Welcome 112th! We all expect things from you. Who knows, some of the things you accomplish might turn out great. Remember, we put you there to do "The People's" work, not "The Big Campaign Contributor's" work. If you follow not just the words, but the intent of the Constitution you took the time to read, you will do just fine. Don't get caught up in my-party-stands-for-this grandstanding. Work together to accomplish what needs to be done.
I don't think I have linked to other blogs here in the past. I want to remedy that situation today. This was posted by an old (not to imply in any way that she is old, 'cause she isn't) high school classmate. I find it comforting that despite our backgrounds, we seem to be on the same page. And she writes a whole lot better than I do.
Go read H.O.W. Hip "The 112th Congress - Best Wishes from H.O.W." and let me know if you think this way too.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Senator Manchin!
Well it is official. Governor Joe Manchin became U.S. Senator Joe Manchin yesterday morning when he took the oath of office. I have put up a link to his placeholder site on the Senate website. Once the regular site is up, I will update the link.
If you need to get in touch with his office, you will have to do it by phone for now. Hopefully that will change in the next day or two.
If you need to get in touch with his office, you will have to do it by phone for now. Hopefully that will change in the next day or two.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Et Tu, State Senate?
The political machinations have started. Senator Joe Manchin left the Governor's mansion and is headed for DC. Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin is putting the finishing touches on his cabinet. All is well in West Virginia. A nice smooth transition of power. But wait...
What is that? The democrats in the State Senate are caucusing. And according to Phil Kabler, are discussing possible leadership changes. What fun will this bring? Who knows. Stay tuned this just may get interesting.
What is that? The democrats in the State Senate are caucusing. And according to Phil Kabler, are discussing possible leadership changes. What fun will this bring? Who knows. Stay tuned this just may get interesting.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Election Aftermath
The political landscape will be very strange for the next two years. Our current Governor, Joe Manchin won the special election to fill the last two years of the Late Senator Byrd's seat in the US Senate. This creates a void in the Governor's Mansion. According to the West Virginia Constitution, the vacancy is filled by the State Senate President, but only in the capacity of Acting Governor. Let the political backstabbing begin.
The wording is such that the Acting Governor position may not permanently confer on the current Senate President, Earl Ray Tomblin. The Acting Governor may be whoever holds the title of Senate President. So conceivably, we could have a new Acting Governor anytime someone got enough votes to become Senate President. This means a fragile, weak government for the next two years. As the Acting Governor will be trying to keep his majority in the Senate together and fulfill the duties of Governor at the same time.
As long as Sen. Tomblin keeps his fellow Democrats in the Senate happy he should be able to push things through. It will be interesting so see what the House of Delegates does. This tips the legislative power heavily towards the Senate.
Like I said. It should be interesting to watch.
The wording is such that the Acting Governor position may not permanently confer on the current Senate President, Earl Ray Tomblin. The Acting Governor may be whoever holds the title of Senate President. So conceivably, we could have a new Acting Governor anytime someone got enough votes to become Senate President. This means a fragile, weak government for the next two years. As the Acting Governor will be trying to keep his majority in the Senate together and fulfill the duties of Governor at the same time.
As long as Sen. Tomblin keeps his fellow Democrats in the Senate happy he should be able to push things through. It will be interesting so see what the House of Delegates does. This tips the legislative power heavily towards the Senate.
Like I said. It should be interesting to watch.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
When Did Raese Move to Pennsylvania?
OK, It is about what I expected from the so-called leadership of my Party. Can you say I'm embarrassed? Just goes to show how out of touch with West Virginia the Republican Party has been and will continue to be. My Party seems to like WV because we have historically been a Democratically controlled state. But in the past few Presidential elections we have gone Republican.
Now that Byrd is gone, they see our fine State's empty Senate seat as a way to pick up a vote without having to give much in return. Mark my words, if Raese wins, WV's needs will be put at the bottom of the list. If the Democrats control the Senate, they will give Raese little. If the Republican's control the Senate, they will give Raese only enough to quell a backlash in two years when this Senate seat is once again up for grabs.
Here is a link to more info on Palin's gaffe, courtesy of "The Charleston Gazette's Squawk Box Blog"
Now that Byrd is gone, they see our fine State's empty Senate seat as a way to pick up a vote without having to give much in return. Mark my words, if Raese wins, WV's needs will be put at the bottom of the list. If the Democrats control the Senate, they will give Raese little. If the Republican's control the Senate, they will give Raese only enough to quell a backlash in two years when this Senate seat is once again up for grabs.
Here is a link to more info on Palin's gaffe, courtesy of "The Charleston Gazette's Squawk Box Blog"
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hicks? We're Hicks?
According to The Charleston Gazette article, the "hick" ads continued. While it is disturbing that the Republican Senatorial Committee who paid for the ad thought so little of West Virginia, the US Senate, and the People of West Virginia, it is more disturbing that the West Virginia State Republican Chairman said he had "no problem" with the ad.
So the Republicans have no problem belittling the voters. How many of the Republican Senatorial Committee have been to West Virginia and met it's people? Do they even care?
So, since the "so called" leaders of my party do not feel the need to apologize to West Virginians, I will. It was a stupid idea for a stupid ad. And it never should have been broadcast anywhere.
