March 20, 2010
WV GOP MEETS: State Republican Leaders Meet in Huntington
Most Optimistic About November
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – West Virginia Republicans joined with Cabell County Republicans for an introductory meet and greet at the Patio Room in the Pullman Plaza Hotel Friday evening, March 19.
Contrary to 2008 when Presidential race fallout mostly related to the Iraq War influenced local and state races, now the GOP seems to ride a perfect storm called health care reform. The divisiveness among the American people has revitalized interest in domestic political issues and pumped optimism through the veins of Republican candidates eager to capture votes and offices fueled by Democratic missteps, paralysis and aloofness.
Four West Virginia Republicans have challenged long time Congressional representative Nick Joe Rahall, who based on past history has been nearly untouchable for 20 years. The closest race having been 1990’s against Marianne Brewster in which Rahall won by about 3,000 votes. This year members of the WV GOP have their eyes glued to a prize --- adding a second party member in the state’s Congressional delegation.
Lee Bias, Marty Gearheart, and Conrad Lucas attended the three hour informal mingle and speak with candidates. The campaign manager for “Spike” Maynard attended too.
To varying degrees, each challenger believes that Rahall is out of touch with his constituency thus putting his seat firmly in play, even though he has not officially stated a position on the bill. However, according to GOP members, Rahall’s performance at the series of health care forums demonstrated his desire to decide on behalf of voters, rather than listening to their statements. At issue, based on GOP input, the incumbent Democrat favors covering all Americans although his constituents oppose a single payer mostly government run system which takes choice and control from the people.
First time candidate Douglas Franklin credits the forums for his decision to become a candidate. Franklin said Rahall’s reaction to questions from the voters caused this steelworker to at the encouragement of others toss his hat into the race for District 15 House of Delegates.
The Congressional candidates repeatedly state the GOP positions on health care --- the need for tort (malpractice) reform which cuts down on expensive defensive medicine; the need for interstate insurance competition; and the need for very small businesses to be able to join larger pools for health insurance coverage, which spreads the risks and allows the open market to work, just like in the cell phone and computer industries where demand has brought down prices. One campaign manager recalled that his first home computer --- a Tandy --- cost his parents over $5,000. Now, you can obtain a notebook for about $400.
Mentioned by more than one Republican candidate was Mr. Rahall’s unwillingness to accept that President Obama did not win the Mountain State. And, from their perspectives, he did appeared angry when asked to specify three good points and three bad ones about the bill. He appeared sensitive to prior criticism that he had not read the longer than “War and Peace” bill.
Gearhart, who is self employed, remarked that under the Democratic proposal he would benefit from paying the “fine” for not having health coverage due to insurance costs. Then, if he was diagnosed with a major illness, he would go purchase insurance, as he could not be turned down.
That may not be what you expect when anticipating pre-existing condition coverage?
More than the candidates for national office have optimism.
For instance, Jimbo Scheidler, who lost a run for Cabell County Sheriff, told HNN he’s enjoying his retirement and taking care of grandbabies. However, he did not rule out another political campaign when the environment was favorable.
Kelli Sobonya and Carol Miller, incumbent District 15 delegates will appear on radio Monday. Both voted against a bill that allows cities and counties to place liens on vacant property. Both took heat from Huntington leaders, since the proposal originated from the pilot homerule program. But, true to her conscience, Sobonya explained she had voted against home rule too. She believes the legislation unconstitutional. In fact, many enactments under home rule have met quick legal challenges on the same grounds.
Sobonya particularly objected to the definition of “vacant property.” She feels the application should be to “abandoned” property, not potentially property waiting for re-occupation as an owner’s choice.
First timer T Anne See became interested in state politics due to an issue over medical records of minors. Instead of walking away, she called state legislators and kept calling and working for three years. Last week, the legislature passed the bill which she lobbied. And, upon entering the statehouse prior to its passage, she told of a “feeling” that seemed to call upon her to run for office.
