriented franchises get little respect and even fewer fans nationwide. The San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons are two of the most fundamentally skilled teams ever to step onto the hardwood. But they are so impressively basic and grounded that they are practically boring to watch.
On Thursday, James made shot after shot after shot from impossibe angles and against amazing odds. From the middle of the fourth quarter through both overtimes, it was essentially LeBron James vs. the Detroit Pistons. And LeBron won.
Game 6 is Saturday in Cleveland at 8 p.m., televised by TNT.
Go LeBron. I mean, Cavs.
Crowd control no problem at Unger kickoff event in Charleston
State Senator John Unger's kickoff announcement for his campaign for Congress drew about ten Democrat party activists Thursday afternoon, according to witnesses. Main picture, Unger is accompanied by Congressmen Alan Mollohan and Nick Joe Rahall, as well as State Treasurer John Perdue. Inset photo, a pensive Unger prepares to deliver his remarks.
