Oct. 23, 2010
Could Other Dems Want Manchin to Remain Governor?
Campaign 2010 Analysis: The Raese/Manchin U.S. Senate Race
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
Southern West Virginia political circles suggest that several Democratic Party
county chairs are worried about Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan)
taking the Governor's office. If Governor Manchin were to win the U.S. Senate
contest with Morgantown businessman John Raese, those who know Tomblin
the best are concerned about him getting a leg up for a full-term come 2012.
But why the concern about Tomblin? For starters, Tomblin is from Logan County, which has had more than its share of political corruption over the years. If Tomblin's short-term role as interim Governor would propel him to be the next Democratic nominee in 2012, a Republican nominee for Governor might have an easier path to power, just by bringing up Tomblin's home county.
Also, Tomblin has individual baggage, as well, some of it heavy. For example,
the buyer of Tomblin's gray machine business, Joe Ferrell, has been the subject
of a federal investigation. This is Ferrell's second problem with federal investigators.
Moreover, Tomblin Kennel, Inc., a greyhound kennel affiliated with the Senate President,
received $263,604 from the state's breeders fund money--during Tomblin's service
in the legislature.
"Now how is Tomblin going to explain that away in a 30 second ad?" said Jack Ellis, HNN Senior Political Analyst. "He can't. Those Democrats who are worried have a right to be. The West Virginia voters are moving beyond self-serving politicians who use their power to help themselves more than their constituents."
"Other ambitious Democrats may want to keep Manchin in the Governor's office
for two more years, too," said Ellis. "Manchin keeps the playing field level for
all the others who might want to run, like Secretary of State Natalie Tennant,
State Treasurer John Perdue, or perhaps Auditor Glen Gainer. And don't forget
House Speaker Rick Thompson. None of them can ever admit that they want to
see Manchin lose his bid for U.S. Senator, but frankly, it may be the only way for
them to keep Tomblin in check."
"Increasingly, there are just too many people with constituencies of their own who have an interest in Manchin losing this race," said Ellis. "You've got the Governor wannabes and the teachers and state employees who watched Manchin's inner circle get a payraise but never got one themselves."
"They join all those disappointed conservatives who have seen Joe chase Barack Obama over important issues like Obamacare, the proposed Carbon Tax, and the failed Stimulus," said Ellis. "That's a load for Manchin to carry on Election Day."
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Could Other Dems Want Manchin to Remain Governor?
Campaign 2010 Analysis: The Raese/Manchin U.S. Senate Race
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
Southern West Virginia political circles suggest that several Democratic Party
county chairs are worried about Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan)
taking the Governor's office. If Governor Manchin were to win the U.S. Senate
contest with Morgantown businessman John Raese, those who know Tomblin
the best are concerned about him getting a leg up for a full-term come 2012.
But why the concern about Tomblin? For starters, Tomblin is from Logan County, which has had more than its share of political corruption over the years. If Tomblin's short-term role as interim Governor would propel him to be the next Democratic nominee in 2012, a Republican nominee for Governor might have an easier path to power, just by bringing up Tomblin's home county.
Also, Tomblin has individual baggage, as well, some of it heavy. For example,
the buyer of Tomblin's gray machine business, Joe Ferrell, has been the subject
of a federal investigation. This is Ferrell's second problem with federal investigators.
Moreover, Tomblin Kennel, Inc., a greyhound kennel affiliated with the Senate President,
received $263,604 from the state's breeders fund money--during Tomblin's service
in the legislature.
"Now how is Tomblin going to explain that away in a 30 second ad?" said Jack Ellis, HNN Senior Political Analyst. "He can't. Those Democrats who are worried have a right to be. The West Virginia voters are moving beyond self-serving politicians who use their power to help themselves more than their constituents."
"Other ambitious Democrats may want to keep Manchin in the Governor's office
for two more years, too," said Ellis. "Manchin keeps the playing field level for
all the others who might want to run, like Secretary of State Natalie Tennant,
State Treasurer John Perdue, or perhaps Auditor Glen Gainer. And don't forget
House Speaker Rick Thompson. None of them can ever admit that they want to
see Manchin lose his bid for U.S. Senator, but frankly, it may be the only way for
them to keep Tomblin in check."
"Increasingly, there are just too many people with constituencies of their own who have an interest in Manchin losing this race," said Ellis. "You've got the Governor wannabes and the teachers and state employees who watched Manchin's inner circle get a payraise but never got one themselves."
"They join all those disappointed conservatives who have seen Joe chase Barack Obama over important issues like Obamacare, the proposed Carbon Tax, and the failed Stimulus," said Ellis. "That's a load for Manchin to carry on Election Day."
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
