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The Republican Gazette
COMMENTARY
Byrd's objection to Petraeus leads him to praise Iraq success
Sen. Robert C. Byrd was one of just two U.S. senators to cast a vote against making Gen. David Petraeus the top commander in the Middle East and naming Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno as Petraeus' replacement as the chief military officer in Iraq.But in casting his nay vote, Byrd at the same time found himself admitting -- maybe by accident -- that progress is being made in Iraq.Byrd basically said he was against removing Petraeus as chief military officer in Iraq because the general has been doing such a good job.Said Byrd, "It does not seem prudent to remove the mastermind behind the fragile successes that have been thus far achieved." No matter how you read that, Byrd is grudgingly admitting that the picture in Iraq is changing to one of success.Like Barack Obama, Byrd is likely finding it more and more difficult to oppose the Iraq war when success there is clearly within reach."Leaving carbon footprints
every chance we get"
WV falls three spots in latest ranking of states
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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
for Monday, July 14, 2008
A new CNBC ranking of the best states to do business reveals that under Gov. Joe Manchin, West Virginia has fallen three notches, dropping from No. 44 in 2007 to No. 47 this year.The report, which came out last week, ranks Texas as the best business state, surpassing Virginia, last year's winner. The only states worse than West Virginia in regard to business climate are Rhode Island, Hawaii and Alaska. Even Mississippi fared better than the Mountain State.CNBC used 40 different measures of competitiveness. West Virginia ranked last in "business friendliness," defined as the perceived “friendliness” of their legal and regulatory frameworks to business. It ranked just 48th in "technology and innovation," and 42nd in regard to its workforce.NEWS & NOTES
Weeks invited to seminar for new govs by National Governors Association
Gov. Joe Manchin may be attending the summer meeting of the National Governors Association, but his challenger in the November election, former State Sen. Russ Weeks, has been invited to attend the NGA Seminar for New Governors in late November.In a letter to Weeks, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell congratulated Weeks on his victory in the GOP primary, and said, "We are writing to acquaint you with the National Governors Association (NGA) and the NGA Seminar for New Governors that will be held on November 20-22 at Bally's in Las Vegas, Nevada."Pawlenty and Rendell encouraged Weeks to "save these dates on your calendar."They also provided Weeks with two NGA publications, including "Laying the Groundwork for Transition: Advice to Candidates," as well as "Transition and the New Governor: A Planning Guide.""More extensive transition materials will be provided immediately after the election," Pawlenty and Rendell noted.The document on "Laying the Groundwork for Transition" notes that while campaigns for governor are geared toward securing votes, "This does not mean that candidates must wait until the election to think about and even begin some of the planning for transition. Many former governors have advised future governors to start some transition planning before the election."Weeks said last week that he is taking the NGA's advice and will soon put together a transition team. He has already announced several new initiatives, including immediately addressing the need to remove politics from the appointment process of the West Virginia University Board of Governors. AG candidate Greear holding fundraiser tonight
Attorney General candidate Dan Greear is holding a fundraiser tonight beginning at 6 p.m. at the home of Suzette Raines and Aubrey Ayash in St. Albans. For more information, call 304-437-1306.RNC invites input on platform, even with videos
Interested Republicans can now go to gopplatform2008.com and comment on what they want included in the 2008 Republican Platform. Just create an account with the RNC and send your thoughts on what the National GOP Platform should be. Individuals can even send in a YouTube video. Those interested can also go to the WVGOP state party website and click on the link displayed prominently at www.wvgop.org. Fundraiser for Minimah
set for July 25th
A fundraising dinner is set for Secretary of State candidate Charles Minimah Friday, July 25th, at 7:30 p.m.The event will be held at The Chilton House #2 6th Ave. in the Loop, St. Albans. For reservations, call 304.546.9113. Credit cards accepted, or reserve by email response at EventReservations@ymail.com. Guest Entertainer "Lady D."