It's a cold, cruel world because it's real.
We have a set field. Palin and Christie declined. Unless Rudy Giuliani unexpectedly steps in, we have a set field for the Republican primaries.
And no one is happy.
We do have a great field. A businessman with experience at the Fed, two former governors who enjoyed success in their own ways, the intellectual, and the others.
However, we're grumbling because we did not find Supercandidate. The person who combines perfect ideology with a perfect and extensive record.
Perry can't debate and is weak on immigration. Cain apparently backed TARP at the time (so did a lot of scared folks who have since regained their senses), Gingrich had that weird global warming moment. And Romney is health care challenged.
The candidate so many want does not exist and never did. Even Reagan raised taxes in California.
We don't need The (Republican) One. We need the best person available. And we need a winner.
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Kudos to Bill Maloney. What a long, hard fight only to lose by a handful of percentage points. He really shocked anyone who was paying attention. However, it is more proof that shifts in demographics and the national Democratic Party are seriously eroding that party's hegemony in West Virginia
Showing posts with label Bill Maloney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Maloney. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
We Won't Let Campaign Spokespeople Speak Or Write With Horrific Sentence Structure
From the Tomblin campaign...
We won't let New York multi-millionaire Bill Maloney who made his money drilling and digging in other states, then investing it in West Virginia, then selling out somehow because he obviously sold out because he made this money on his own and not by an Obama Department of Energy handout win a campaign with crazy ideas, such as free market, non-crony capitalism, that will take power away from West Virgina Democratic multi-millionaires and union bosses who actually happen to be the same people in some instances.
O. K., maybe not from the Tomblin campaign, but it does sound a lot like their really, really strange talking points.
We won't let New York multi-millionaire Bill Maloney who made his money drilling and digging in other states, then investing it in West Virginia, then selling out somehow because he obviously sold out because he made this money on his own and not by an Obama Department of Energy handout win a campaign with crazy ideas, such as free market, non-crony capitalism, that will take power away from West Virgina Democratic multi-millionaires and union bosses who actually happen to be the same people in some instances.
O. K., maybe not from the Tomblin campaign, but it does sound a lot like their really, really strange talking points.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Confessions of an Active Eastern Panhandle Republican
Bill Maloney is our party's nominee for governor. After his nomination, I put up some information about him and tried to say some favorable things about his campaign.
I have a few problems though.
As an active Republican, I know Betty Ireland and Clark Barnes. I know Ireland and Barnes to be good and ethical people. They have spoken at our dinners, socialized with us, shared their vision of what this state ought to be waaayyy before they ran for governor. We have been much obliged to these folks over the years for being there for the Republican Party almost any time we asked.
We don't know Bill Maloney. At least not over here.
We did not see much of him here. All I have heard about are the negative ads and backbiting with the Ireland and Barnes campaigns. Fair or unfair, insiders are not happy. Insiders don't decide primary elections, but they do help an awful lot in the general elections. Most of us could not take sides during the primary and actively help our man or woman of choice. But now the question is, can Maloney win the hearts and minds of the party insiders, the ones who do the walking, the talking, the phone calls, and everything else?
Party "insiders" always have a bad name. Images of insiders make you think of smoke filled rooms and machinations to try and get around the honest voters. This isn't the case. "Insiders" are simply folks who devote a lot more time to organizing, fundraising, and other aspects of party and campaign needs. They are usually the same small businessmen, professionals, students, and others that you see every day. And very few of them smoke. They have experience and commitment. These are the people that help make campaigns work. And for Maloney to have a victorious campaign, he must work hard to get as many of them enthusiastically in his corner as possible after a contentious primary. David McKinley had to do the same thing, and he healed wounds very well. Maloney needs to do the same
I want to see a Republican in the governor's mansion. An October victory could start a momentum swing that could help Republicans equal in 2012 their gains in 2010. But I really want to know more about Bill Maloney. The Potomac Highlands has areas which could serve as a strong Republican base. He needs to come here and talk to our active Republicans and tell us his plans, both for the campaign and for his tenure as governor. He needs to smooth over relations with his competitors for the nomination, also. Barnes and Ireland particularly have strong following among the active committee member Republicans whose help will be very important between now and October.
