Potomac Highlands Conservative Endorses Dr. Doug McKinney to Remain State Republican Chair

The Potomac Highlands Conservative is proud to endorse Dr. Doug McKinney to be re-elected as West Virginia Republican Party Chair.

At the end of July, the state Republican Party will have its annual summer meeting. At that time the state executive committee will vote to either retain Dr. McKinney as party chair or select Mike Stuart of Charleston.

The old adage says that you don't change horses in midstream. That in itself is true, unless the horse cannot get across the river. Lincoln had to change his horses several times in midstream before finding a winning general. However, Dr. McKinney has been able to put together a strong list of accomplishments since becoming chair. Under his leadership the state party retired its fairly considerable debt. He also worked to build upon the professional staff in place, trying to obtain for the party an experienced and professional executive director to build up the organization and other efforts. In the past few years, the evolution of the state party's internet presence has been very worthy of praise. Finally, Dr. McKinney led the effort to get the state Republican Party into its new headquarters on Kanawha Boulevard.

Dr. McKinney's opponent and his supporters have led an aggressive campaign that has tried to attack the incumbent chair's record. The attacks create some serious questions:

They have voiced their dislike of Executive Director Troy Berman. What would Stuart propose to do with Mr. Berman and the executive director position?

They have also attacked almost every aspect of the relocation of the party headquarters. Would they move the headquarters again?

And finally, what is Stuart's vision? In what way would he operate that would be substantially different?

The biggest problem created by a changeover in leadership at this time is the inevitable learning curve. Unless you have actually done the job before, there is a period of time where you have to get acclimated and learn the job. If you are cleaning house and bringing in your people, they also have their own learning curves. It is a short period of time from July to November. If elected, how long would it take for Stuart and his people to learn the job and then become effective?

Another obstacle in the path of a Stuart chairmanship is the byproduct of the negativity spawned by his campaign. On the blog that backs his candidacy, you get a daily dose of hatefulness, albeit generally from those leaving comments. They get their shots in at Dr. McKinney and his wife most often while also occasionally attacking House of Delegates candidate Gary Howell and Buddy Randolph. Some of Stuart's supporters have raised issues of method and leadership, but others more often stick barbs into other loyal Republicans. The cloud of negativity won't disperse quickly. A few words from Stuart would have shut down his supporters who simply seek to insult rather than raise legitimate questions.

Not only do we endorse Dr. McKinney, we also believe that the selection of a new chair should take place after the election. Changing the leadership on the eve of the contest makes little sense.

Addendum to Today's Call For Banding Together

Just took a quick peek over at West Virginia Red, something I do about once a week. Sometimes they have articles of interest when they are not continually and relentlessly attacking Chairman Doug McKinney, Executive Director Troy Berman, or any number of other state executive committee members. Today they did something that went a little too far.

Young Republicans Chairman Mike Howerton occasionally indulges in a little small time professional wrestling. It's an activity that lies somewhere between sports and performance art most certainly. To be good at it requires some acting that is more than a little over the top.

Wrestling's not my thing, personally, at least not since I was a teenager. However, I can see how doing it would be a fun way to earn a little extra cash. Don't tell that to a few of the folks over at West Virginia Red. The responses not only bashed Howerton, but also eventually became somewhat offensive with anti gay remarks. (For the record, Mike is about to get married, he is not gay.)

You know, if you have issues with how he was chosen for his position, or how he performs his job that's one thing. Insults should be beneath us.

Also for the record and by way of example, I remember Republican Sonny Bono being elected to the House of Representatives after singing and starring on a variety show. Christopher Guest, formerly of Saturday Night Live, was a member of the British House of Lords until reform laws disqualified him. Comedy sketch shows are about on the same respect level as professional wrestling, but that did not seem to hurt either of them. I guess the folks who don't like Mike were mortified to see "The Rock" sitting in front of former President George H. W. Bush at the 2000 Republican National Convention. Oh the humanity.

******************************************************************

Another thing that is a little more amusing is the attacks they have made on this blog. Basically their beef is that we don't bash Doug McKinney or other people involved with the WVGOP. Maybe they are not aware that not every conservative blog is eager to throw Republicans overboard at least twice a week or more. Over here we do local, regional, and state news along with commentary on current events and pieces on conservative thought, values, and ideals. Maybe that's not as interesting as some of what goes on over there, but our reason to exist is not to insult, tear down, or otherwise carry on against other conservatives and Republicans. There is a serious factional fight taking place in this party. Regardless of what happens this summer, we have to come together afterwards and fight the leftists instead of each other.

Not everyone who writes or responds to West Virginia Red creates vicious attacks, but there are enough to cause hard feelings that won't just vaporize in August. We will all need to work together for West Virginia to do their part, returning Ms. Capito and electing David McKinley and Spike Maynard, plus gaining as many legislative seats and other elected positions as possible.

