Capito Rallies For Coal On Capitol Hill
Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., spoke at the Pro-Coal Rally on Capitol Hill to support the coal industry and the American coal miner. The event was hosted by a coalition of pro-coal organizations from Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Current regulatory challenges and looming cap and trade legislation are threatening the viability of coal mining throughout Appalachia. Instead of hearing our cries to use this country’s great natural resources, we only see further regulation and the slow shutdown of the coal industry while we further increase our dependence on foreign sources of energy,” stated Capito who was the event’s MC.
Hundreds of miners and representatives from the Appalachian coal mining communities traveled to Washington to defend the economic viability of the coal industry which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. The goal of the rally was to send a clear message to Congress that coal must be included in our energy future.
“Coal is affordable and abundant and mined right here in America. It supports thousands of jobs in West Virginia and across our country that we can’t afford to lose at a time of near double digit unemployment. I am proud to stand with the miners at today’s rally to remind Congress of the vital role this reliable American energy resource plays in our economic and energy portfolios,” concluded Capito, co-founder of the Congressional Coal Caucus.
Additional photos available on Facebook and www.capito.house.gov
**************************************************************
Meanwhile, Governor Joe Manchin continues to try and serve two masters. He claims to not be an anti-coal liberal, but he says that he can work with Obama. Remember in 2008 that Joe Biden while speaking in Ohio foresaw the end of coal as an American industry. The current administration is hostile to West Virginia, yet Manchin claims that he can work with them.
You cannot serve two masters. You cannot obey Obama and represent West Virginia.
No rubber stamps.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Time to Fire Coach!
No I am not talking about Bill Stewart. I know that the governor hired him and that many have found him disappointing in some ways. I like Bill Stewart and think he should stay on. He's done a good job and shows promise for an even better future.
Yes he is a nice guy, too. However, if he failed to deliver wins consistently, I would say he should be fired. If West Virginia University finished in the bottom half of the Big East the past few years, I'd be saying get rid of him. No matter how nice someone is, if they fail over and over, you must get someone else to run your program.
West Virginia fans are not completely satisfied with anything less than first place. They would be mortified with being in the bottom half of the conference. Rightfully, they expect very good, if not the best, from athletic leadership.
And then every November, most of them will dutifully go off and vote Democratic. Democratic leadership for the past eighty years has earned us not just bottom half results, but usually bottom fifth, if not dead last.
Yes, the Democratic Party's leadership and ideology in West Virginia has led to literally decades of failure. Republicans have only had a few governorships and have never controlled the Legislature. Our economic indicators and ratings of business friendliness hover near the bottom. Sometimes they do edge up, but that is like Syracuse getting excited because they scored more than ten points against a power team.
We need actual improvement. That only comes from a change of philosophy at the top. The Democratic Party's vision for West Virginia has been so bad, that we accept losing as inevitable, as being something that we all share a part in, for whatever reason. And we do. So long as we keep elected people who share the same failed vision, we will always be near the bottom.
The Democratic Party has coached this state for eight decades and has led us to last place. Time to fire the coach.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sarah Palin Again
Admittedly there is something alluring about Sarah Palin. The former Alaska governor has tremendous charisma. Her speeches mystify intellectuals and electrify crowds. Those who witness her political performances often evoke images of Reagan. She certainly attracts attention and ire from many sides. The question is whether or not she is the right standard bearer in 2012.
Personally I am not completely sold on her. My main issue lies in her abandonment of the chief executiveship of her state. The voters put their trust in her and she left them for brighter lights and bigger cities before finishing the job she started. This does not leave a good taste in the mouths of rural folks. See Rich Rodriguez for an illustration.
On the other hand, I'm reading Lou Cannon's biography of Ronald Reagan from about 1982 or so. It reflects the doubts held about Reagan from figures in both parties. It also details the confidence that Jimmy Carter and his people had when Reagan won the nomination in 1980. They saw him as an intellectual lightweight and underestimated his hold on regular folks. Obamunists have that same cockiness about Sarah Palin.
Although Palin and Reagan share some attributes, Palin falls short in some respects. Reagan completed two terms as California governor, his second term besting his first in effectiveness. He also had three chances to hone his national campaign abilities. Few remark about his 1968 presidential run. Palin has never run her own national campaign.
Don't get me wrong, I admire her for what she has done and what she can potentialy do. I do think that she needed the seasoning and the added clout of finishing her term as governor. From what better position could she have attacked the anti-state measures of Congress and Obama while remaining relevant to national politics? Also a governor remains a little more immune from the sometimes demeaning "celebrity treatment" that has been meted out by the media to her family.
Is Sarah Palin prepared to win a presidential campaign. Likely, we'll soon see. That being said, I would be more comfortable with a figure that has more experience
Personally I am not completely sold on her. My main issue lies in her abandonment of the chief executiveship of her state. The voters put their trust in her and she left them for brighter lights and bigger cities before finishing the job she started. This does not leave a good taste in the mouths of rural folks. See Rich Rodriguez for an illustration.
On the other hand, I'm reading Lou Cannon's biography of Ronald Reagan from about 1982 or so. It reflects the doubts held about Reagan from figures in both parties. It also details the confidence that Jimmy Carter and his people had when Reagan won the nomination in 1980. They saw him as an intellectual lightweight and underestimated his hold on regular folks. Obamunists have that same cockiness about Sarah Palin.
Although Palin and Reagan share some attributes, Palin falls short in some respects. Reagan completed two terms as California governor, his second term besting his first in effectiveness. He also had three chances to hone his national campaign abilities. Few remark about his 1968 presidential run. Palin has never run her own national campaign.
Don't get me wrong, I admire her for what she has done and what she can potentialy do. I do think that she needed the seasoning and the added clout of finishing her term as governor. From what better position could she have attacked the anti-state measures of Congress and Obama while remaining relevant to national politics? Also a governor remains a little more immune from the sometimes demeaning "celebrity treatment" that has been meted out by the media to her family.
