The Gov and the GOP

Republicans derisively call him "Mojo." Democrats call him an election in the bag at this point, whatever election that might be. No doubt exists that, were it not for the lunatic left wing of the national Democratic Party, he has a definite future on the national stage if he keeps his nose clean. In West Virginia, if you say "Joe," everyone knows who you are talking about.

He can drive some people to serious distraction. Nearly everyone despises the "Open for Business" signs that will likely last until the next governor is inaugurated. The foolish intervention into West Virginia University's football schedule won him few friends outside of Cabell County. Apart from that, Governor Manchin has pushed an agenda that tends to favor reforms that might eventually make West Virginia more business friendly. He also has made statements that can be interpreted as pro war and is definitely anti-abortion.

All that being said, he is what he is. Joe Manchin remains a product of the Democratic Party's domination of West Virginia. Some might argue that puts him in a unique position to steer more comprehensive change through an otherwise hostile Legislature. Others doubt that a product of the Ruling Party has the capacity to introduce drastically revolutionary reforms necessary to make this state truly prosperous.

Few West Virginia Republicans of any stature want to take him on next year and who can blame them? That being said, the possibility exists that he could succeed an ailing Robert Byrd into the US Senate or even be selected as a running mate of the Democratic presidential nominee. The state GOP must groom a strong candidate for that eventuality. State Democrats may be less prepared for a Manchin defection than Republicans, so a candidate with ability and some stature must run. Robin Capehart comes to mind as one such possibility, but certainly there are others. A standard bearer must emerge that can represent the differences between West Virginia Republicans and Governor Manchin and also take advantage should the presumed Democratic nominee suddenly become otherwise engaged.

Despite the fact that many conservatives like Manchin, West Virginia needs to continue moving towards a real two party system. Competition in politics creates more responsible government. A non entity in the governor's race represents a step backwards not only for the state GOP, but for West Virginia as a whole. We need a man or woman with Republican values, strength of character, communication skills, and charisma to fight the good fight. After all, November 2008 is still a long way off and you never know what may happen between now and then.