What We Learned From West Virginia Election Results

Think about this for a second. On the face of it, state Republicans lost ground in the Legislature and the Board of Public Works. However the way that the Republicans showed remarkable resilience in the final results should give the Democrats reason to worry.

The Democratic Party actually tried in this election cycle to rid the United States Congress of Shelley Moore Capito. They got national help and assistance from the liberal media. Capito remains as resilient as ever. Her star power remains high in West Virginia and we should not be surprised if she begins to garner national attention.

Clark Barnes also is a Republican star on the rise. He fought off a very well-supported challenger who once sat on the seat he occupies. His popularity in both parties reflects that of Capito. Incidentally, both did well in strongly Democratic Hardy County.

Gary Howell, as we mentioned before, came within a hair's breadth of seizing the 14th senatorial. His opponent outspent him four to one, but Gary nearly captured the heavily Democratic county of Tucker.

Dan Greear, Beth Walker, and Mike Teets also captured large numbers of Democratic votes. Greear came closest to capturing his goal, the attorney general's office.

What we learned is that Republican campaigns that get the candidate out to directly meet the people and deliver their message can effectively counter media bias and massive amounts of money. The message that Republican candidates take to the voters is earning a response. This should encourage the state GOP and hopefully inspire more financial support.

An Obituary

On November 4th, 2008 racism was officially pronounced dead. It at one time formed a negative, but powerful part of politics and society, but grew weaker over the years. By the 1990s the disease looked terminal. Despite the attempts of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton in their use of heroic measures to keep it relevant, it slipped further and further away.

Racism's final minutes ticked away when Barack Obama was declared president. At that point, no one inside or outside of the United States could ever call the nation "racist" again. Whatever other calamities may happen over the next four years, we can safely toss "racism" into the historical dustbin.

Mourners over the death of racism include Sharpton and Jackson. As racism declines in relevance, so do they. Arguments for expansion of affirmative action and quotas now can be met with the fact that an overwhelmingly racist society would never elect a black president. Racial prejudice is no more prevalent than, say, prejudice against Appalachians. Of course people from that region faced a barrage of insulting stereotypes over this very election.

One prejudice put to rest, another laid bare.

The death of racism will have a powerful result, the loosening of the ties that bind blacks to the Democratic Party. Additionally, if Obama ever comes close to implementing his plans of theft it will drive more middle class and wealthy blacks towards the Republican Party. Racism's death also means the death of race based politics. That is definitely a sliver of positive from this election.

Mineral County Election Results

President: McCain (Lost nationwide)

US Senate: Rockefeller

US House: Mollohan

Governor: Manchin

Secretary of State: Minimah (Lost state wide)

Ag Com: Teets (Lost state wide)

Attorney General : Greear (Undecided state wide)

Supreme Court: Walker, Workman & Ketchum (State wide Ketchum & Workman)

Senator 14th; Gary Howell (lost district wide by 414 votes out of 41,000 cast)

House 48th: Evans

House 49th: Schadler

House 50th: Ruth Rowen (Undecided district wide)

Commissioner: LaRue

Sheriff: Fraley

Assessor: Maine

Magistrate: Harman & Roby

VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VOTE!!!!!!!!!

It is your duty to vote today, so please do so. The blood of many Americans has been shed to protect your right to vote.

Millions of people around the world do not have the right vote, you do. Please exercise it.

Dan Greear up by 8 points - Howell endorsed by Home Builders

Public Policy Polling reports Dan Greear is leading incumbent Attorney General Daryl McGraw by 8 points. The poll shows Greear leading 50 to 42.

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State Senate Candidate Gary Howell has received the endorsement of WV BUILD PAC. WV BUILD PAC is the political arm of the Home Builders Association of West Virgina. Chairman Fred McDonald said, "We look forward to working with (Mr. Howell) during the next session of the Legislature as well as future years.

New Mike Teets Ad

Charles Minimah Releases new campaign ad

Russ Weeks releases new campaign ad

Clear Differences between Bob Williams and Gary Howell

News Tribune host meet the candidates at Wind Lea

Assessor candidate Betty Reall (D) in the background, Assessor Rose Ann Maine (R) speaking.

Sheriff Candidate Paul Sabine (R) speaking, Craig Fraley (D), Ringo Nelson write-in candidate, and News Tribune Publisher Dave Boden.
Donnie Ashby (D) County Commission candidate, publisher Dave Boden and current Commissioner Janice LaRue (R)

Also in attendance Bob Williams (D) from Bridgeport running against Gary Howell (R) for the 14th Senate Seat. Donna Kuhn (D) running for the 48th Delegate seat, Dave Harman (R) and Sue Roby (D) running for magistrate.



Ringo Nelson gives an emotional speech.

Mike Teets Releases New Campaign Ad

Governor cuts Ribbon on Potomac Valley Hospital

Governor Joe Manchin was in Keyser today to cut the ribbon on the new Potomac Valley Hospital. The Hospital is scheduled to open on December 5th of this year.

