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Having FunWith MojoHey Kids! Mojo here! If I was a Republican -- and I'm not, no matter what some people think -- I've been thinking about which one of the Republican candidates for president I would support! I like Rudy Giuliani, but he's handled even bigger tragedies than I have, so I don't need someone stealing my thunder like that! I like Mitt Romney, but his hair is even better than mine, so he's out! Fred Thompson is an actor, so he might have more charisma than me! Gotta scratch him off the list! John McCain is known for straight talk, so I can't even understand what he's talking about! And I'm still learning about the rest of them! Fortunately, I'm a Democrat! I'm pro-life, pro-business, pro-coal and pro-gun! I sure am glad my party's going to nominate Hillary!
Participation in the new West Virginia Republican Party Presidential Convention exceeded all expecations when the list was announced Tuesday morning by convention CEO Bob Fish.All the poll leaders are in, as well as many other Republican favorites. One big surprise has to be the entry of Alan Keyes, a favorite with the Republican base and one of the most articulate debaters in the party.At the start, organizers felt the event would be a success if six or seven candidates signed up, as long as the perceived frontrunners were part of the group. But ending up with ten participants exceeded all expectations.The final list also laid to rest unfounded accusations voiced loudly to a state GOP staffer a few days ago by a supporter of one of the candidates who insinuated that only a couple of candidates would be participating and therefore paying the costs of the whole event.Another big presence was confirmed by the entry of Fred Thompson by his supporters -- something permitted under convention rules -- even though he is only officially announcing his candidacy this week.Last year, you endorsed John Unger for State Senate, apparently believing he was a lawmaker devoted to ending abortion. Please be advised of his responses to questions during a recent interview in the Shepherdstown Observer:OBSERVER: Would you overturn the historic Supreme Court decision Rowe (sic) vs. Wade that allows for abortions in this country?UNGER: I would not want to overturn it. Personally, however, in my own faith, I am pro-life.OBSERVER: Why wouldn’t you work to overturn Rowe vs. Wade?UNGER: I don’t think that it would be good for the country. The issue would go state-to-state. Legislatures would run on pro-life and pro-choice platforms. I don’t think that would be healthy. Just running on one platform would be devastating and overturning Rowe vs. Wade would lead to that. However, I’m going to be very clear, I am pro-life. OBSERVER: Are you worried about losing support on these two issues? UNGER: These are the two issues I struggle most with philosophically and practically. I am sure you are as shocked as the rest of us by Senator Unger's responses in regard to Roe v. Wade. Obviously, despite his insistence that he is personally pro-life, he does not believe in applying that belief to his legisative duties. Most of us who are pro-life do not struggle with the issue, nor do we expect struggles by those who receive the influential nod of our leading pro-life organization.Last year, you endorsed John Unger for State Senate, apparently believing he was a lawmaker devoted to conservative family values issues such as protecting traditional marriage. Please be advised of his responses to questions during a recent interview in the Shepherdtsown Observer:OBSERVER: Let me ask you, are you against same-sex marriage?UNGER: I am not for same-sex marriage.OBSERVER: What about same-sex civil unions?UNGER: I would like to learn more about it.OBSERVER: Is that a ‘yes’ you are against same-sex civil unions?UNGER: No, that is not a ‘yes.’OBSERVER: Are you for or against creating civil unions for same-sex relationships with increased benefits similar to those enjoyed by married people? UNGER: This is one I struggle with. I don’t have an answer...OBSERVER: Do you have a moral problem with gays and lesbians?UNGER: Personally, I don’t choose that lifestyle, I’m not gay. But other than that, I don’t impose my judgment on others.I am sure you are as shocked as the rest of us by Senator Unger's responses in regard to civil unions, especially since he produced a campaign flyer coupling your endorsement last year with a slam at his opponent on this subject. Obviously, now that he is running for Congress and must appeal to less conservative Democrats, he is quickly adjusting his positions. I am sure you regret your earlier endorsement based on Senator Unger's new stance.News item, September 4, 2007, Beckley Register-Herald:Seven workers claim in a lawsuit they tested positive for tuberculosis after Pinecrest Hospital in Beckley “recklessly” installed a through-the-wall air conditioning system, compromising a critical negative air flow system, The Register-Herald has learned.News item, October 2, 2004, The Associated Press:"I am sure we have looked at what (Sen. Russ Weeks) said," (assistant DHHR Secretary John) Law said. "However, a lot of his complaints have been investigated and we found they didn't have any merit. Some or most of them may be unfounded and a lot seem to be based upon rumor whose purpose is to do nothing more than to aggravate the employees and frighten the residents."Read more in today's Beckley Register-Herald and decide if employees and residents are unreasonably frightened.