Is Sarah Palin prepared to win a presidential campaign. Likely, we'll soon see. That being said, I would be more comfortable with a figure that has more experience
Friday, September 17, 2010
Allen Evans, Ruth Rowan, and Robert Schadler Secure Funds For Camp Minco
Mineral County's three elected members of the House of Delegates presented a check to the county commission for $10,000 to help construct a new bath house for the facility. The camp is used by many groups, including the 6th grade camp program run by the Board of Education. Long time supporter and advocate for the facility Bob Harman joined the delegates and county commissioners for the official delivery of the funds.
History Day, Courtesy of the Detroit News
Three titans: From left, Edison, Ford and Firestone.
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison -- a friendship of giants
By Patricia Zacharias / The Detroit News
August 7, 1996
Henry Ford shouts in the ear of his friend, Thomas Edison, who was hard of hearing.
As a young man on his father's farm in Dearborn, Henry Ford had followed Thomas Edison's career.
Henry took a job at the Edison Illuminating Company, which later became Detroit Edison, and soon worked his way up to chief engineer.
In 1896, Ford and Alex Dow attended a company-sponsored convention in Manhattan Beach, New York. Edison was the guest of honor at the evening's banquet. Alex Dow pointed out Ford to Edison, telling him "There's a young fellow who has made a gas car." Edison asked young Henry Ford a host of questions and when the interview was over, Edison emphasized his satisfaction by banging his fist down on the table. "Young man," he said, "that's the thing! You have it! Your car is self contained and carries its own power plant."
Years later, Ford, reflecting on their first meeting, said in a newspaper interview, "That bang on the table was worth worlds to me. No man up to then had given me any encouragement. I had hoped that I was headed right. Sometimes I knew that I was, sometimes I only wondered, but here, all at once and out of a clear sky, the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me complete approval. The man who knew most about electricity in the world had said that for the purpose, my gas motor was better than any electric motor could be."
Ford never forgot those words of encouragement. After that initial meeting, Ford was always very close to Edison. When Ford became a wealthy industrialist, he cooperated with Edison in technical and scientific projects. He convinced Edison to devote significant research to finding a substitute for rubber.
Together with John Burroughs, naturalist Luther Burbank, Harvey Firestone and occasionally, President Harding, Ford and Edison participated in a series of camping trips. A major source of fun for Ford and Edison was building dams on small streams and examining old mills for a calculation of the power output.
Edison, left, and Ford on one of their camping trips.
"They think in terms of power," Firestone wrote. After his first experience with the Nature Club, President Harding joined the group whenever he could.
En route to a new campsite on a rainy day, the Lincoln touring car carrying Harding, Ford, Edison, Firestone and naturalist Luther Burbank bogged down in deep mud on a back road in West Virginia. Ford's chauffeur went for help and returned with a farmer driving an ancient Model T. After the Lincoln was yanked from the mire, Ford was the first to shake the farmer's hand.
"I guess you don't know me but I'm Henry Ford. I made the car you're driving."
A 1921 camping trip. From left, seated: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, President Warren G. Harding, Harvey S. Firestone and George Christian. The man standing is unidentified.
Firestone chimed in, "I'm the man who made those tires." Then he introduced two of the campers: "Meet the man who invented the electric light -- and the President of the United States."
Luther Burbank was the last to shake hands. "I guess you don't know me either?" he asked.
"No," said the farmer, "but if you're the same kind of liar as these other darn fools, I wouldn't be surprised if you said you was Santa Claus."
The vagabond camping trips ended following the death of President Harding.
Edison, on the advice of his doctors, left his home in Menlo Park, N.J., for the warmer climate of Fort Myers, Fla. As would be expected of a man with 1,097 patented inventions, Edison outfitted the home with all kinds of novelties. There was an intercom system which he mischievously used to startle guests, and lights in the closet that blinked on automatically whenever the doors were opened. Edison also had the kitchen built in another building instead of the main house because he didn't like to smell food cooking.
Edison out front of his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla.
Ford was a regular visitor. In 1916, when the seven-bedroom home next door became available, Ford bought it. A wooden fence separated the two estates, but the gate always stood open and became known as the "friendship gate." When Edison's doctors ordered him into a wheelchair in the last years of his life, Ford, still brisk and active, bought one too so they could race around the grounds together.
In October 1929, on the 50th anniversary of the light bulb, Ford established the Edison Institute, which now operates Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
Even the rainy weather that October couldn't put a damper on the festivities. Crowds lined 30 miles of Detroit streets to cheer Edison, President Hoover and 500 nationally and internationally known guests as they drove to the museum.
The ceremonies featured the re-enactment of the invention of the first successful incandescent bulb in the original Menlo Park laboratory, which had been moved by Henry Ford with other significant buildings to the Village.
Ford had brought in seven railroad cars of New Jersey soil to place around the buildings for complete accuracy. He even tried to get an old elm tree that stood near the door of the lab, but had to settle for a cutting of the old tree planted in the same spot.
Edison signs his name in cement at the dedication ceremonies at Greenfield Village.
Edison was pleased with Ford's efforts, remarking that Ford got everything 99-9/10ths perfect. The inaccuracy, he told Ford, was that "our floor was never this clean."
Ford and Edison's assistant, Francis Jehl, who was with Edison when he developed his successful incandescent lamp, helped in the re-enactment.
Nationwide, people turned on their electric lights in honor of the historic event.
Later in the banquet hall, Edison stood up to speak, his snow-white hair disheveled, his hands and voice a bit shaky.
"I would be embarrassed at the honors that are being heaped upon me this unforgettable night were it not for the fact that in honoring me, you are also honoring that vast army of thinkers and workers of the past. If I have helped spur men to greater effort, if our work has widened the horizon of thousands of men and given a measure of happiness in the world, I am content."
His last words were for Henry Ford.
"I can only say that in the fullest meaning of the term, he is my friend."