In other words, he has a huge job to do. But we need to see him in person.
I have a few problems though.
As an active Republican, I know Betty Ireland and Clark Barnes. I know Ireland and Barnes to be good and ethical people. They have spoken at our dinners, socialized with us, shared their vision of what this state ought to be waaayyy before they ran for governor. We have been much obliged to these folks over the years for being there for the Republican Party almost any time we asked.
We don't know Bill Maloney. At least not over here.
We did not see much of him here. All I have heard about are the negative ads and backbiting with the Ireland and Barnes campaigns. Fair or unfair, insiders are not happy. Insiders don't decide primary elections, but they do help an awful lot in the general elections. Most of us could not take sides during the primary and actively help our man or woman of choice. But now the question is, can Maloney win the hearts and minds of the party insiders, the ones who do the walking, the talking, the phone calls, and everything else?
Party "insiders" always have a bad name. Images of insiders make you think of smoke filled rooms and machinations to try and get around the honest voters. This isn't the case. "Insiders" are simply folks who devote a lot more time to organizing, fundraising, and other aspects of party and campaign needs. They are usually the same small businessmen, professionals, students, and others that you see every day. And very few of them smoke. They have experience and commitment. These are the people that help make campaigns work. And for Maloney to have a victorious campaign, he must work hard to get as many of them enthusiastically in his corner as possible after a contentious primary. David McKinley had to do the same thing, and he healed wounds very well. Maloney needs to do the same
I want to see a Republican in the governor's mansion. An October victory could start a momentum swing that could help Republicans equal in 2012 their gains in 2010. But I really want to know more about Bill Maloney. The Potomac Highlands has areas which could serve as a strong Republican base. He needs to come here and talk to our active Republicans and tell us his plans, both for the campaign and for his tenure as governor. He needs to smooth over relations with his competitors for the nomination, also. Barnes and Ireland particularly have strong following among the active committee member Republicans whose help will be very important between now and October.
In other words, he has a huge job to do. But we need to see him in person.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Earl Ray Tomblin, the Gray Acting Governor
In the 1800s, they had a phrase that described figures like Tomblin. It was repeated about several different figures who held governorships in different states. The phrase was "gray governor." In other words, they had experience, but not vision and stability without energy. They did not inspire, but didn't raise expectations either.
Tomblin's main asset seems to be the general consensus that he will not rock the boat or try to do too much. If West Virginia were riding high and doing well, I'd be the first to support a candidate whose primary purpose seemed to be to stay the course. The problem is that our ship of state is going nowhere. We are in the Sargasso Sea of economic development and have been for over eighty years. Joe Manchin was the best that the Democrats produced in that span and even he could not help to create conditions that would result in a growth of varied economic sectors. He, like Tomblin, was one of a series of career politicians who only know the political way to do anything.
Bill Maloney is a job creator. Like Congressman David McKinley, he brings successful business sense to the table. Maloney has a vitality and an energy that we need in the Governor's Mansion. What he lacks in political experience, he more than makes up in economic. He's no career politico or community organizer. Maloney creates jobs.
And that is what we need, first and foremost, in West Virginia
Tomblin's main asset seems to be the general consensus that he will not rock the boat or try to do too much. If West Virginia were riding high and doing well, I'd be the first to support a candidate whose primary purpose seemed to be to stay the course. The problem is that our ship of state is going nowhere. We are in the Sargasso Sea of economic development and have been for over eighty years. Joe Manchin was the best that the Democrats produced in that span and even he could not help to create conditions that would result in a growth of varied economic sectors. He, like Tomblin, was one of a series of career politicians who only know the political way to do anything.
Bill Maloney is a job creator. Like Congressman David McKinley, he brings successful business sense to the table. Maloney has a vitality and an energy that we need in the Governor's Mansion. What he lacks in political experience, he more than makes up in economic. He's no career politico or community organizer. Maloney creates jobs.