I don't understand why some folks over there want to make that necessary August reconciliation (again, regardless of what happens!) as difficult as possible.

Republicans Stand Up For Taxpayers : Democrats Stand Up For Tax-Hikes

Republican Delegates Block Democrat Speaker Thompson's Attempt to Ram Through 15 Million Dollar Tax Increase on Working West Virginians

Yesterday evening Republicans in the House of Delegates successfully used a parliamentary maneuver to fend off, for at least one more day, a proposed Democrat gas-tax bill that if passed will cost West Virginians more than 15 million dollars over the next decade.

"They may call the gas tax bill a stabilization bill, but we know a tax-hike when we see a tax-hike," said WVGOP Executive Director Troy Berman. "Any bill which proposes to steal out of the pockets of everyday West Virginians and deliver the proceeds to Charleston is a bad bill."

The Democrats proposal would make permanent a 20.5 cents per gallon tax on gasoline, prevent the tax from dropping 2 cents this year and also prevent the tax from dropping by 5 cents as it is supposed to in 2013.

"We should be cutting wasteful spending, lowering taxes and encouraging business investment in our state," said Berman. "Instead the Democrat majority's one and only default position seems to be to tax and keep on taxing until West Virginians have nothing left. Well, it's working. Is it any wonder that West Virginia is last among our neighbors in jobs, opportunity, education and health? In fact the only metrics in which we seem to be excelling as a state are unemployment and the invention of new taxes."

"Democrats are playing politics with peoples livelihoods," said WVGOP Chairman Doug McKinney. "West Virginians need to drive to get to work, to pick up our kids from school and to buy groceries. This is not some luxury tax. This is a stab at the heart of every working West Virginian. Though I should say every West Virginian left with a job after the failure of the Democrats' economic policies. The very next thing you know they'll be attempting to tax the air."

Obama Stumps for Cap and Tax

[Charleston, WV] West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney issued the following statement in response to President Obama's speech this morning at MIT about the energy legislation working its way through the Democrat Congress:

"Moments ago, President Obama concluded his remarks to a small crowd of supporters in Massachusetts as he called for 'the passage of comprehensive legislation that will finally make renewable energy the profitable kind of energy in America'. That's a laudable goal, but not if it means loosing hundreds of thousands of jobs we can't replace and spending billions of dollars we don't have. The Democrat cap and tax scheme is simply one more big government boondoggle that West Virginian's can't afford. Of course if Obama and his entourage had bothered to show up in a place that produces coal, like West Virginia, they might have actually heard that opinion. Instead it's clear that president cares more about his image in Copenhagen this December at the international climate talks than he dose about American workers and American jobs"

The Long Road For the West Virginia GOP

When West Virginia Republican Party Chair Doug McKinney first took the job, some folks in the party must have wondered why he or anyone else would want it. Kris Warner had to resign after 2004 and Robin Capehart had little time to make substantial changes before heading off to Romania.

McKinney faced a harrowing task. A six figure debt, flagging donations and confidence in the party, mounting bills, and questions about how to challenge a Democratic Party with 2/3 of the registered voters in the state.

Now in 2009 the party has turned the corner. After two disastrous GOP campaign seasons across the nation and during the most severe economic downturn since Jimmy Carter, the party retired its debt and started putting money into the bank. Fundraising outpaced state Democrats by almost three to one. The Party left its South Charleston location and moved into more charming quarters within shouting distance of the State Capitol. This increases party visibility in the eyes of voters, the press, and potential donors. Moving to this new locale to some involves a lot of risk. Good capitalists remember that no reward comes without risk.

Finally the party settled on an Executive Director. Gary Abernathy was not able to remain at the post, but the Party located and hired veteran political operative Troy Berman. He has worked for different Republican organizations and candidates in a variety of capacities. Getting him at the advertised $40,000 per year looks like a steal.

The test comes in 2010. Can the new measures propel Republicans to pose stronger challenges while attracting more registered voters? Not all have agreed with the changes, but neither have they proposed a significantly different alternative vision. The West Virginia Republican Party has put itself in a position to make major moves in the next year.

The (Hopefully) New Republican Headquarters

I saw the new (hopefully) state party headquarters on Monday this week and I was impressed.

For those who could not make it to the receptions on Monday, the possible new facility is a gracious white house on the corner of Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard across the street from the Capitol Complex and across the Kanawha River from the University of Charleston. For those not familiar with Charleston, this places the West Virginia Republican Party square at the geographic center of state politics (as much as possible without actually occupying the Governor's Mansion.) Extending down the Boulevard are law firms and lobbyists, some of whom might be more likely to attend fundraisers or chats at the party headquarters.

Greenbrier Street and Kanawha Boulevard are two of the more heavily traveled streets in the city, giving the party an enhanced visibilty it did not have on MacCorkle Avenue in South Charleston.