Shown in the picture is hospital owner Hal McBee, WV Governor Joe Manchin and Dave Vanscoy.

Governor Manchin announced that funding has been secured to install a new traffic light at the Pin Oak Lane enterance. Part of the funding will be supplied by the taxpayers of Mineral County through a "Tax Incrimental Financing" district, part by the hospital itself and remainer coming from the state.

The nearly 200 people where in attendence to hear the governors remarks. Liller Paving and the Candlewick Inn recieved recognition from the governor for sucess with their small businesses.

Peana to Host Reagan Dinner – A Red Tie Event

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa Peana

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 (304) 730 – 4599

Peana to Host Reagan Dinner – A Red Tie Event

Media Welcome

Ceredo, WV -17^th District House of Delegates candidate Lisa Peana next week will host a fundraiser entitled; “Reagan Dinner – A Red Tie Event”.

Special Guests will include: Dr. Doug McKinney, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, Marty Gearheart, 3^rd District Congressional Candidate, and Kelli Sobonya, Delegate District 16.

Peana is not accepting contributions from special interests groups and is relying upon individual contributions to keep her campaign funded. “I don’t want to be beholden to any special interest group - the only interests that are special to me are those of Wayne County,” said Peana.

Individuals who would like to attend should RSVP immediately. “We’re thankful for the great response we’ve received so far and hope that many more will join us,” Peana said.

The fundraiser will take place at Twin Silos Golf Club in Lavalette, WV. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner begins at 7:00 p.m.

Contributions will be graciously accepted.

Please call (304) 730-4599 or e-mail lisa_peana@yahoo.com to RSVP.

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Paid for by Peana4WV, Jamison Jeffrey Treasurer

Public Employees Disregard

It's Only An Issue When I Say It Is!

All you need to know about the Manchin Administration came in his dismissal of the degree issue. After Russ Weeks clarified his opposition to cronyism in the gubernatorial debate, Manchin blasted Weeks. The governor asserted that West Virginia faced many other important issues that he preferred to discuss. He also claimed that he wished he could have called some of the plays run by the Mountaineers last Saturday, an interesting statement since WVU defeated a major rival by eleven points while playing an injured second string quarterback.

Four years ago, Monty Warner ran against Joe Manchin using an imaginative ploy. Warner created a campaign based upon the slogan "Status Quo Joe." In reality no one at the time had any idea what a Manchin Administration would look like. However, most Democratic governorships look pretty similar. Cronyism, small changes instead of real reform, and the perpetuation of Democratic rule without regard to the needs of West Virginians have dominated the Ruling Party's agenda for seventy-five years.

The degree scandal encapsulates all of the problems our state faces. A great institution gets embarassed by the culture of corruption that permeates every fiber of state government. Governor Manchin wants to avoid and minimize this issue because he cannot answer the questions about how and why this happened. The very fact that most West Virginians could not bring themselves to register surprise tells anyone how long the state has dealt with such problems. Until we address each and every instance of corruption as important, we will continue to not be surprised by "shocking" revelations and we will continue to not reach our potential as a state.

To move the state forward, we need Russ Weeks as governor.

Debate Coverage between Manchin and Weeks

Dan Greear releases new TV Commercial

C-SPAN2 to Host WV Governor Debate at 7 PM Today

Today at 7pm (ET) on C-SPAN2
West Virginia Governor Debate: Gov. Joe Manchin (D) & Russ Weeks (R)

http://www.c-span.org/

The PHC Blog will host a poll as to who you believe won the debate. Be sure to log on after the debate.

Beth Walker releases new commercial

Howell racks up endorsements in campaign for state Senate

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gary Howell

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 304-790-9292

Howell racks up endorsements in campaign for state Senate

State’s leading pro-life group, 2^nd Amendment organization award nods

Gary Howell, candidate for state Senate in the 14^th District, continues to rack up endorsements from leading organizations around West Virginia.

The West Virginians for Life Political Action Committee (WVFL PAC) has announced its endorsement of Howell, as has the West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL).

WVFL PAC is the internal PAC for West Virginians for Life, the state pro-life organization. WVFL is affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee and is working through education and legislation to build a society where innocent human life is respected, from conceptioon until natural death.

Brian Louk, WBFL Executive Director, stated, “We commend Mr. Gary Howell for pledging to protect unborn children from abortion on demand.”

The WVCDL is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use.

In its endorsement process, WVCDL-PAC evaluated the records of incumbent legislators and asked all legislative candidates to complete a questionnaire on their views concerning several legislative issues important to gun owners.

“I’m thrilled that my commitment to issues important to the people of the 14^th District is recognized by leading advocacy groups around West Virginia,” said Howell. “In the Senate, I’ll work hard to bring about the positive changes we need to improve our district and our state for all its residents.”