And that is what we need, first and foremost, in West Virginia
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Biography of Republican Nominee For West Virginia Governor Bill Maloney
BiographyBill Maloney is an experienced and dedicated West Virginia business and community leader. He is a conservative who is willing to lead by example, stand by his principles and values, and put the needs of West Virginians first.
Bill’s leadership experience in the business world and in service to his community runs deep. No stranger to hard work, he worked his way up from rig hand to project engineer to founder and executive of leading global drilling companies.
Bill was a co-founder and executive at North American Drillers, North American Pump and Supply Co., and Shaft Drillers International (SDI). He grew SDI from a two-person business in 1984 to become the world-leader in large-diameter shaft drilling for mining and other industries. Bill sold his share of the business in 2006. Currently, he is the principal of Cow Run Energy LLC and Drill Leader LLC.
An active investor in numerous start-up companies and community organizations, Bill is committed to helping others succeed. He doesn’t just invest in ideas or business plans, he invests in people. Bill believes people make all the difference.
An active member of the West Virginia Angel Network, Bill provides needed financial support and guidance to entrepreneurial efforts to diversify West Virginia’s economy in such areas as engineering and construction, specialized manufacturing, banking, media, organic foods, software, and natural resource development. He is also a past president of the Greater Morgantown Community Trust.
Bill is the founder of the Mine Rescue Drilling Fund, which was established to provide critical assistance for mine rescues in the United States and abroad. He started the fund following his efforts in the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners in Chile last year. Convinced their expertise could aid in the rescue of the miners, Bill and his drilling colleagues took action and were the driving force behind rescue “Plan B,” which helped to free the miners.
Bill is an active member of the Society of Mining Engineers, the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute, the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, and the National Groundwater Association. He is a past chairman of the West Virginia chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
Bill, 52, has been married to Sharon Maloney for 29 years. They have two daughters. The Maloneys reside in Monongalia County and attend Chestnut Ridge Church. Bill is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in industrial engineering.
Bill’s leadership experience in the business world and in service to his community runs deep. No stranger to hard work, he worked his way up from rig hand to project engineer to founder and executive of leading global drilling companies.
Bill was a co-founder and executive at North American Drillers, North American Pump and Supply Co., and Shaft Drillers International (SDI). He grew SDI from a two-person business in 1984 to become the world-leader in large-diameter shaft drilling for mining and other industries. Bill sold his share of the business in 2006. Currently, he is the principal of Cow Run Energy LLC and Drill Leader LLC.
An active investor in numerous start-up companies and community organizations, Bill is committed to helping others succeed. He doesn’t just invest in ideas or business plans, he invests in people. Bill believes people make all the difference.
An active member of the West Virginia Angel Network, Bill provides needed financial support and guidance to entrepreneurial efforts to diversify West Virginia’s economy in such areas as engineering and construction, specialized manufacturing, banking, media, organic foods, software, and natural resource development. He is also a past president of the Greater Morgantown Community Trust.
Bill is the founder of the Mine Rescue Drilling Fund, which was established to provide critical assistance for mine rescues in the United States and abroad. He started the fund following his efforts in the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners in Chile last year. Convinced their expertise could aid in the rescue of the miners, Bill and his drilling colleagues took action and were the driving force behind rescue “Plan B,” which helped to free the miners.
Bill is an active member of the Society of Mining Engineers, the West Virginia Coal Mining Institute, the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, and the National Groundwater Association. He is a past chairman of the West Virginia chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
Bill, 52, has been married to Sharon Maloney for 29 years. They have two daughters. The Maloneys reside in Monongalia County and attend Chestnut Ridge Church. Bill is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in industrial engineering.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Bill Maloney Projected to Win Gubernatorial Nomination
Bill Maloney, Morgantown businessman, has been projected the winner of the Republican nomination with 86% of the votes in.
Polling for this race was sparse and dreadfully inaccurate. Second place winner Betty Ireland was projected a few days before the election to be in a tie with Maloney, but as of this point, is down by almost 15% points. Maloney's biggest obstacle was name recognition. He was relatively anonymous insofar as political recognitioon was concerned, but overcame the fact that Ireland had been the only victorious statewide Republican candidate since Governor Underwood in 1996. Back then, Ireland defeated the much more well known Ken Hechler who had held the position before. She did so with a powerful and personal campaign that introduced her to West Virginians as a powerful and decisive figure. As Secretary of State, Ireland succeeded in implementing measures to combat voter fraud and update voting technology.