The interior presents a much more professional image than the old headquarters building. Instead of frayed carpeting and discolored ceilings, the party can now host donors, the press, and others in much more congenial surroundings. Legislators can now easily hold conferences without fear that an errant Governor might wander in. GOP Delegates can also meet constituents in spaces larger than the back seat of a Yugo. The property has a spacious front lawn upon which can be held good sized outdoor functions. Impressions make a difference and this new facility should start the party moving forward.

Delegate Craig Blair emphasized that although taking on the responsibility for the building represented some risk, the party needs to take chances to achieve its goals.

The Party leadership has been accused of expressing no vision and no plan in the past. The possible acquisition of this facility combined with the potential hiring of an experienced executive director represent the fact that actions speak much more loudly than words. These actions demonstrate that the West Virginia Republican Party is ready to challenge its true opposition, the entrenched Ruling Party.

Singing the Blues With West Virginia Red

As of this writing, when you Google "Doug McKinney" and "Hatch Act," you only come up with a handful of left wing blogs and West Virginia Red. Only one of the above has launched a serious crusade to split the West Virginia Republican Party by ousting Chairman Doug McKinney, and it is not one of the Democratic or Socialist ones.

For the second time in a row, West Virginia Red has tried to unleash a bombshell against McKinney on the eve of a major state Republican gathering. What was shocking has grown predictable, what is predictable will soon become boring. I asked the question before when discussing this issue with a couple of those ranging themselves against Dr. McKinney, how on earth do you think that a supposed major violation of a well known election law escaped the attention of Secretary of State Betty Ireland, much less the West Virginia Democratic Party? There is no answer to that question unless you believe that state election officials and the Democratic Party willfully ignored a major oversight. Yes it is not Ms. Ireland's job, nor is it the obligation of the Democrats to quote federal laws to the West Virginia GOP Chair. Then again both, for obviously different reasons, would be very inclined to do so. It would be within their interest.

What is the interest here for the cadre in and around West Virginia Red? Sun Tzu's Art of War says "trust in self-interest." Theirs is to tear down Doug McKinney, but why? The 2009 meeting season has ended and it is extremely doubtful that, barring a massive rise in debt or the uncovering of criminal activity, that the West Virginia GOP will remove him prematurely next winter only months before the end of his natural term. If their interest lies in removing Dr. McKinney before the end of his term, that ship has sailed.

Is it someone's interest to capture the chairmanship for themselves? If so, what can be gained by firing torpedoes into the side of the ship? Who wants to be captain of a boat that they themselves sank? Leadership turmoils spell trouble for any candidates running for election next year. Instead of answering questions about their issues, candidates will face a barrage of inquiries about the state party that they neither can nor want to answer. Forget financial or any other kind of support.

With Obama polls falling and the country witnessing the slow collapse of his presidency, Republicans across the land have slowly started to believe again. The evil of socialism and the death of American foreign policy also are a tremendous concerns. Republicans need to attack Democrats and their failed vision, not each other!

I will say something very unfaddish. I love the Republican Party. Behind God, family, and country it has my allegiance. Throughout history from day one to today, it stands for freedom and opportunity. Very few groups can say that, ever. It does not approach our ideal of perfection, but nothing on this earth does. Nothing is perfect and we all have different images of what is ideal. Republican principles have stood the test of history and remain the reason why we care. Our state Republican Party has overcome many obstacles in the past few years in spite of an unfavorable tide. Now we have a chance to ride the tide if we can only get all our oars out and moving in the same direction.

If anyone at West Virginia Red wants to gain the chairmanship, by all means take the next year and lay out your vision. Contact delegates, form a campaign, convince people to vote for your program for positive reasons. This weekend's summit should give the present and future leaders a chance to propose constructive plans. Tearing down what we have does no one any good, except the fellas in blue quietly sitting off to the side chuckling to themselves.

WV GOP Chairman McKinney: Democrats’ “Cap And Tax” Hurts West Virginian Families And Workers

WV GOP Chairman McKinney: Democrats’ “Cap And Tax” Hurts West Virginian Families And Workers

For Immediate Release Contact: Doug McKinney, M.D.

June 25, 2009 304.641.1205

Charleston, WV – West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney issued the following statement today regarding President Obama and Congressional Democrats’ so-called “cap-and-trade” program:

“As a lifelong West Virginian, I am extremely concerned about the impact of the Democrats’ national energy tax on our state. President Obama and Congressional Democrats’ ‘cap-and-trade’ plan is a large energy tax that will increase costs for the average American household by more than $1200, and endanger 10,000 to 25,000 jobs in energy production, an industry important to West Virginia. During a time of economic uncertainty, President Obama should not increase taxes on hard-working Americans.

“Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are out of touch. The American people want energy independence and a cleaner environment without a national energy tax. Today, concerned citizens will deliver candles to the West Virginia Democratic Party and ask them to take action by urging their Democratic Members of Congress to vote against ‘cap and tax.’”

