mortal_one's Political Journey

Welcome 112th!

2011-01-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

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.

Senator Manchin!

2010-11-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

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.

Et Tu, State Senate?

2010-11-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

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.

Election Aftermath

2010-11-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

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.

When Did Raese Move to Pennsylvania?

2010-10-20T15:38:00.000-04:00

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"

Hicks? We're Hicks?

2010-10-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

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.

Manchin Vs. Raese

2010-10-02T10:04:00.000-04:00

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?

WV Senate Race

2010-08-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

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.

Palin's Campaign

2010-03-25T12:25:00.001-04:00

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?

Senator Byrd Delivers Again

2010-02-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

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.

My kids are better that the U.S. Senate!

2010-02-22T11:07:00.000-05:00

And I would hope so.

This morning as I was taking my children to before care, I was listening to NPR. They were talking about how the Senate is having trouble getting work done because of the threat of filibustering on the part of the Republicans in the Senate.

They mentioned possible solutions... Tom Harken's resolution to change the number of votes to close debate (prevent filabuster) from 60 to 51. The only problem with the resolution is that it will take 67 votes to pass. They mentioned that Joe Biden as President of the Senate could throw out the Senate Rules - all of them. I don't think this will happen because if they can't agree on legislation, what makes you think that they won't be fussing and feuding over the Senate Rules for the next two or three years.

It is time for you guys (and gals) in the Senate to work together. Take a lesson from my children. They seldom agree on things (at least that is the way it seems). My listening to NPR this morning was a violation of the Car Radio Rules. When I realized it and put it on my daughter's channel as the rules dictate I was expecting a fight.
That did not happen. What happened instead was that my son and daughter worked out a compromise where she got her channel the rest of the way this morning, and on the way home this evening. My son gets the radio channel of his choice tomorrow both ways. No fuss, no fight, problem solved.

Can you guys (and gals) in the Senate do the same thing? I hope so, because that is what the American People want you to do. Not the Democratic or Republican Americans, but all of US!

A New Year?

2010-01-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

This year all across the US, candidates will be begging for money, making promises they (and we) know they can't keep, and blaming the other guy for the problems of this country.

Yes my friends this is an election year. Read up on the issues. Don't just take the candidate's word for it. Make your voice heard. If you don't, it will end up like all the other years...

National Poker Week

2009-07-21T19:16:00.003-04:00

This week is National Poker Week. What does this have to do with politics? Quite a lot actually. There is a group called the Poker Players Alliance. It is headed by former Senator Alphonse Di Motto. The PPA wants Poker legalized, especially online Poker, in the United States.

The PPA is mobilizing it's members, reportedly over 1 million strong, to send emails to Congress to show their support for poker. A couple of Online Poker Sites are even offering entry into tournaments in exchange for either signing up as a member of the PPA or sending an email to their member of Congress.

What is my stand on this? While I would like to see online Poker legalized, regulated and taxed, I do not see it happening soon. And while my Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito would probably not vote for it, I value her as my representative. I am not a one issue voter. I know she will vote for the best interest of West Virginia.

100 Days

2009-04-29T00:31:00.002-04:00

Well, Obama has been President for 100 days now and most of the things he has done have been OK in my book. Although I wish he would nominate someone who actually pays their taxes on time.

I just wish I were a bank owner...

7-Election Update

2008-10-13T08:45:00.003-04:00

According to the site 7-Election.com Obama is ahead of McCain in a landslide 59.3 to 40.7. McCain is only carrying two states so far. New Hampshire and West Virginia.

Although 7-Eleven is not in all 50 states, I do not think that the results would be that much different.

I am still not sure which way I will cast my vote. Neither candidate has distinguished himself in my eyes.

If you have any suggestions, let me know.

7-Election

2008-10-04T18:51:00.002-04:00

A certain convenience store chain is holding an election. When you buy their 20 oz. coffee you have the choice of a regular cup (Undecided), an Obama cup, or a McCain cup.

As of this moment, Obama is ahead 57% to 43% - I guess they aren't factoring in the undecideds. According to the web site past results in 2000 and 2004 were amazingly accurate. Of course it is too soon to tell. This, of course, is not a scientific poll, and people can buy their candidate's cup several times a day if they want. It will be fun to track the progress as it gets nearer to the election.

Of course you don't have to just buy coffee, you could buy tea, hot chocolate or cappachino to participate. So get out there and drink. Let your voice be heard!

