I'm not singling West Virginia out. America elected an obvious con-man, Obama, twice. Politicians spew their lies - they are backed by the Media and/or other lobbyist Groups - and We the People, return them to office. Until that changes we will continue to fall deeper, and deeper into the quicksand. It is too late for States like California - the lies have been ingrained as truth, and the dependency on Government largess or handouts has grown beyond the critical mass point that it is doubtful it will be turned back until the system collapses upon itself.
I'm just hoping that the other States can stop swallowing the lies and help right the National Ship of State.
Good point ... Our situation in WV in many ways mirrors problems nationally. Part of my point was simply that Manchin hasn't been in the Senate for very long. I can understand how creatures like Bobby Byrd build a powerful reelection machine, and I'm sure Manchin has dreams of building one himself. BUT ... the WV GOP really muffed the opportunity to put a good conservative in the Senate when Byrd croaked. Sort of like how the national GOP completely muffed the opportunity to put a good conservative in the White House when Bam-Bam proved himself to be a complete buffoon.