McKinney says WVGOP laying groundwork for 2010 victories

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Doug McKinney

Thursday, June 18, 2009 304-641-1205

McKinney says WVGOP laying groundwork for 2010 victories

Summer state committee meeting affirmed independent primary participation; search for new E.D. underway

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney said today that the search for a new executive director for the West Virginia Republican Party is well underway and will be one of several developments leading to election victories in 2010 and beyond.

“Last weekend’s state committee meeting in Martinsburg featured two days of motivational presentations, an enthusiastic outlook, a focus on the next generation of Republican leaders, and an air of excitement and anticipation about the future of the GOP,” said McKinney.

State committee members approved, by voice vote, the recommendation of a subcommittee to continue the practice of allowing non-affiliated voters to cast ballots in the Republican primary. Begun in the 1980s, the practice was reexamined by the subcommittee, but most committee members agreed on the need to continue keeping the primary election open to non-affiliated voters.

McKinney said he has already received six applications for the executive director position, and he intends to interview them and others and eventually select an individual with the experience, knowledge and skills to oversee the day to day operation of the party in the crucial months and years to come.

Last weekend’s GOP meeting was chockfull of exciting events and presentations, from the Friday night Berkeley County reception featuring Grover Norquist, longtime anti-tax advocate, to former Sen. John Sununu, who addressed Saturday’s luncheon event. Among the VIP attendees were Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and former Secretary of State Betty Ireland.

On Saturday morning, special guest Jan Larimer, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, offered a recap of RNC activities and future plans of the national party.

McKinney said the weekend focused on the next generation of Republican leaders, with state Young Republican Chairman Mike Howerton offering a presentation during Saturday morning’s county chairs meeting, and Shane Wilson updating committee members on the activities of the five interns currently serving the party through the Cecil H. Underwood Intern Institute.

McKinney said he was also excited about a fundraising drive headed by Delegates Craig Blair and Jonathan Miller. Blair addressed committee members on Saturday, describing plans to increase the party’s monthly credit card contribution program and generate more support from elected officials.

McKinney also named South Charleston businessmen John Burdette II and Denver McCallister as finance chairmen for the state party.

“We’re bringing new blood into the party to continue building our financial coffers, while setting the stage for a strong, vibrant party organization for years to come,” said McKinney.

Also during the weekend, committee members and guests heard presentations from:

· Treasurer Marti Riggall, who reported that the party saw a net gain of $12,000 from January through May of this year, compared to a net loss of $200 during the same period last year.

· Summers County Chairman Joe Garcia, who serves as chairman of the county chairs, and who discussed election changes and challenges in the coming months.

· Outgoing executive director Gary Abernathy, who thanked the committee for the privilege of serving the party over the years.

McKinney also expressed his thanks to Berkeley Chairman Mick Staton and his wife, Lynn, for handling onsite arrangements for the state meeting.

“Traveling to the Eastern Panhandle is always a beautiful drive and a great experience,” said McKinney. “The Statons made sure we had a great event both Friday and Saturday, and we deeply appreciate their efforts in working to ensure a quality meeting and a motivational gathering of Republicans from around the state.”

Time to Pull Together

Friends, Roman, partymen (and women), lend me your ears . . .

It's tough to be a Republican in 2009. It's even tougher in some ways to be a West Virginia Republican. When the specter of an incompetent Caesar threatens to ruin the land, helped by a compliant and cowed Senate, Republicans must work together to save our nation. While we argue, Obama and Congress just decided that they know better than individuals whether or not people ought to smoke. Their "soft totalitarianism" as an Australian political scientist called it, is downright chilling.

Nothing is more discouraging than the constant low level guerrilla warfare waged against the chairman, especially as his term winds down. It's like living in a house with a married couple that bursts into angry fights every so often with much of the rest of the time spent in sullen tension. You do not want to go anywhere, you just wish they'd stop.

It's not that I want to force anyone to remain silent instead of speaking their mind. I do hope that we can put differences aside and help candidates win next year, though. Sure that sounds naive to some, but Republican candidates need the considerable talents of everyone behind our races. That includes the party leadership as well as everyone who signed their name under the petition on West Virginia Red.

In all honesty, were I the chair, I would have been tempted to leave long ago and paraphrase the loser of the 1960 presidential election by saying "You won't have Doug McKinney to kick around anymore!" Then you watch the successor try to wrestle with the same issues and get the same kind of reactions from some other quarter. The basic problem is lack of money leading to a lack of success. No one will change that situation overnight outside of a massive Powerball prize.

Other folks have defended Dr. McKinney very ably so I won't rehash that. I will say that last week when I spoke with Republicans from other states, they were astounded at something about us that is true now, but was also true when Robin Capehart and Kris Warner administered the party. Speaking for myself, I have found West Virginia's GOP more often than not very approachable and willing to listen.