Bibliographic Note: Edison As I Know Him, by Henry Ford; Edison, Inventing the Century, by Neil Baldwin; Detroit's Coming of Age, by Don Lochbiler and the clip and photo files of The Detroit News.
(This story was compiled using clip and photo files of The Detroit News.)
From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/history/index.php?id=105#ixzz0znWlFaR1
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison -- a friendship of giants
By Patricia Zacharias / The Detroit News
August 7, 1996
Henry Ford shouts in the ear of his friend, Thomas Edison, who was hard of hearing.
As a young man on his father's farm in Dearborn, Henry Ford had followed Thomas Edison's career.
Henry took a job at the Edison Illuminating Company, which later became Detroit Edison, and soon worked his way up to chief engineer.
In 1896, Ford and Alex Dow attended a company-sponsored convention in Manhattan Beach, New York. Edison was the guest of honor at the evening's banquet. Alex Dow pointed out Ford to Edison, telling him "There's a young fellow who has made a gas car." Edison asked young Henry Ford a host of questions and when the interview was over, Edison emphasized his satisfaction by banging his fist down on the table. "Young man," he said, "that's the thing! You have it! Your car is self contained and carries its own power plant."
Years later, Ford, reflecting on their first meeting, said in a newspaper interview, "That bang on the table was worth worlds to me. No man up to then had given me any encouragement. I had hoped that I was headed right. Sometimes I knew that I was, sometimes I only wondered, but here, all at once and out of a clear sky, the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me complete approval. The man who knew most about electricity in the world had said that for the purpose, my gas motor was better than any electric motor could be."
Ford never forgot those words of encouragement. After that initial meeting, Ford was always very close to Edison. When Ford became a wealthy industrialist, he cooperated with Edison in technical and scientific projects. He convinced Edison to devote significant research to finding a substitute for rubber.
Together with John Burroughs, naturalist Luther Burbank, Harvey Firestone and occasionally, President Harding, Ford and Edison participated in a series of camping trips. A major source of fun for Ford and Edison was building dams on small streams and examining old mills for a calculation of the power output.
Edison, left, and Ford on one of their camping trips.
"They think in terms of power," Firestone wrote. After his first experience with the Nature Club, President Harding joined the group whenever he could.
En route to a new campsite on a rainy day, the Lincoln touring car carrying Harding, Ford, Edison, Firestone and naturalist Luther Burbank bogged down in deep mud on a back road in West Virginia. Ford's chauffeur went for help and returned with a farmer driving an ancient Model T. After the Lincoln was yanked from the mire, Ford was the first to shake the farmer's hand.
"I guess you don't know me but I'm Henry Ford. I made the car you're driving."
A 1921 camping trip. From left, seated: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, President Warren G. Harding, Harvey S. Firestone and George Christian. The man standing is unidentified.
Firestone chimed in, "I'm the man who made those tires." Then he introduced two of the campers: "Meet the man who invented the electric light -- and the President of the United States."
Luther Burbank was the last to shake hands. "I guess you don't know me either?" he asked.
"No," said the farmer, "but if you're the same kind of liar as these other darn fools, I wouldn't be surprised if you said you was Santa Claus."
The vagabond camping trips ended following the death of President Harding.
Edison, on the advice of his doctors, left his home in Menlo Park, N.J., for the warmer climate of Fort Myers, Fla. As would be expected of a man with 1,097 patented inventions, Edison outfitted the home with all kinds of novelties. There was an intercom system which he mischievously used to startle guests, and lights in the closet that blinked on automatically whenever the doors were opened. Edison also had the kitchen built in another building instead of the main house because he didn't like to smell food cooking.
Edison out front of his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla.
Ford was a regular visitor. In 1916, when the seven-bedroom home next door became available, Ford bought it. A wooden fence separated the two estates, but the gate always stood open and became known as the "friendship gate." When Edison's doctors ordered him into a wheelchair in the last years of his life, Ford, still brisk and active, bought one too so they could race around the grounds together.
In October 1929, on the 50th anniversary of the light bulb, Ford established the Edison Institute, which now operates Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
Even the rainy weather that October couldn't put a damper on the festivities. Crowds lined 30 miles of Detroit streets to cheer Edison, President Hoover and 500 nationally and internationally known guests as they drove to the museum.
The ceremonies featured the re-enactment of the invention of the first successful incandescent bulb in the original Menlo Park laboratory, which had been moved by Henry Ford with other significant buildings to the Village.
Ford had brought in seven railroad cars of New Jersey soil to place around the buildings for complete accuracy. He even tried to get an old elm tree that stood near the door of the lab, but had to settle for a cutting of the old tree planted in the same spot.
Edison signs his name in cement at the dedication ceremonies at Greenfield Village.
Edison was pleased with Ford's efforts, remarking that Ford got everything 99-9/10ths perfect. The inaccuracy, he told Ford, was that "our floor was never this clean."
Ford and Edison's assistant, Francis Jehl, who was with Edison when he developed his successful incandescent lamp, helped in the re-enactment.
Nationwide, people turned on their electric lights in honor of the historic event.
Later in the banquet hall, Edison stood up to speak, his snow-white hair disheveled, his hands and voice a bit shaky.
"I would be embarrassed at the honors that are being heaped upon me this unforgettable night were it not for the fact that in honoring me, you are also honoring that vast army of thinkers and workers of the past. If I have helped spur men to greater effort, if our work has widened the horizon of thousands of men and given a measure of happiness in the world, I am content."
His last words were for Henry Ford.
"I can only say that in the fullest meaning of the term, he is my friend."
Bibliographic Note: Edison As I Know Him, by Henry Ford; Edison, Inventing the Century, by Neil Baldwin; Detroit's Coming of Age, by Don Lochbiler and the clip and photo files of The Detroit News.
(This story was compiled using clip and photo files of The Detroit News.)