The race at first seemed to be a referendum on Ireland herself with people deciding whether or not they liked the pugnacious politician. Late in the race, the personalities of Maloney and State Senator Clark Barnes emerged and they picked up support on their own as more than being "not Betty." Others could have gained support, but lacked funds. Mitch Carmichael and Clark Barnes have positioned themselves for future runs at higher office. The name recognition that came from this race was a no-lose proposition for them.
Maloney made an amazing run at the nomination, closing the gap over the past two weeks in polling. Of course a huge discrepancy exists between the final polls and the final numbers. This makes you wonder how accurate they have been all along.
The Maloney campaign must now switch gears and try to appeal to the broad spectrum of West Virginia voters. Many of them see Earl Ray Tomblin as experienced and, most of all, safe. Maloney must convince voters that this most established of establishment candidates represents business as usual. He must convince the state that business as usual cannot work anymore for this state. Eight decades of Democratic domination have led us to see mediocrity as safe instead of unacceptable. Maloney needs to overturn that belief system.
We were disappointed to see so little direct contact with candidates with much of the Eastern Panhandle. This is a large concentration of Republican voters and needed attention. Maloney should try to shore up his base and energize the Republican vote in the Panhandle. He can also make appeals to Democrats and Independents who might be wary of a Southern West Virginia politico running the state.
We were lucky, speaking as a Republican. We had a good slate of experienced candidates, many of whom would have done well as governor. I know that we commented little on this race, but as members of the county executive committee in Mineral, we had to remain publicly neutral. We all must get behind Maloney because he is the only canidate who can rescue West Virginia from mediocrity.
Polling for this race was sparse and dreadfully inaccurate. Second place winner Betty Ireland was projected a few days before the election to be in a tie with Maloney, but as of this point, is down by almost 15% points. Maloney's biggest obstacle was name recognition. He was relatively anonymous insofar as political recognitioon was concerned, but overcame the fact that Ireland had been the only victorious statewide Republican candidate since Governor Underwood in 1996. Back then, Ireland defeated the much more well known Ken Hechler who had held the position before. She did so with a powerful and personal campaign that introduced her to West Virginians as a powerful and decisive figure. As Secretary of State, Ireland succeeded in implementing measures to combat voter fraud and update voting technology.
The race at first seemed to be a referendum on Ireland herself with people deciding whether or not they liked the pugnacious politician. Late in the race, the personalities of Maloney and State Senator Clark Barnes emerged and they picked up support on their own as more than being "not Betty." Others could have gained support, but lacked funds. Mitch Carmichael and Clark Barnes have positioned themselves for future runs at higher office. The name recognition that came from this race was a no-lose proposition for them.
Maloney made an amazing run at the nomination, closing the gap over the past two weeks in polling. Of course a huge discrepancy exists between the final polls and the final numbers. This makes you wonder how accurate they have been all along.
The Maloney campaign must now switch gears and try to appeal to the broad spectrum of West Virginia voters. Many of them see Earl Ray Tomblin as experienced and, most of all, safe. Maloney must convince voters that this most established of establishment candidates represents business as usual. He must convince the state that business as usual cannot work anymore for this state. Eight decades of Democratic domination have led us to see mediocrity as safe instead of unacceptable. Maloney needs to overturn that belief system.
We were disappointed to see so little direct contact with candidates with much of the Eastern Panhandle. This is a large concentration of Republican voters and needed attention. Maloney should try to shore up his base and energize the Republican vote in the Panhandle. He can also make appeals to Democrats and Independents who might be wary of a Southern West Virginia politico running the state.
We were lucky, speaking as a Republican. We had a good slate of experienced candidates, many of whom would have done well as governor. I know that we commented little on this race, but as members of the county executive committee in Mineral, we had to remain publicly neutral. We all must get behind Maloney because he is the only canidate who can rescue West Virginia from mediocrity.
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