I talked to an old friend from Pennsylvania last week about how hard workers in our party are assigned more responsibilities, about how our chair and party executive committee leadership were generally very accessible. He was flabbergasted. He claimed that in Pennsylvania that if a person was not connected, they more often than not never hear back from the party chair or most members of the state committee. Other states have those same issues. Most that are active and interested are shuttled to a lifetime of phonebanking with little recognition or advancement.

I must say that I applaud Doug McKinney and also Kris Warner (I didn't really get to know Robin Capehart too well) for fostering this atmosphere. Republicans here have opportunities to engage with the party leadership in ways that people in most states would envy. Whenever I had a question or an idea I heard back promptly from both of those guys and quickly learned to not be amazed at that because they consider it part of their unpaid job. Yup, unpaid and uncompensated for the time and travel.

I love being a Republican. I love being on the right side of history in so many ways. I appreciate our state party and am thankful for everyone that works for the Republican cause regardless of their opinions. They have more time than I do to devote to the tasks of keeping their counties, clubs, blogs, or whatever else they do going strong. The constant fighting is discouraging though. I hope that it can be put to bed before next year.

2010 and 2012 offer strong possibilities because the Democrats overplayed their hand at the national level. With Nancy Pelosi as a Godzilla sized human target for congressional candidates, we could even make the first and third district races very interesting (especially since the NRCC is aggressively pushing into nontraditional areas.) A united effort on the national, state, and local level can achieve great goals. We will win by selling our people and vision. We have the right ideas and the right people to make them work. But it is a vision that must be sold to the people. How can the Republican Party sell a vision in West Virginia when it cannot escape turmoil?

This isn't a join hands and sing cum-by-yah request. Ripping apart the party eighteen months before the next major election cycle only hurts candidates. What is torn asunder cannot be easily stitched back together. Believe it or not, the state GOP did this twice a little over a century ago and undermined their control of West Virginia government. The factions never accomplished anything when they divided, only when they worked together.

All I propose here is let us mend fences until November 2010. If the different parties are not satisfied, then start hollering again. Why would good candidates in competitive districts want to take on the Democrats when their state party is fractured?

To take advantage of the window opened for us, we need one party. United.

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and miseries

On such a full sea are we now afloat

And we must take the current where it serves

Or lose our ventures.


We have lost far too many ventures recently. However we will only win in 2010 if we work as a single party. We lose these next couple of ventures, we lose our America, maybe forever.

Bald Eagle attends Flag Day Tea Party

Sunday at Grand Central Business Center a Tea Party was held. Turn out was good with over 118 counted in attendance from 2 states and 11 counties, not including a Bald Eagle that circled the group several times. No doubt to give his approval of those gathered to support the Constitution and liberty. The meeting was opened with, "Welcome Patriots, by attending your now on the Department of Homeland Security terrorist watch list." There was a big cheer from the crowd!

Matt Ryan, co-editor of "Unleashing Capitalism: Why Prosperity Stops at the West Virginia Border," gave an excellent speech on Capitalism and how the current steps Congress is taking is hurting our county.

Also Bob Adams said this is a non-political event, but when the President is making mistakes they need to be pointed out. His talk was themed, "If the shoe fits," and when talking about President Obama the shoe fits on a lot of things that are socialism. Dr. Doug McKinney of Clarksburg talked about the military and how there budget is being cut in time of war. We can not do enough for our military.

The microphone was opened up to people in the audience. They were told this is your Tea Party and your time to exercise your right to free speech. Even an Obama supporter took the mic and quoted some scripture. He later told me he disagreed with everything we said and did. I told him, "That's OK, we are supporting your freedom of speech to disagree."

At the end after a benediction given by R. Scott Smith of Terra Alta, WV a Liberty Tree was planted. During the planting it was stated, "While the Founding Fathers hid their meetings from the British Government by holding them at the Liberty Trees, we proudly notify our government this is our Liberty Tree and we disagree with what you are doing and want you to follow the Constitution."

Supreme Court’s Massey-Caperton ruling muddies the waters, rather than bringing clarity

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary Abernathy

Monday, June 08, 2009 304-768-0493

Supreme Court’s Massey-Caperton ruling muddies the waters, rather than bringing clarity

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The United States Supreme Court’s decision today on the Massey-Caperton case has far-reaching implications regarding independent expenditures on state Supreme Court races that will ultimately affect all sides of past and future elections, state GOP Chairman Doug McKinney said today.

McKinney said that one of the most important distinctions to be made in today’s decision is that Chief Justice Brent Benjamin’s ability to remain impartial was not questioned by the justices. Instead, justices focused on the “perception” of bias, which is a standard that will be difficult to determine and likely lead to a flood of recusal requests.

“The Supreme Court has today established a new recusal standard based on perception rather than on actual bias,” said McKinney. “The result will likely be a flood of recusal requests that will further create a bottleneck of backed up cases in our judicial system.”