From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/history/index.php?id=105#ixzz0znWlFaR1
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tea Parties On the March
The liberal media is enjoying the so-called upset Tea Party victory over the establishment Republican candidate in the Delaware Senate primaries. They obviously hope that this indicates a division in Republicans and conservative ranks that can be exploited in November to at least head off GOP control of the Senate. Almost every indicator shows that Republicans will oust Democrats from control there.
Liberals and leftists still have a stereotype of Tea Partiers as wild eyed extremists instead of principled libertarians and conservatives. Perhaps their main frame of reference lies in the aimless protest movements of the 1960s that simply sought to gather young white suburbanites into an area to show numerical support for whatever. Tea Partiers take off of work, bring their children, and travel hundreds of miles to jon in common cause. These are not knee jerk, professional revolutionaries. They are reasonable people in unreasonable times.
The Tea Party victories do not demonstrate divisiveness among the electorate as much as a resolve to actually alter the course of events. Voters have so far rejected individuals whom they fear will compromise the change that is to take place next year. They fear adding Olympia Snowes and Lindsay Grahams to the Congress. Compromising most of your principles is no longer acceptable to the voters.
Here in West Virginia we have an opportunity this fall to help bring our nation back to the right course and also take steps to resurrect our state. It will take time and effort, but it can be done. Please help your local and state Republicans parties and their candidates this fall. West Virginia, incidentally, has had for a long time one of the most Tea Party friendly GOPs. It's good to see people of principle working hard in the common cause of saving our state and nation.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Do You Support Zoning? This Is What You Get
There are some in Mineral County that support the idea that property rights should be traded in for the strict definitions set on property use by zoning laws. The story below shows where that kind of policy can lead. You can't even quietly grow vegetables on your own property!
County Sues Farmer, Cites Too Many Crops
WSB-TV
Related Stories/Links
MORE FROM WSBTV.COM Tour Home Bought By Tyler Perry, Once Priced At $40 Million See Crazy Costumes At Dragon*Con Redneck Repair Jobs
Posted: 5:20 pm EDT September 12, 2010Updated: 10:00 am EDT September 13, 2010
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- DeKalb County is suing a local farmer for growing too many vegetables, but he said he will fight the charges in the ongoing battle neighbors call “Cabbagegate.”
Fig trees, broccoli and cabbages are among the many greens that line the soil on Steve Miller’s more than two acres in Clarkston, who said he has spent fifteen years growing crops to give away and sell at local farmers markets.
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“It's a way of life, like it's something in my blood,” said Miller.
In January, Dekalb County code enforcement officers began ticketing him for growing too many crops for the zoning and having unpermitted employees on site.
Miller stopped growing vegetables this summer and the charges were put on hold as he got the property rezoned.
WATCH: Farmer Sued For Excessive Veggies
Two weeks after approval, however, his attorney said the county began prosecuting the old charges, saying he was technically in violation before the rezoning.
“It should go away. I think it borders on harassment,” said Miller’s attorney Doug Dillard.
Miller faces nearly $5,000 in fines, but he said he plans to fight those citations in recorders court later this month.
A county spokesperson said officials can’t discuss the matter while it is in court, but neighbors were quick to come to his defense.
“When he moved here and I found out what he was doing I said, ‘Steve, you’re the best thing that ever happened to Cimarron Drive. And I still say that,” said neighbor Britt Fayssoux.
RADAR: Interactive Radar For Your Neighborhood TWITTER: Follow Meteorologist Brad Nitz
Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
County Sues Farmer, Cites Too Many Crops
WSB-TV
Related Stories/Links
MORE FROM WSBTV.COM Tour Home Bought By Tyler Perry, Once Priced At $40 Million See Crazy Costumes At Dragon*Con Redneck Repair Jobs
Posted: 5:20 pm EDT September 12, 2010Updated: 10:00 am EDT September 13, 2010
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- DeKalb County is suing a local farmer for growing too many vegetables, but he said he will fight the charges in the ongoing battle neighbors call “Cabbagegate.”
Fig trees, broccoli and cabbages are among the many greens that line the soil on Steve Miller’s more than two acres in Clarkston, who said he has spent fifteen years growing crops to give away and sell at local farmers markets.
TWITTER: Get Updates @ twitter.com/wsb_tv
FACEBOOK: Become A Fan Of WSB-TV
WSB-TV APP: For Your iPhone For Your Android
“It's a way of life, like it's something in my blood,” said Miller.
In January, Dekalb County code enforcement officers began ticketing him for growing too many crops for the zoning and having unpermitted employees on site.
Miller stopped growing vegetables this summer and the charges were put on hold as he got the property rezoned.
WATCH: Farmer Sued For Excessive Veggies
Two weeks after approval, however, his attorney said the county began prosecuting the old charges, saying he was technically in violation before the rezoning.
“It should go away. I think it borders on harassment,” said Miller’s attorney Doug Dillard.
Miller faces nearly $5,000 in fines, but he said he plans to fight those citations in recorders court later this month.
A county spokesperson said officials can’t discuss the matter while it is in court, but neighbors were quick to come to his defense.
“When he moved here and I found out what he was doing I said, ‘Steve, you’re the best thing that ever happened to Cimarron Drive. And I still say that,” said neighbor Britt Fayssoux.
RADAR: Interactive Radar For Your Neighborhood TWITTER: Follow Meteorologist Brad Nitz
Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Monday, September 13, 2010
An Explanation Is Long Overdue
Immediate Release Contact: Mike Stuart September 12, 2010 mike.stuart@wvgop.org 304.553.1084
304.768.0493
Time to Tell West Virginians the Facts
WVGOP Chair Calls on Governor & Democrat Chair to Share Truth with Public
CHARLESTON, WV. The Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party today called on Governor Joe Manchin and Larry Puccio, Chairman of the Democrat Party, to come forward and end the speculation surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas to the State of West Virginia.“It is far past time that Governor Manchin and Chairman Puccio come forward and inform the public of the facts surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas and the rumors involving the Governor, members of the Governor’s administration, and the Chairman of the Democrat Party. We have been patient long enough.