The 14^th Senate district covers all or parts of the counties of Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor and Tucker.

Teets Ideas Could Be Huge For Potomac Highlands

On September 6th at Jackson's Mill, Republican nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture J. Michael Teets spoke about how to expand West Virginia's horse industry.

According to West Virginia University, the horse industry employs over 13,000 people while boosting the state's economy by $509 million per year. According to Teets, West Virginia can compete with Virginia and Kentucky if it offers similar economic incentives such as funds to breed a wider variety of horses. Modern show facilities would also boost the industry's profile in the state.

An expanding horse industry means more jobs, not only in farming but also construction. Potomac State College recently built a show facility while expanding its equine programs. Because of Potomac State's commitment in this field, a Teets victory in November could pay huge dividends regionally. Horse care requires many different inputs from feed to veterinary medicine. This means more opportunities throughout the area.

Teets in recent months has aggressively pushed innovative ideas to help farmers increase their income and productivity. Small farmers could benefit from programs designed to introduce new crops more appropriate to their acreage. He founded Teets Farms in Hardy County and has served on that county's commission for fourteen years.

New advertisement spotlights Obama/Biden's anti-coal stance

You can watch the new McCain ad here or read the transcript below.

For Immediate ReleaseSeptember 24, 2008

Contact: Press Office
McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New Web Ad: "The Coal Miner"
ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest web ad, entitled "The Coal Miner." The ad highlights Joe Biden's recent comment that the Obama-Biden ticket is anti-coal and anti-clean coal. While John McCain supports an "all of the above" energy policy to achieve strategic energy independence, Barack Obama and Joe Biden continue to take options off the table, including now coal. VIEW THE AD HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT12O9bWUQw Script For "The Coal Miner" (Web :40) CHYRON: Obama + Biden CHYRON: They'll tell you they support coal. BARACK OBAMA: We're the Saudi Arabia of coal. CHYRON: Then for a vote. Say no way. JOE BIDEN: No coal plants here in America. Build them if they're going to build them over there. CHYRON: For it here... BARACK OBAMA: I actually mentioned in my speech, my convention acceptance speech, the need for the development of clean coal technology. CHYRON: Against it here... WOMAN: Solar, are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting... BIDEN: We're not supporting clean coal. CHYRON: That must be why he said. CHRYON: "I'm a hard-coal miner, anthracite coal, Scranton, PA." CHYRON: Obama + Biden CHYRON: Ready to Pander? Yes. Ready to Lead? No. AD FACTS: Script For "The Coal Miner" (Web :40) CHYRON: Obama + Biden. They'll tell you they support coal. BARACK OBAMA: We're the Saudi Arabia of coal.
Barack Obama: "We're the Saudi Arabia of coal." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Duryea, PA, 9/5/08)CHYRON: Then for a vote. Say no way. JOE BIDEN: No coal plants here in America. Build them if they're going to build them over there.
Joe Biden: "No Coal Plants Here In America. Build Them, If They're Going To Build Them Over There Make Them Clean Because They're Killing You." (Joe Biden, Remarks, Maumee, OH, 9/17/08)CHYRON: For it here... BARACK OBAMA: I actually mentioned in my speech, my convention acceptance speech, the need for the development of clean coal technology.
Barack Obama: "I Actually Mentioned In My Speech, My Convention Acceptance Speech, The Need For The Development Of Clean-Coal Technology." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Duryea, PA, 9/5/08)CHYRON: Against it here... WOMAN: Solar, are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting... BIDEN: We're not supporting clean coal.
Joe Biden" "We're Not Supporting Clean Coal." WOMAN: "Senator, Senator, wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "Say ... I didn't hear what you said." WOMAN: "Wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "We're not supporting clean coal. Guess what. China's building two every week. Two dirty coal plants. And it's polluting the United States. It's causing people to die." (Joe Biden, Remarks, Maumee, OH, 9/17/08)CHYRON: That must be why he said. CHRYON: "I'm a hard-coal miner, anthracite coal, Scranton, PA." CHYRON: Obama + Biden. Ready to Pander? Yes. Ready to Lead? No.
Joe Biden: "I Hope You Won't Hold It Against Me, But I Am A Hard-Coal Miner, Anthracite Coal, Scranton, Pa." "In his first visit to Southwest Virginia, Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, speaking at the United Mine Workers' annual fish fry here on Saturday, was quick to tout his ties to coal. 'I hope you won't hold it against me, but I am a hard-coal miner, anthracite coal, Scranton, Pa.,' Biden said. 'It's nice to be back in coal country. ... It's a different accent [in Southwest Virginia] ... but it's the same deal. We were taught that our faith and our family was the only really important thing, and our faith and our family informed everything we did.'" (Debra McCown, "Biden: 'It's Nice To Be Back In Coal Country,'" Bristol Herald Courier, 9/21/08)