Who Do I Vote For...

2008-08-25T11:24:00.003-04:00

At this point I have no idea.

I have never been a straight party voter. I tend to look at all the candidates pros and cons before making up my mind. And once again the major parties have come up with two candidates. I am not drawn automatically to one or the other. So how do I decide? I am not sure. Maybe you know how I should decide. Let me know.

Post a comment and help me decide.

WV Primary on May 13

2008-05-02T10:18:00.001-04:00

Learn about the candidates! Go Vote!

Zoning

2008-04-27T15:23:00.002-04:00

Zoning is one of the issues on the Primary Ballot here in Berkeley County. I am leaning towards voting against zoning at this time. It is not because I think zoning is evil. It is because I have not heard how it will be implemented. I am not sure that the County Commission is up to the task at this time. I think they are going to use it as an excuse to raise property taxes. And I don't want my property tax raised unless I know that the money will be put to good use.

Show me the plan of what zoning will do and how it will benefit the county and I will be more than happy to vote for it.

Remember: No matter what your party affiliation (or non-affiliation). Go out an vote in the WV Primary. Your vote matters!

2008-04-20T18:08:00.002-04:00

WV Primary is coming up in May. Are you ready to vote? I am not. I have no idea who my local candidates are yet. I guess I better get on the ball and investigate.

I will not be telling you who to vote for in this election (or any other). Your vote is your's. I will tell you that you need to vote though. If you don't vote, you can't complain. So get your vote ready...

Anyone Want a Link?

2008-04-09T11:53:00.003-04:00

If there are any blogs dealing with WV Politics that would like a link, please leave me a comment or an email. It does not matter which part of the political spectrum your blog covers.

Dialog is the key to getting things done.

Sen. Jay Rockerfeller in the News

2008-04-09T11:33:00.005-04:00

This week we were treated to not one but two appearances of Jay in the media.

In the first, he along with The Charleston Gazette are backing Obama for the Democratic nomination for President. Way to go out on a limb.

In the second showing, Jay first insults, then apologizes to McCain.

Jay, some advice - think first, then speak. It works wonders!

West Virgina Primary Election

2008-04-05T21:30:00.003-04:00

In the upcoming Primary election in West Virginia, there is going to be a lot of angry Republican voters. They will come to the polls to vote for the candidate of their choice for President and be told that Republicans in West Virginia have already made that choice at the WVGOP Presidential Convention on February 5th.

I don't know what the State Republican Party was thinking when they planned the Convention, but I can speculate. The held the convention so that "they" (the state committee and Mr. Blankenship) could put throught the candidate of their choice regardless of how the majority of registered Republican voters in the State felt. I'm sure there was backroom wheeling and dealing.

The upshot is that they have taken away any incentive for Republican voters in the Mountain State to come out to the polls for the primary. This will help out the State Party, backroom approved candidates for local and state offices.

Next time - please do not hold a convention for chosing the Presidental Candidate. Let the people decide, not Big Money!

Primary Coming Up

2008-04-03T09:35:00.003-04:00

The West Virginia Primary Election is coming up in May. This will give the Democrats of the Mountain State the chance to be heard in the choice between Clinton and Obama. Republicans in West Virginia made the Presidential Choice back in February at the WVGOP Convention.

There are a lot of State and Local races to be decided, so make sure you are registered and go vote!

Update

2008-03-30T01:12:00.002-04:00

Yes, I voted online for delegates to the WV GOP Convention. Biggest waste of my vote ever! By the time the convention rolled around my candidate, Fred Thompson, had dropped out of the race, so all the Thompson delegates I voted for were freed up. That left West Virginia for Huckabee. And Mr. H. is and was my least favorite candidate. Oh, he is the consumate politician. He will say whatever will get him the votes. I would not trust him as far as I could throw him (but I don't think I could get a hold of him as slippery as he is).

Message to WVGOP leaders - use a primary next time. Yes, I am sure you made a lot of money off of the convention, but your promise of a Convention really stirring up things for the party, went kind of flat. The numbers of people that actually voted for delegates was less than then number of voters that turn up for the primary. Well at least those well connected with the party had a party in Charleston. WooHoo!

At this point, all I can say is: WVGOP you need to WOW me. I can't remember when I was less excited about an election - either state or federal. You need to come up with new ideas. If you need help, I will volunteer to brainstorm with anyone.

Until next time!