We hoped that those with direct knowledge of the investigations would come forward and provide essential information to the public. Clearly, the Governor and Chairman Puccio believe information concerning federal probes, subpoenas, and the legality of the conduct of elected officials is on a ‘need to know basis.’ The people of West Virginia deserve the complete truth and they deserve it now,” Stuart stated. Stuart continued, “Piece by piece, information leaks to the public through the media from ‘unnamed sources.’ It is time for the Governor and Chairman Puccio to tell us the facts about the subpoenas and federal investigation. Any issue of public corruption is serious business. I am concerned that facts are being withheld.” “At a minimum, we need to know if Governor Manchin or Larry Puccio received a subpoena, whether either is a target of a federal investigation, and the subject matter concerning any issued subpoenas or federal investigations,” said Stuart. “Facts are stubborn things. These are facts for which the public needs and deserves answers,” concluded Stuart. ·
Who received subpoenas? ·
What is being investigated? ·
Is the Governor or Chairman of the Democrat Party the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has the Governor or Chairman Puccio been named the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has any member of the Governor’s administration received a subpoena or been named the target of any federal investigation or federal probe? ·
What state vendors have been notified that they may be targets of a federal probe or investigation?
PAID FOR BY THE WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN PARTY
Thank you,
Mike
Chairman Mike Stuart
West Virginia Republican Party
P.O. Box 2711Charleston, WV 25330
304.768.0493 (office)
304.553.1084 (cell)
304.768.6083 (facsimile)
mike.stuart@wvgop.org
304.768.0493
Time to Tell West Virginians the Facts
WVGOP Chair Calls on Governor & Democrat Chair to Share Truth with Public
CHARLESTON, WV. The Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party today called on Governor Joe Manchin and Larry Puccio, Chairman of the Democrat Party, to come forward and end the speculation surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas to the State of West Virginia.“It is far past time that Governor Manchin and Chairman Puccio come forward and inform the public of the facts surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas and the rumors involving the Governor, members of the Governor’s administration, and the Chairman of the Democrat Party. We have been patient long enough.
We hoped that those with direct knowledge of the investigations would come forward and provide essential information to the public. Clearly, the Governor and Chairman Puccio believe information concerning federal probes, subpoenas, and the legality of the conduct of elected officials is on a ‘need to know basis.’ The people of West Virginia deserve the complete truth and they deserve it now,” Stuart stated. Stuart continued, “Piece by piece, information leaks to the public through the media from ‘unnamed sources.’ It is time for the Governor and Chairman Puccio to tell us the facts about the subpoenas and federal investigation. Any issue of public corruption is serious business. I am concerned that facts are being withheld.” “At a minimum, we need to know if Governor Manchin or Larry Puccio received a subpoena, whether either is a target of a federal investigation, and the subject matter concerning any issued subpoenas or federal investigations,” said Stuart. “Facts are stubborn things. These are facts for which the public needs and deserves answers,” concluded Stuart. ·
Who received subpoenas? ·
What is being investigated? ·
Is the Governor or Chairman of the Democrat Party the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has the Governor or Chairman Puccio been named the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has any member of the Governor’s administration received a subpoena or been named the target of any federal investigation or federal probe? ·
What state vendors have been notified that they may be targets of a federal probe or investigation?
PAID FOR BY THE WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN PARTY
Thank you,
Mike
Chairman Mike Stuart
West Virginia Republican Party
P.O. Box 2711Charleston, WV 25330
304.768.0493 (office)
304.553.1084 (cell)
304.768.6083 (facsimile)
mike.stuart@wvgop.org
Friday, September 10, 2010
Two Timeless Economic Truths From Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith in Wealth of Nations made significant points about labor and money that we desperately need to remember today.
First, Smith differentiated between labor that produces a good or commodity of some sort versus labor that does not. He said that an economy is in trouble when it relies more on "unproductive" (meaning not producing goods) versus productive labor. Productive labor creates tools, refrigerators, software, anything of value that can be sold in the market place, sometimes more than once. Unproductive labor includes lawyers, doctors, bureaucrats, domestic servants, and others. It is not that he has no respect for their work, but his point is that once that work is done, it disappears into thin air and cannot be resold in the marketplace. There is a place for these laborers, but your economy should not rely too heavily upon them or it risks having a bad foundation.
Federal environmental policies, union contracts, and other issues have created a significant competitive disadvantage for this country when it comes to expanding what Smith would call the "productive" labor force. He would argue that this puts our economy in peril.
Second, Smith argues about assets and money. If your economy has most economic assets tied up in capital, it has a strong foundation. Capital is money in your savings account, CDs, stocks, etc. Capital is improvements you make on your home or business to increase its value. An economy based upon spending is weak and vulnerable. We have relied way too heavily on the consumer sector for way too long as an economic jolt. In the past few years, public spending has increased considerably with an eye towards stimulating the economy. Adam Smith explains that an economy cannot thrive on spending. Public spending is even worse because it confiscates capital.
So according to Adam Smith we are headed in the wrong direction. It will take a fundamental shift in policy and prioities to get us back on track. Do we have the courage to set things right again?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
McKinley Tightening Up Congressional Race in West Virginia 1st
From the Parkersburg News and Sentinel . . .
McKinley poll shows gap closing with Oliverio
September 7, 2010 - By JESS MANCINI, jmancini@newsandsentinel.com
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PARKERSBURG - Democrat Mike Oliverio's lead over opponent David McKinley is dwindling, according to the latest poll taken for McKinley.
The poll by Public Opinion Strategies for release today shows McKinley trailing the Morgantown insurance agent 41 percent to 36 percent in the election for the U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District in West Virginia.
Oliverio released a poll by Hamilton Campaigns immediately after the Aug. 28 special primary election that said he was ahead 52 percent to 36 percent over McKinley, a Wheeling businessman and former state Republican Party chairman.
