Dec. 31, 2010
EDITORIAL: Betty Ireland is in for Governor. Can She Run on Competence?
Former West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland has filed pre-candidacy papers
to run for Governor. The only problem is, Ireland has become a candidate without
a race. Until the State Supreme Court decides whether the state must have a
special election in 2011 or wait until 2012, Ireland can't exactly tell prospective
donors just when she's running. That could be a hindrance in fundraising.
Nevertheless, true to form, Ireland has crashed the party and declared her intentions to run for Governor whenever it may be. As a former statewide official, her previous service is worth a review.
Ireland benefitted greatly from a divided Democratic field in the 2004 primary for Secretary of State. Incumbent Secretary of State Ken Hechler, then political newcomer Natalie Tennant, and Mon/Marion County State Senator Mike Oliverio all vied for the Democratic Party's nomination.
While Hechler survived that primary, it was a bruising one to the octogenarian. Few who remember the race will soon forget the last minute attack on Hechler by Oliverio, reminding everyone just how old Hechler was. Oliverio earned his reputation as as negative campaigner as a result of that effort, one that undoubtedly hurt Hechler's chances in his general election contest with Ireland.
In fact, Hechler noted just this past year that he could not support Oliverio as
the nominee of his party for First Congressional District, in part because Oliverio
never helped Hechler in his general election race that year.
As a result of all the Democratic infighting, Ireland basically just had to show up and patronizingly call Hechler her "mentor" in public joint appearances. The combination of the bruising primary, Ireland's condescension, and Hechler's age gave the election to Ireland in the fall of 2004, making Ireland the first woman elected to an office in the state's executive branch.
Ireland's single term as Secretary of State was not marked by many memorable accomplishments, but one particularly interesting development occurred on her watch: the switch to electronic balloting across West Virginia. Ireland pushed this development and strived to position herself as a modern, technology-friendly Secretary of State.
However, that could be a significant liability for Ireland. A growing list of concerns have emerged in the Mountain State and across the U.S. as regards the ways electronic balloting can be compromised, potentially resulting in botched elections. County Clerks offices across West Virginia have had varying levels of competency in dealing with Ireland's chief legacy as Secretary of State.
In a three way race with State Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph), State Senator
Mike Hall (R-Putnam), and Betty Ireland, Ireland will have to refine her public persona
and give detailed answers to reporters' questions. This has never a strong suit for Ireland,
who prefers broad themes. But Republican voters scrutinize their candidates more these
days, particularly on the conservative social issues near and dear to GOP primary voters
across the state.
But the main issue in a primary can still be the basics of personality and general competence. While Ireland has loads of self-confidence, she will have to persuade the voters to share that confidence after reviewing the mixed bag that is electronic balloting in West Virginia.
In addition, the lady will be the oldest candidate in the Republican field at age 66 this time.
Maybe she can call up Ken Hechler for some tips.
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EDITORIAL: Betty Ireland is in for Governor. Can She Run on Competence?
Former West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland has filed pre-candidacy papers
to run for Governor. The only problem is, Ireland has become a candidate without
a race. Until the State Supreme Court decides whether the state must have a
special election in 2011 or wait until 2012, Ireland can't exactly tell prospective
donors just when she's running. That could be a hindrance in fundraising.
Nevertheless, true to form, Ireland has crashed the party and declared her intentions to run for Governor whenever it may be. As a former statewide official, her previous service is worth a review.
Ireland benefitted greatly from a divided Democratic field in the 2004 primary for Secretary of State. Incumbent Secretary of State Ken Hechler, then political newcomer Natalie Tennant, and Mon/Marion County State Senator Mike Oliverio all vied for the Democratic Party's nomination.
While Hechler survived that primary, it was a bruising one to the octogenarian. Few who remember the race will soon forget the last minute attack on Hechler by Oliverio, reminding everyone just how old Hechler was. Oliverio earned his reputation as as negative campaigner as a result of that effort, one that undoubtedly hurt Hechler's chances in his general election contest with Ireland.
In fact, Hechler noted just this past year that he could not support Oliverio as
the nominee of his party for First Congressional District, in part because Oliverio
never helped Hechler in his general election race that year.
As a result of all the Democratic infighting, Ireland basically just had to show up and patronizingly call Hechler her "mentor" in public joint appearances. The combination of the bruising primary, Ireland's condescension, and Hechler's age gave the election to Ireland in the fall of 2004, making Ireland the first woman elected to an office in the state's executive branch.
Ireland's single term as Secretary of State was not marked by many memorable accomplishments, but one particularly interesting development occurred on her watch: the switch to electronic balloting across West Virginia. Ireland pushed this development and strived to position herself as a modern, technology-friendly Secretary of State.
However, that could be a significant liability for Ireland. A growing list of concerns have emerged in the Mountain State and across the U.S. as regards the ways electronic balloting can be compromised, potentially resulting in botched elections. County Clerks offices across West Virginia have had varying levels of competency in dealing with Ireland's chief legacy as Secretary of State.
In a three way race with State Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph), State Senator
Mike Hall (R-Putnam), and Betty Ireland, Ireland will have to refine her public persona
and give detailed answers to reporters' questions. This has never a strong suit for Ireland,
who prefers broad themes. But Republican voters scrutinize their candidates more these
days, particularly on the conservative social issues near and dear to GOP primary voters
across the state.
But the main issue in a primary can still be the basics of personality and general competence. While Ireland has loads of self-confidence, she will have to persuade the voters to share that confidence after reviewing the mixed bag that is electronic balloting in West Virginia.
In addition, the lady will be the oldest candidate in the Republican field at age 66 this time.
Maybe she can call up Ken Hechler for some tips.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
