For years the McGraw family held a stranglehold over a section of the Democratic Party. They held sway by stoking the anti-corporate resentments that a large segment of West Virginians have carried since the early part of the last century. Warren McGraw a few years back lost his seat on the State Supreme Court of Appeals to free market defender Brent Benjamin. This could register as a sign that the old prejudices are dying off quickly. Could Warren's brother Darryl be next?
As attorney general, Darryl McGraw has unceasingly waged war on those seeking to do business in West Virginia and with the state government. His regular lawsuits help to create an anti-business climate. Certainly when our state gets referred to as a "judicial hellhole," part of the problem lies in McGraw's aggressive stance.
The long time incumbent may not make it through the primaries this time. Hoppy Kercheval reported recently that Governor Manchin's chief legal counsel Carte Goodwin might be considering a run. A charismatic former Ripley football and basketball standout, he will likely have the support of the state's business community as well as the ever popular governor. The pragmatic Goodwin would be a much more business friendly nominee for the Democratic Party than the incumbent. A successful tenure in a Board of Public Works position could serve as a springboard to the Governor's Mansion as well.
If this comes to pass, it could also signal a possible wider goal for Manchin. Republicans have rightly leveled criticism at his administration for baby steps towards free market reforms. Economic experts have proven that former Soviet republics currently have a more business friendly climate. Manchin's faction of the Democratic Party must understand that should the Republicans organize a strong effort in 2008, they could achieve a great deal. Almost eighty years of Democratic rule have done little for the state's economic position. Voters will hold Democrats responsible if they do not see real change soon.
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