"These numbers reflect what I am hearing from voters throughout the district, that they have had enough of Obama's War on Coal and Nancy Pelosi's job-killing Capitol Hill agenda," McKinley said in a release from the campaign. "Voters have had enough of the attack from Washington on West Virginia jobs."
In response, the Oliverio campaign said McKinley has been lying about Oliverio.
"David McKinley's been lying about Mike Oliverio since May, and he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money doing this," Randy Coleman, an Oliverio spokesman, said Monday. "Now, according to his own poll, he's still stuck in the mud at 36 percent. The lying and buying doesn't seem to be working."
Results also showed Oliverio's "favorables" have sharply fallen, the campaign said.
McKinley's "intensity quotient," the opinion of those paying attention to the race, is 5 points higher than Oliverio's among voters with a "high interest" and 15 percent higher than Oliverio's among voters with an "extremely high interest," the campaign said.
McKinley's lead among voters who have an opinion of both candidates is 53 percent to Oliverio's 40 percent, Rob Autry, McKinley's polling strategist, said.
The survey by Public Opinion Strategies was conducted Sept. 1 and 2 and polled 500 likely voters. The company's clients are primarily Republicans, including Rep. Shelley Capito of West Virginia and Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
"They are the premiere polling firm on the U.S. political scene," said Steve Cohen, a McKinley spokesman.
McKinley poll shows gap closing with Oliverio
September 7, 2010 - By JESS MANCINI, jmancini@newsandsentinel.com
Save Post a comment
PARKERSBURG - Democrat Mike Oliverio's lead over opponent David McKinley is dwindling, according to the latest poll taken for McKinley.
The poll by Public Opinion Strategies for release today shows McKinley trailing the Morgantown insurance agent 41 percent to 36 percent in the election for the U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District in West Virginia.
Oliverio released a poll by Hamilton Campaigns immediately after the Aug. 28 special primary election that said he was ahead 52 percent to 36 percent over McKinley, a Wheeling businessman and former state Republican Party chairman.
"These numbers reflect what I am hearing from voters throughout the district, that they have had enough of Obama's War on Coal and Nancy Pelosi's job-killing Capitol Hill agenda," McKinley said in a release from the campaign. "Voters have had enough of the attack from Washington on West Virginia jobs."
In response, the Oliverio campaign said McKinley has been lying about Oliverio.
"David McKinley's been lying about Mike Oliverio since May, and he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money doing this," Randy Coleman, an Oliverio spokesman, said Monday. "Now, according to his own poll, he's still stuck in the mud at 36 percent. The lying and buying doesn't seem to be working."
Results also showed Oliverio's "favorables" have sharply fallen, the campaign said.
McKinley's "intensity quotient," the opinion of those paying attention to the race, is 5 points higher than Oliverio's among voters with a "high interest" and 15 percent higher than Oliverio's among voters with an "extremely high interest," the campaign said.
McKinley's lead among voters who have an opinion of both candidates is 53 percent to Oliverio's 40 percent, Rob Autry, McKinley's polling strategist, said.
The survey by Public Opinion Strategies was conducted Sept. 1 and 2 and polled 500 likely voters. The company's clients are primarily Republicans, including Rep. Shelley Capito of West Virginia and Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
"They are the premiere polling firm on the U.S. political scene," said Steve Cohen, a McKinley spokesman.
Shelley Moore Capito Initiates Student Advisory Committee
Sep 07 2010
Capito Invites Local Students To Apply To Inaugural “Student Advisory Committee”
Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Captio, R.-W. Va., announced that she is seeking applications from high school students for the 2010-2011 Student Advisory Committee.
The goal of the Committee is two-fold. First, Capito seeks to give interested students the opportunity to learn more about national issues, current events and the legislative process. Second, she hopes that selected students will serve as their generation’s ambassadors by sharing their views and insights on important issues being discussed in Congress.
“I truly believe that while young people only make up a fraction of the population, they are 100% of the future. I’m seeking motivated and eager students to take part in what I believe will be an educational but fun academic program,” stated Capito.
The Committee will be comprised of approximately 30 high-school students from across the 2nd District of West Virginia. Students will be selected based on leadership ability, academic success and extracurricular actives. A student may only serve on the Committee for one academic year.
Students will attend quarterly meetings planned and hosted by Capito’s office and will be required to complete a final project in order to graduate from Capito’s program. Through meetings and assignments, students will explore the role of citizens, lawmakers and non-governmental organizations and their impact on the development of public policy.
To apply, students must submit an application form (available under the “student” section at www.capito.house.gov), a parental permission slip, as well as one letter of recommendation to the address below by September 30, 2010:
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito
C/O Mary Elisabeth Eckerson
4815 MacCorkle Ave., SECharleston, WV 25304Phone: 304.925.5964Fax: 304.926.8912
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Upcoming Tea Party and GOP Events
Monday September 20th, 7 PM: Meeting to plan events
Monday October 4th, 7 PM: Meeting to plan rally
Saturday October 16th: Tea Party Rally in Keyser 1 PM
All meetings and rally to be held at Grand Central Center in Keyser.
Mineral County Republican Headquarters Grand Opening TBA, but it is already open for business.
Monday October 4th, 7 PM: Meeting to plan rally
Saturday October 16th: Tea Party Rally in Keyser 1 PM
All meetings and rally to be held at Grand Central Center in Keyser.
Mineral County Republican Headquarters Grand Opening TBA, but it is already open for business.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Tempest In a Teapot: Manchin's Desperate Ploy Against John Raese
It's all the Democrats have got at this point. Photogate.
The photo to the left was taken at the Byrd memorial service in Charleston. Predictably the Byrd family expresses howls of outrage. Of course it's only obvious that this was at the Byrd memorial because that is almost the only time that Obama has visited this state. That is part of the story that the media is conveniently missing.