The narrow 5-4 decision seems to create another “I know it when I see it” standard much like a previous landmark decision on pornography cases, McKinney said.

“By failing to define exact standards for recusal, the court has unfortunately opened a can of worms that will simply lead to more confusion and debate,” said McKinney.

As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the dissent, “This will inevitably lead to an increase in allegations that judges are biased, however groundless those charges may be. The end result will do far more to erode public confidence in judicial impartiality than an isolated failure to recuse in a particular case.”

McKinney noted that even Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, made it clear that the court was not impugning Justice Benjamin’s integrity or impartiality.

As Kennedy wrote of Benjamin, “We do not question his subjective findings of impartiality and propriety. Nor do we determine whether there was actual bias.”

Said McKinney, “By admitting that it is not questioning Justice Benjamin’s impartiality and propriety, or whether there they are was actual bias, the court is unfortunately muddying the waters even further, rather than bringing clarity to the issue.”

-30-

Paid for by the West Virginia Republican Party

WVGOP Leadership in the right hands under McKinney

How would you like to be handed a bankrupt demoralized organization and asked to fix it? Well that is exactly what Doug McKinney was handed when he became the Chairman of the WVGOP. Republicans across the nation were handed defeat after defeat in elections and in West Virginia the WV GOP was out of money when he took over.

True leaders emerge in hard times not in good times. Leadership doesn’t come from making popular decisions; it comes from making necessary decisions. Abraham Lincoln led a divided nation back to unity. Lee Iacocca took over a dying car company returned it to profitability (they could use him back now) and fortunately the WVGOP; Doug McKinney was cut from the same cloth.

A first ever Presidential Convention for the state of West Virginia was handed to the party when it had no money. A team of some of the best and brightest in the state was assembled and it became a great success. With a lot of help, Doug took the party from six digits in the red to back in the black giving the party a strong financial position in the upcoming 2010 election cycle. This was all done in political atmosphere where Republicans across the nation were at a disadvantage and under the leadership of Doug McKinney it became a success.

A minority few that hide in the shadows have grumbled about the leadership of McKinney all the while ignoring the facts in evidence of what his leadership has accomplished. They bemoan the fact that he has put much of his personal life on hold to attend Republican events across the state and personally contributing to many Republican Candidates. The shadow lurkers make noise, but when given the opportunity to step up to the plate, they just move silently back into the shadows. The shadows crave power, but fail to understand real power comes from leadership.

Leadership by example is one of the reasons Doug McKinney has been a great success for the WVGOP. He has not stood silently, he spoken boldly about the ideals of the party. Doug McKinney’s leadership has taken the party from melancholy shades of grey to bright RED!

WVGOP announces Underwood internships for 2009

CHARLESTON – Five participants in the West Virginia Republican Party’s new Cecil H. Underwood Intern Program have been announced today, including four college students and one high school student.

The program participants are:

* Patrick Heavner, a freshman accounting major at Marietta College and originally from Mineral Wells. He has volunteered on several local West Virginia campaigns and is the secretary for the Wood County Young Republicans. He wants to build the WVGOP team through engagement at the grassroots level.

* Micalyn Kuhl, a senior political science major at Marshall University. Originally from Elizabeth, Micalyn served as a Herndon Fellow working with the legislature and Secretary of State’s office. She believes interning with the party will allow her to gain valuable experience as she pursues a graduate degree in policy research, and help the future of the state.

* Scott Robertson, a junior political science major attending Marshall University. Originally from Man, Scott is the president of Marshall College Republicans. He wants to intern because he believes the WVGOP is the only party that will stand up for hardworking people and spur economic development in the state.

* Nina Orndorff, a graduate student at West Virginia University pursuing a degree in Public Administration. Hailing from Buckhannon, Nina has served as a Burke Intern with the West Virginia Legislature. In the face of economic uncertainty, she believes now is the perfect time for our party to grow its presence and lead the way to bettering the state.

* Ben Adams, a junior at Capital High School in Charleston. Ben has interned with the Pennsylvania Republican Party and extensively with the West Virginia McCain ‘08 campaign. Ben believes that the Republican ideals are the best vehicle to change government and wants to be part of the process.

The day to day operation of the program will be overseen by Shane Wilson, a graduate of Washington & Lee University in Virginia, who is preparing for law school at West Virginia University this fall. Shane has recently worked in the office of the Secretary of State.

“We’re excited about the new intern program and the valuable experience that will be gained by these bright young Republican activists over the course of the summer,” said state GOP Chairman Doug McKinney. “We appreciate everyone who applied for the program, and our hope is that in future years, we can expand its reach to include even more young people who exhibit such pride in their communities and a desire to make their state a better place to live.”

McKinney said the intern program will provide logistical and ground support for the party, grow new ideas and talent with potential future leaders and party staff, and publicly demonstrate an active, growing, and community-oriented party. Interns will develop conservative values and leadership skills, and gain valuable work experience and interaction with party and community leaders.