I will be voting for Manchin on election day. You can vote they way you want. I am tired of being treated like a two year old, a hick, a hillbilly, and a dupe. Maybe if my party would try talking to people instead of at them, they would have more success in the state.
So the Republicans have no problem belittling the voters. How many of the Republican Senatorial Committee have been to West Virginia and met it's people? Do they even care?
So, since the "so called" leaders of my party do not feel the need to apologize to West Virginians, I will. It was a stupid idea for a stupid ad. And it never should have been broadcast anywhere.
I will be voting for Manchin on election day. You can vote they way you want. I am tired of being treated like a two year old, a hick, a hillbilly, and a dupe. Maybe if my party would try talking to people instead of at them, they would have more success in the state.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Manchin Vs. Raese
Oh Joy! What a fine contest this is. On one side you have the current Democratic Governor of the State of West Virginia battling it out against the most widely known Republican Businessman from the State. Let the attack ads begin.
For those of you outside the state, this contest is for the unexpired term (a little more than two years) for the US Senate seat held by the late Robert C. Byrd.
The recent polls have indicated that the Republican, Raese, has come up to make the race a toss up. The problem is, I have no idea where Raese stands on issues. On one hand he says he will take orders from us, the residents of West Virginia. On the other hand, he says he is opposed to just about everything Obama and the Democrats have done in the last two years.
Manchin has a track record as an elected official. Raese has a track record as a businessman and for losing Senate races.
I hope we West Virginians make the correct choice for our State.
What do you think?
For those of you outside the state, this contest is for the unexpired term (a little more than two years) for the US Senate seat held by the late Robert C. Byrd.
The recent polls have indicated that the Republican, Raese, has come up to make the race a toss up. The problem is, I have no idea where Raese stands on issues. On one hand he says he will take orders from us, the residents of West Virginia. On the other hand, he says he is opposed to just about everything Obama and the Democrats have done in the last two years.
Manchin has a track record as an elected official. Raese has a track record as a businessman and for losing Senate races.
I hope we West Virginians make the correct choice for our State.
What do you think?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
WV Senate Race
In case you did not know, West Virginia held their primary election for the unexpired United States Senate seat left open when Robert C. Byrd passed away in late June.
It was no surprise that voting was sparse. Between 10 and 11 percent of registered voters bothered to go out and vote. I attribute it mostly to voter apathy. Most voters figured that the Republicans would vote John Raese, and that the Democrats would vote Joe Manchin. So those voters decided not to ruin their perfectly good Saturday by going out to vote.
In my opinion, this will be a pretty boring election for Senate here in West Virginia. On one hand, you have the sitting Governor whose campaign money comes from Big Coal. On the other hand, you have a Big Business backed candidate who has unsuccessfully run for Senate twice before.
The only candidate not beholding to special interests is the weakest candidate, Jesse Johnson of West Virginia's Mountain Party.
I am sure we will see Sarah Palin here in the state (oh joy) or at least her PAC's money. Yet another example of West Virginia being preyed upon by outside interests.
It was no surprise that voting was sparse. Between 10 and 11 percent of registered voters bothered to go out and vote. I attribute it mostly to voter apathy. Most voters figured that the Republicans would vote John Raese, and that the Democrats would vote Joe Manchin. So those voters decided not to ruin their perfectly good Saturday by going out to vote.
In my opinion, this will be a pretty boring election for Senate here in West Virginia. On one hand, you have the sitting Governor whose campaign money comes from Big Coal. On the other hand, you have a Big Business backed candidate who has unsuccessfully run for Senate twice before.
The only candidate not beholding to special interests is the weakest candidate, Jesse Johnson of West Virginia's Mountain Party.
I am sure we will see Sarah Palin here in the state (oh joy) or at least her PAC's money. Yet another example of West Virginia being preyed upon by outside interests.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Palin's Campaign
Governor Palin's campaign to oust Representatives Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan will be interesting to watch. West Virginians have tended to dislike outside interests coming into the state and telling them what to do, even if they agree with them. I guess it is part of that "Montani Sempre Libre" spirit.
If ousting them is good for West Virginia, then I am sure the fine citizens of my state will oust them. But if ousting them is for the good of some outside interest (National Republican Party), that is a different story.
Reported by AP via The Charleston Gazette Palin says "We're going to reclaim the power of the people from those who disregarded the will of the people." My only question is does "We're" refer to National Republicans or Palin and her followers, or the fine folks who live here?
More than a few will view her statement as saying that the people of West Virginia do not know what is good for them. So we will help them.
Your opinions?
If ousting them is good for West Virginia, then I am sure the fine citizens of my state will oust them. But if ousting them is for the good of some outside interest (National Republican Party), that is a different story.
Reported by AP via The Charleston Gazette Palin says "We're going to reclaim the power of the people from those who disregarded the will of the people." My only question is does "We're" refer to National Republicans or Palin and her followers, or the fine folks who live here?
More than a few will view her statement as saying that the people of West Virginia do not know what is good for them. So we will help them.
Your opinions?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Senator Byrd Delivers Again
While I don't always agree with Senator Byrd, he sure does deliver for the State of West Virginia. Read here for details on his latest acquisition for the state.
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