Democrats cannot counter the accusations that Manchin has grown increasingly servile to a president that over 70% of this state dislikes, so they have hung their hats on photogate. I could see if there was actually a picture of Byrd involved in this, but again, it's not obvious to most people where this picture was taken.
It's a desperate ploy, completely ignoring the issues while undermining the message. Manchin's victory parade has taken an untimely detour into falling poll numbers. He wants the story to be anything except his buddying up to Obama as the election draws near. And that is a legitimate position to attack. West Virginians do not like the War on Coal, escalating debt, Obamacare, or other features of Obama policy.
If Manchin cannot distance himself from these policies that have proven destructive to West Virginia and the nation as a whole, he ought not go to the Senate.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Joe Manchin Accuses John Raese of Trying to "Buy" Senate Seat
A certain candidate has $1.5 million in his coffers to spend over the next two months and recently sent out an e mail beating the bushes to come up with more. Looking at the title of this piece, you might think I am talking about John Raese, right?
Wrong. Governor Manchin is the candidate with $1.5 million to spend and hundreds of thousands more coming in.
In 2008, the governor did not hesitate to deploy staggering amounts of money against the poorly funded gubernatorial campaign of State Senator Russ Weeks. Now, when facing an opponent with money of his own, Manchin suddenly cries out that someone is buying the election.
No one complained on the Democratic side when John Rockefeller spent $10 million of his private funds in the mid 1980s to narrowly defeat Raese.
A self-funded campaign has certain benefits, namely that the man or woman has no special interests to consider if they win election. Who will Manchin owe after this go-round? Lots of folks ponied up and lots of folks will expect something. If John Raese's campaign remains largely self funded, he will only be beholden to those that cast ballots for him.
The money that John Raese spends will be to educate and inform people about the issues. No one "buys" a campaign unless they are illegally paying voters. That's not a crime that you generally see Republicans accused of here. Raese will spend money to inform the public that he supports the free market American economic system and that Manchin, if elected, will be increasingly beholden to Obama's plans for European style socialism.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tennessee Teacher and Coach Fired For Criticizing Obama
In Tennessee a middle school teacher and football coach got his pink slip for composing and circulating a song he wrote about Obama. The principal said the song had "racial overtones" and he was backed by the superintendent of schools. Can you find the racial overtones here? I can't. Read and decide for yourself. I guess that teachers can sing his praises, but just can't dissent. Right?
He was a little man, just turned three
Took the present from his daddy’s hand
A genuine toy hammer
He started beatin’ to beat the band
He hit the floors and the wall, broke a lamp in the hall,
Started swinging at the puppy’s tail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.
He was the president, number 44
He says, “Trust me, I’m here to help you
I have got some big big plans
You’re gonna love what I’m gonna do.”
There’s no problem too big or small
He thinks he’s got an answer that just can’t fail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.
He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”
Now Congress is saving Wall Street
While they’re watching Main Street fall
They got health care all figured out
But it don’t seem to care much at all
As soon as they save the planet
They’ll put the fire out in hell
When you’re holding a hammer.
Everything looks like a nail.
He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”
There’ll be a party come this November
When we’re gonna set things straight
All good people gonna gather ‘round
Gonna show what made this country great
We’ll run off the schemers and backroom dealers
So the Red, White and Blue will prevail
When we’re holding the hammer
When we’re holding the hammer
Everyone of them looks like a nail.
Took the present from his daddy’s hand
A genuine toy hammer
He started beatin’ to beat the band
He hit the floors and the wall, broke a lamp in the hall,
Started swinging at the puppy’s tail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.
He was the president, number 44
He says, “Trust me, I’m here to help you
I have got some big big plans
You’re gonna love what I’m gonna do.”
There’s no problem too big or small
He thinks he’s got an answer that just can’t fail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.
He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”
Now Congress is saving Wall Street
While they’re watching Main Street fall
They got health care all figured out
But it don’t seem to care much at all
As soon as they save the planet
They’ll put the fire out in hell
When you’re holding a hammer.
Everything looks like a nail.
He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”
There’ll be a party come this November
When we’re gonna set things straight
All good people gonna gather ‘round
Gonna show what made this country great
We’ll run off the schemers and backroom dealers
So the Red, White and Blue will prevail
When we’re holding the hammer
When we’re holding the hammer
Everyone of them looks like a nail.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Keep Manchin In the Mansion
It has to be admitted here. Joe Manchin has not been a bad governor of West Virginia.
Sure there is a lot to pick apart. He forced West Virginia University into a series with Marshall, entering into a field where he had no business. His daughter was discovered to have claimed an unearned degree. Manchin has not been nearly aggressive enough in defending West Virginia from an administration bent on destroying our industry.
That all being said, as far as West Virginia governors go, he has not done a bad job.
Part of Manchin's effectiveness comes from a style that irritates legislators. He has the ability to wield authority and shove through measures because of his personal popularity, which now hovers at about 75%. But what would happen to Manchin in the United States Senate, were he to win?
Probably something similar to Bob Wise when he moved from the House of Representatives to the Governor's Mansion. Wise abandoned a place of comfort and familiarity for a job that challenged him in different ways. His learning curve harmed the state at a vital time. Manchin would struggle initially in the Senate trying to recast his role. He would not be able to get things done through popularity and personality as he does in Charleston.
Now more than ever, West Virginia needs defenders in the halls of Congress. We know we have Capito, but Manchin has been coy lately, edging towards the left wing Obama line rather than standing up for us. As a popular governor, Manchin can defy Obama and Democratic leadership in the Senate (even though lately he has been less eager to do so0. Can he do the same as a United States Senator? No.
Add this to the fact that the Senate might be under Republican control in a year. Manchin would then be tossed to the back of the line for every consideration.
West Virginia is entering a tough transition economically. Manchin has had a steady hand on the wheel of the ship of state. We need change in the Senate, putting it back under Republican control. We do not need change at this point in Charleston.
Keep Manchin where he is. Send a stalwart defender of our interests to Washington. Vote for John Raese.
