Republicans make their move; West Virginia may become a two party state after all

Morgantown Dominion-Post ^ | Aug. 26, 2003 | editorial board

[mountaineer]

ping

[Our man in washington]

In 2005, could we have a governor of Virginia, a Senator from Virginia, and a governor of West Virginia all named "Warner" and none of them related? I wonder how many people will think Virginia and West Virginia are governed by the same guy.

[samanella]

Keeping fingers crossed that the masses realize they are not better off under the Democratic wing.....

[mountaineer]

That would be interesting, though I'd rather see a W.Va. governor named Capehart than Warner!

[JohnnyZ]

In 2005, could we have a governor of Virginia, a Senator from Virginia, and a governor of West Virginia all named "Warner" and none of them related?

No one will believe than any three people from the Virginias are not related, regardless of whether they share a name. :)

[samanella]

Y'all know that all the DNA in WV is the same....we just spread it over the border....

[Marysecretary]

Hmm, is this a Jeff Foxworthy joke???

[JohnnyZ]

Hmm, is this a Jeff Foxworthy joke???

Careful or I'll extend my comment to central NY!!!! ;-)

[countrydummy]

lol lol

[mountaineer]

Democrats have controlled both houses of the Legislature for more than 70 years, not to mention most state and federal offices. We think a two-party state is a noble idea and deserves our support. It also helps to keep us all honest. Why would that make anyone nervous?

This is the bottom line. Even if the Republicans never gain the majority in the Legislature, the fact that they put up a fight and made the Dems - who have been so comfortable with their "legislator for life" status - actually have to explain themselves to the electorate, will help improve this state's pathetic condition.

[Marysecretary]

Well, we CNYers probably deserve it (smile).

[sonsofliberty2000]

I'd love to have a Conservative in the Governor seat and to replace both of the fossils we have in the Senate. We have a good state senator I like up here by the name of Chris Wakim.

Patriot Paradox

[samanella]

If the Republicans would just ask the electorate: Are you any better off than you were 20 years ago? It may make them think it's time for a "regime change" in the state, as well as right to work laws, and deserting the unions.

[hresources]

Would a Republican Governor of West Virginia appoint a replacement for Byrd when it is time to freeze dry him?

[samanella]

I believe so. Byrd's tirades against the war have really PO'd people in WV and an earlier post said he is fracturing his loyalty. You've got to remember that a great percentage of young folk from WV enlist as the only way to escape or get a job. And for your senator to rail against what you're doing your job for rankles the enlisted. Yes, he has brought jobs into WV, but they are FEDERAL gubment jobs, for which the taxpayers pay their salary. Byrd has not brought in BUSINESSES, which is what the state desperately needs.

[itzmygun]

I thought he was already freeze dried...(?) Or maybe that was just his head (a la Futurama - LOL).

[Xthe17th]

I wouldn't hold your breath for Capehart. I heard him speak and, while more energetic than the half dead-sounding widow Minear, he doesn't really say anything. He has no plans, nothing. Just a bunch of feel good political analogy stories.

What we need is a Tom McClintock type. Someone with bold new plans who's not afraid to explain and raise support for them. I.e.

• 1) Eliminate all personal property taxes.
• 2) Eliminate sales tax on food!
• 3) Phase out state income tax completely over a ten year period while at the same time, to accomodate this in the budget,
• 4) Strip the state government to bare bones over the same period and thus
• 5) Transfer powers, programs, and duties to local counties and municipalities.
• 6) Promote right to work.
• 7) Phase in the total replacement of Workman's Comp with compulsory minimum private health insurance (same type of system as with auto insurance today).

Numbers 3 and 6 will be a BOON to bringing businesses back into this state. Numbers 3 and 7 will be a BOON to bringing workers into this state!

Additionally, seek the following election reforms:

• 8) Expand the state senate to 55 with one senator per county. See Number 5 above for why this will be important.
• 9) Promote current efforts for SINGLE DELEGATE DISTRICTS and thus accountablity and responsibility from our elected reps.
• 10) Eliminate the Primary and replace it with party run caucuses (such as is done in Iowa and other states) thus saving the state millions of poll worker dollars every other year.
• 11) Eliminate straight ticket voting (following the lead of states like Michigan who have already done this). Promotes an educated voter.
• 12) Take the next logical step and eliminate party designations from general election ballots. Further inspires an educated electorate.

Well that's a dozen. I could go on but hey, I'm not running (for governor)! wink.

[Retired COB]

I kind of like Sarah. At least you don't have to wonder where she's coming from.

I like your platform, though. Are they copywrited, or are we free to copy as our own?