The program is named in honor of former Governor Cecil H. Underwood, who first ventured into politics in 1944 at age twenty-two with his election to the House of Delegates. He retained this seat until 1956, serving as House minority floor leader in 1949, 1951, 1953, and 1955. In 1957, he became the youngest governor in the history of the state and the first Republican governor in twenty-four years. In 1996, Underwood became the state's oldest governor, forty years after his first election to the office.

Follow Up: To all interested West Virginia Republican women

On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Republican National Committee will kick off its Women’s Program with the first annual Women’s Summit. It will be held at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The mission of the RNC Women’s Program is to recruit, register, train and sustain a strong base of women activists and candidates to build the Republican Party, portray the GOP as the automatic choice for female voters and win elections. In order to do this, we need your help.

The State Party has been asked to select five to eight women from West Virginia to attend the Summit. These women should be strong leaders within our state party, volunteers that continue to shine throughout each election cycle, or new supporters who are interested in expanding their role within the Party. The goal is for the attendees of the Summit to serve as the new leadership of the RNC Women’s Program as Regional Chairwomen, State Chairwomen and Team Leaders. They will be counted on to implement the goals of the Women’s Program within their states and territories and to be the face of the Program across the country.

Although the Summit is free of charge, travel, lodging and incidentals will be the responsibility of the individual attendees; however, lunch and snacks will be provided on June 25. Additionally, rooms will be held at a discounted rate of $209.00/night for single occupancy and $234.00/night for double occupancy at the Capitol Hill Suites, 200 C Street SE, Washington, DC.

Please respond by email ( mriggall@wvgop.org ) if you are interested, along with a few lines about why you would like to be selected to participate in this project. Thank you as always for your hard work on behalf of the Republican Party.

Doug McKinney

Chairman

To all interested West Virginia Republican women

Jan Larimer, Co-Chairman of the RNC, is building support for the annual Women’s Summit. If anyone is interested in being one of the five to eight women from West Virginia to participate, please let us know by May 29^th.

The RNC has spent the better portion of this week focused on the roll out of its women’s program. Please mark June 25, 2009 on your calendar. This is the date for the first annual Women’s Summit which will kick off the RNC’s women’s program. The goal of the program is to recruit, register, train and sustain a strong base of women activists and candidates to build the Republican Party, portray the GOP as the automatic choice for female voters and WIN elections.

You will receive a detailed letter next week from Co-Chair Larimer outlining the mission and goals of this program but more importantly asking for your help. We are being asked to nominate 5-8 women from our state to attend the women’s summit. The goal is for the attendees at the summit to ultimately serve in a hands-on leadership role for the program.

Again, please let us know by May 29^th if you are interested in participating in this program, and thank you!

Doug McKinney

Chairman

Open Primary vs. Closed Primary

The motion currently pending before the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee to close our party's primary elections to all but registered Republican voters is beginning to draw public attention, as it should. The question is an important and weighty one which affects, ultimately, all West Virginians.

State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney has appointed a committee to investigate the issue and make a recommendation to the state Executive Committee at its Summer 2009 meeting. I'm honored to have been chosen to serve on that committee, which is made up of several distinguished West Virginia Republicans who will give this matter the attention it deserves.

My commitment to Doug, to our Republican elected officeholders, to all affected voters, and to you, our readers, is to consider this possibility fairly and make a recommendation based upon our view of what is in the best interest of West Virginians, Republican officeholders, and the Party.

One of the things I believe the committee should do is solicit public comment; I'll be reading newspapers and blogs, watching news reports, and listening to talk radio to hear the opinions of the voting public regarding this question. If anyone wants to weigh in on this issue, I invite you to do so. My e-mail address is tom@tomoneill.org

WV GOP unvails Think Tank

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Republican Party today unveiled a new website featuring commentary from Republicans around the state offering their perspectives on the future of the Republican Party.

The new website, www.wvgopthinktank.org, kicks off with articles from Republicans ranging from state lawmakers to county chairs to state committee members and activists. Also featured is a WVGOP Speakers Bureau.

Dr. Doug McKinney, chairman of the WVGOP, said the new site will be an evolving entity updated frequently with new columns and other information. “This is a starting point for the conversation about our purpose and our future,” said McKinney. “The Republican Party is having similar discussions all across the country. By creating new ways for their voices to be heard, we’ll make sure that Republicans everywhere will be able to offer their thoughts and advice on the direction of our party, and how best to achieve victory in future elections.”

McKinney said the state party will also initiate a series of regional roundtable discussions across West Virginia seeking input from Republicans in all parts of the state.

“We know Republicans face different challenges in different regions,” said McKinney. “By encouraging input and holding face to face roundtable meetings, we’ll determine how the state party can best meet the needs of our GOP officeholders, officials, candidates and activists. Communication is the first key toward building a roadmap for victory.”