Sure there is a lot to pick apart. He forced West Virginia University into a series with Marshall, entering into a field where he had no business. His daughter was discovered to have claimed an unearned degree. Manchin has not been nearly aggressive enough in defending West Virginia from an administration bent on destroying our industry.
That all being said, as far as West Virginia governors go, he has not done a bad job.
Part of Manchin's effectiveness comes from a style that irritates legislators. He has the ability to wield authority and shove through measures because of his personal popularity, which now hovers at about 75%. But what would happen to Manchin in the United States Senate, were he to win?
Probably something similar to Bob Wise when he moved from the House of Representatives to the Governor's Mansion. Wise abandoned a place of comfort and familiarity for a job that challenged him in different ways. His learning curve harmed the state at a vital time. Manchin would struggle initially in the Senate trying to recast his role. He would not be able to get things done through popularity and personality as he does in Charleston.
Now more than ever, West Virginia needs defenders in the halls of Congress. We know we have Capito, but Manchin has been coy lately, edging towards the left wing Obama line rather than standing up for us. As a popular governor, Manchin can defy Obama and Democratic leadership in the Senate (even though lately he has been less eager to do so0. Can he do the same as a United States Senator? No.
Add this to the fact that the Senate might be under Republican control in a year. Manchin would then be tossed to the back of the line for every consideration.
West Virginia is entering a tough transition economically. Manchin has had a steady hand on the wheel of the ship of state. We need change in the Senate, putting it back under Republican control. We do not need change at this point in Charleston.
Keep Manchin where he is. Send a stalwart defender of our interests to Washington. Vote for John Raese.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Rasmussen Moves West Virginia to Leaning Democratic in Senate Race
West Virginia may be able to duplicate Scott Brown's achievement. Brown won a special election to fill the seat of Democratic icon Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts. Now John Raese has scored surprisingly high poll results in the latest Rasmussen Poll. Joe Manchin leads by a relatively slender 48-42% margin.
Clearly West Virginians understand that Democratic control of Congress is potentially destructive to the state and nation at large. Manchin remains personally popular and a high percentage approve of his job as governor.
This race should attract a great deal of attention, especially since this is expected to be a high Republican turnout year. Raese's principles and business experience have helped him rise in polls and public esteem.
Clearly West Virginians understand that Democratic control of Congress is potentially destructive to the state and nation at large. Manchin remains personally popular and a high percentage approve of his job as governor.
This race should attract a great deal of attention, especially since this is expected to be a high Republican turnout year. Raese's principles and business experience have helped him rise in polls and public esteem.
Friday, August 27, 2010
David McKinley Coming to Mountaineer Cafe In New Creek
A joint Mineral and Grant County Fundraising Coffee and Meet and Greet For Congressional Nominee David McKinley
Hosted by Beverly Evans, Bob Harman and Dr. Harry Boggs
Monday August 30th12:30 to 1:30 PMMountaneer All Star Café1.5 miles south of Keyser, WVSouth on U.S. 220
Please come visit with and support David McKinley in his race for Congress. If you can't make the event, please use the enclosed envelope and mail a generous check to David's campaign. Or go to his website www.McKinley2010.com and make an online donation. We haven't had conservative representation in Congress for over 40 years - its time for a change. Mail checks to McKinley for Congress, P.O. Box 6861, Wheeling WV 26003 RSVP to 304.813.6665 or 304.257.1426
Mountaineer All-Star Cafe
RR 4 Box 70a
Keyser, WV 26726
It is located on US 220 south of Keyser between the Hospital entrance and Walmart.
Hosted by Beverly Evans, Bob Harman and Dr. Harry Boggs
Monday August 30th12:30 to 1:30 PMMountaneer All Star Café1.5 miles south of Keyser, WVSouth on U.S. 220
Please come visit with and support David McKinley in his race for Congress. If you can't make the event, please use the enclosed envelope and mail a generous check to David's campaign. Or go to his website www.McKinley2010.com and make an online donation. We haven't had conservative representation in Congress for over 40 years - its time for a change. Mail checks to McKinley for Congress, P.O. Box 6861, Wheeling WV 26003 RSVP to 304.813.6665 or 304.257.1426
Mountaineer All-Star Cafe
RR 4 Box 70a
Keyser, WV 26726
It is located on US 220 south of Keyser between the Hospital entrance and Walmart.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted! Vacation, Had to Get Away!
The gifts just keep on coming.
First the White House either ventured into excessive spin or fantasyland by calling the last three months "the summer of recovery." If someone is recovering somewhere, we must have missed it. The stimulus has not improved unemployment. We have seen home buying at its lowest point in, well, ever. Durable goods orders are also way down. Politically it was a tremendous gaffe. Unfortunately it comes during a time of real tribulation in this nation. We don't know how long this will last. All we know is that the White House has run up our debt in a time when we need to be cutting back.
Then comes Obama's idiotic backing of the Monster Mosque project at Ground Zero. He did not have to say anything, but could not resist weighing in on a local issue. This took the heat off of Mayor Bloomberg of New York City while harming every Democratic candidate everywhere. Congressional candidates in Iowa are having to answer whether or not they support the mosque. Some Democrats have started bashing Obama and Pelosi out of sheer desperation.
Best of all, we are once again seeing Obama on vacation, this time in Martha's Vineyard. While most Americans struggle to afford to go on a weekend trip, Obama has taken six vacations in two years. This doesn't count Michelle Antoinette's excursion to Spain where she toured much as a queen, closing beaches, etc.
His political handlers are either foolish or being ignored. Surely they know that all these trips with the ever present coverage of Obama's golf game alienate millions of voters. At least when President Bush left Washington, he generally went to his actual house in Texas. Unfortunately with Obama, we get a president who spends half of his time like the indolent and uninterested Warren G. Harding and the rest trying to put in place plans that look more like Mussolini than any American. I guess we should be grateful that he only works part time. Imagine how bad things would be if he actually worked as hard as a normal person.
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