Greetings and hugs abounded at the party for GOP members. All loved handing out cards and talking politics. You even heard references to Christian Conservatives, economic issues, and Ronald Reagan.
I did not hear a formerly popular four letter word, though, it starts with a ‘B’ and ends with an ‘H.’
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Most Optimistic About November
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – West Virginia Republicans joined with Cabell County Republicans for an introductory meet and greet at the Patio Room in the Pullman Plaza Hotel Friday evening, March 19.
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Four West Virginia Republicans have challenged long time Congressional representative Nick Joe Rahall, who based on past history has been nearly untouchable for 20 years. The closest race having been 1990’s against Marianne Brewster in which Rahall won by about 3,000 votes. This year members of the WV GOP have their eyes glued to a prize --- adding a second party member in the state’s Congressional delegation.
Lee Bias, Marty Gearheart, and Conrad Lucas attended the three hour informal mingle and speak with candidates. The campaign manager for “Spike” Maynard attended too.
To varying degrees, each challenger believes that Rahall is out of touch with his constituency thus putting his seat firmly in play, even though he has not officially stated a position on the bill. However, according to GOP members, Rahall’s performance at the series of health care forums demonstrated his desire to decide on behalf of voters, rather than listening to their statements. At issue, based on GOP input, the incumbent Democrat favors covering all Americans although his constituents oppose a single payer mostly government run system which takes choice and control from the people.
First time candidate Douglas Franklin credits the forums for his decision to become a candidate. Franklin said Rahall’s reaction to questions from the voters caused this steelworker to at the encouragement of others toss his hat into the race for District 15 House of Delegates.
The Congressional candidates repeatedly state the GOP positions on health care --- the need for tort (malpractice) reform which cuts down on expensive defensive medicine; the need for interstate insurance competition; and the need for very small businesses to be able to join larger pools for health insurance coverage, which spreads the risks and allows the open market to work, just like in the cell phone and computer industries where demand has brought down prices. One campaign manager recalled that his first home computer --- a Tandy --- cost his parents over $5,000. Now, you can obtain a notebook for about $400.
Mentioned by more than one Republican candidate was Mr. Rahall’s unwillingness to accept that President Obama did not win the Mountain State. And, from their perspectives, he did appeared angry when asked to specify three good points and three bad ones about the bill. He appeared sensitive to prior criticism that he had not read the longer than “War and Peace” bill.
Gearhart, who is self employed, remarked that under the Democratic proposal he would benefit from paying the “fine” for not having health coverage due to insurance costs. Then, if he was diagnosed with a major illness, he would go purchase insurance, as he could not be turned down.
That may not be what you expect when anticipating pre-existing condition coverage?
More than the candidates for national office have optimism.
For instance, Jimbo Scheidler, who lost a run for Cabell County Sheriff, told HNN he’s enjoying his retirement and taking care of grandbabies. However, he did not rule out another political campaign when the environment was favorable.
Kelli Sobonya and Carol Miller, incumbent District 15 delegates will appear on radio Monday. Both voted against a bill that allows cities and counties to place liens on vacant property. Both took heat from Huntington leaders, since the proposal originated from the pilot homerule program. But, true to her conscience, Sobonya explained she had voted against home rule too. She believes the legislation unconstitutional. In fact, many enactments under home rule have met quick legal challenges on the same grounds.
Sobonya particularly objected to the definition of “vacant property.” She feels the application should be to “abandoned” property, not potentially property waiting for re-occupation as an owner’s choice.
First timer T Anne See became interested in state politics due to an issue over medical records of minors. Instead of walking away, she called state legislators and kept calling and working for three years. Last week, the legislature passed the bill which she lobbied. And, upon entering the statehouse prior to its passage, she told of a “feeling” that seemed to call upon her to run for office.
Greetings and hugs abounded at the party for GOP members. All loved handing out cards and talking politics. You even heard references to Christian Conservatives, economic issues, and Ronald Reagan.
I did not hear a formerly popular four letter word, though, it starts with a ‘B’ and ends with an ‘H.’
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