Sound and Fury

"Do you want to turn this State over to the Democrats for the next ten years to get even with men who share your principles?" Governor William Glasscock (R) at a Republican unity meeting in Fall 1910.

In 1908 West Virginia Republicans enjoyed twelve years of success by any political standards. They controlled the Legislature, Governor's Mansion, and the congressional delegation. Despite this success, some Republicans grew bitter at their leaders. In 1908 they launched an iunsurgency, even creating a second Republican Party with a full slate. A few weeks before the general election the two sides patched up the quarrel and won. State party leaders offered concessions that did not satisfy the insurgents. By 1910 the constant fighting fatigued the GOP. Democratic candidates captured elections despite getting less votes than Democrats running for the same office two years before. Republicans, disgusted with the infighting, simply stayed home.

History sometimes tries to repeat itself. Earlier tonight (Thursday) was the much ballyhooed "secret meeting." Speculation leading up to the Salem gathering seemed to indicate that opponents of Doug McKinney and his new Executive Director Gary Abernathy could finally launch a removal campaign. Those that expected the organizers of the event to let slip the dogs of war against the two party leaders were disappointed.

The forty or so attendees of the meeting were a mixed bag. A few expressed some dislike of Abernathy and McKinney. Some came to speak on behalf of them. Some had problems with the way Abernathy was hired; others did not like the fact that he was hired at all. Many simply came because they knew there was a GOP assemblage. In short, no overwhelming consensus existed to recommend any kind of action against the two.

If the organizers had ever planned to attempt to remove McKinney, and that is not a given, they altered their plans prior to the meeting. Michael Stuart spoke first, insisting that he did not seek the chairman's position. He then offered his own ideas. During this talk, he discussed the importance of maintaining an elevated tone and not tearing down individuals. When asked what the "game plan" was, Stuart responded that he simply wanted to collect ideas, not stage a coup.

Organizer Jack Adams invited others to the podium as well. Greg Thomas discussed involving more active Republicans. Donna Gosney discussed the role of the Finance Committee and the bylaws. Tom O'Niell emphasized unity and stated that throughout the party, people had stopped truly listening to each other. Delegate Woody Ireland discussed the value of grassroots involvement.

The main issue of the night was the hiring of Gary Abernathy. The ugliness displayed on anonymous blogs did not show itself this evening. Most speakers professed that their main problem lay in the potential violation of bylaws. The party is not permitted to engage in a contract that will cause it to go into debt, but it is not clear that Abernathy's contract will result in that end. In the discussion, it was revealed that his contract was set up in three month increments. This means that if the executive director does not perform his job to the satisfaction of the chair, he can be released.

No one attacked Abernathy personally, but former candidate and client Bob Adams responded to the smear campaign leveled by others against his former consultant. Adams passionately defended Abernathy. His statements condemning anonymous mudslinging drew massive cheers. The most heated discussion involved the question of payments made to Doug McKinney. It was finally established by State Executive Committee Member Tom O'Neill that not only did McKinney not receive a stipend, he had also passed on asking the party for reimbursements of expenses.

The role of county executive committees and their chairs came up for discussion. One suggested that only county chairs should have votes on the executive committee. Others at different points bemoaned the lack of activity among many county committees and chairs. Kanawha County Chair Melody Potter asserted that McKinney and Abernathy were not perfect, but most everyone involved with the party had failed it in some respect.

At the end of the night it was decided that an ad hoc committee would form to take ideas to Dr. McKinney at the February 21 Winter Meeting in Charleston. The committee was formed from volunteers.

For all the expected fireworks, it turned out to be a relatively tame affair with a few minor blowups. A real attempt to unseat Doug McKinney over the hiring of Gary Abernathy would have absolutely devastated the state Republican Party. However, the possibility of removing McKinney was always slim. Some probably mistaken discontent or complaints with the desire to remove.

The question remains. Was this meeting ever conceived at any point as a "get rid of Doug" event? Either the organizers never truly considered it, or they created a strategic retreat from a very exposed position. All the Cain raised in the days before this meeting ended up signifying nothing too serious at the end of the day.

Potomac Highlands Dinner a Sucess

The Potomac Highlands Republican Club held its annual Reagan-Eisenhower Dinner in Moorefield this past Saturday night. With the top Republican candidates in the state present and Shelley Moore Capito giving the key-note speech well over one hundred attended.

Congresswoman Capito address the group.
WV Supreme Court Candidate Beth Walker speaks with Attorney General candidate Dan Greear and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Mike Teets.

Dan Greear and Senate candidate Gary Howell

State Party Chair Dr. Doug McKinney

State Senator Clark Barnes was the nights Master of Ceremonies to the right are Tom Collins Representing John McCain and State Senator Dave Sypolt.
Dr. Harry Boggs talks with PHRC President and Hostess Christy Barnett.