Nov. 12, 2010
What's Next For John Raese?
Post-Election Analysis, Campaign 2010
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
He gave West Virginia a choice in a race that was supposed to be a snooze.
But it was anything but a sleepy affair as John R. Raese, CEO of Greer Industries,
came roaring out of his special election primary like a freight train. Raese questioning
Governor Joe Manchin's closeness to President Obama on key issues like Obamacare,
the failed federal government Stimulus Program, and Cap and Trade.
"Raese may have had to re-introduce himself from time to time in his political career," said Jack Ellis, Senior Political Analyst for Huntingtonnews.net. "But he's never had to reinvent himself like some politicians have."
"The name "Raese" continues to be the standard for conservatism in West Virginia, at least in the Republican Party and increasingly among conservative Democrats and Independents," said Ellis. "He fell short this time, sure, but everyone knew it was going to be an uphill climb against Manchin."
So what might Raese do to stay in the hunt for future political opportunities?
"One thing he should do, whether he runs again soon for an office or not, is to keep engaging the public," said Ellis. "Raese is clearly one of the state's busiest businessmen, with companies in limestone, steel, and broadcasting that need his attention. But if he can carve out of his schedule enough time for some speaking engagements statewide, that helps people to see that an alternative still exists."
"Raese appeared to be a Happy Warrior out on the campaign circuit this year, genuinely enjoying meaty dialogue with the voters," said Ellis. "People came away from a Raese event understanding small business and capitalism more--and what it can do to recharge West Virginia's sagging economy."
"Raese's message was there this year, and people were curious about it,
especially the part about how he would go about creating more private
sector jobs here," said Ellis. "As people look for something that works
to create real jobs again in this state, I predict he'll be a sought after
potential candidate again. Let's not forget, the man was intriguing enough
for over 225,000 West Virginians to vote for. That's a good base for anybody."
"Maybe a Raese groundswell needs to start from the grassroots next time," said Ellis. "But at least people here now know they have an alternative to the 70 years of bad news they've been force-fed by the one-party system in West Virginia. This race was much more like the boost John got after the Rockefeller contest in 1984. Raese has made some serious headway with the public this time. He's definitely on their radar screen now."
"To many, Raese represents the hope of all those who want something much better for this state, and we shouldn't let him get away so fast this time," said Ellis. "West Virginia doesn't have a more interesting dinner speaker than John Raese. We need to hear his voice on these economic and business issues, now more than ever. These times demand it."
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What's Next For John Raese?
Post-Election Analysis, Campaign 2010
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
He gave West Virginia a choice in a race that was supposed to be a snooze.
But it was anything but a sleepy affair as John R. Raese, CEO of Greer Industries,
came roaring out of his special election primary like a freight train. Raese questioning
Governor Joe Manchin's closeness to President Obama on key issues like Obamacare,
the failed federal government Stimulus Program, and Cap and Trade.
"Raese may have had to re-introduce himself from time to time in his political career," said Jack Ellis, Senior Political Analyst for Huntingtonnews.net. "But he's never had to reinvent himself like some politicians have."
"The name "Raese" continues to be the standard for conservatism in West Virginia, at least in the Republican Party and increasingly among conservative Democrats and Independents," said Ellis. "He fell short this time, sure, but everyone knew it was going to be an uphill climb against Manchin."
So what might Raese do to stay in the hunt for future political opportunities?
"One thing he should do, whether he runs again soon for an office or not, is to keep engaging the public," said Ellis. "Raese is clearly one of the state's busiest businessmen, with companies in limestone, steel, and broadcasting that need his attention. But if he can carve out of his schedule enough time for some speaking engagements statewide, that helps people to see that an alternative still exists."
"Raese appeared to be a Happy Warrior out on the campaign circuit this year, genuinely enjoying meaty dialogue with the voters," said Ellis. "People came away from a Raese event understanding small business and capitalism more--and what it can do to recharge West Virginia's sagging economy."
"Raese's message was there this year, and people were curious about it,
especially the part about how he would go about creating more private
sector jobs here," said Ellis. "As people look for something that works
to create real jobs again in this state, I predict he'll be a sought after
potential candidate again. Let's not forget, the man was intriguing enough
for over 225,000 West Virginians to vote for. That's a good base for anybody."
"Maybe a Raese groundswell needs to start from the grassroots next time," said Ellis. "But at least people here now know they have an alternative to the 70 years of bad news they've been force-fed by the one-party system in West Virginia. This race was much more like the boost John got after the Rockefeller contest in 1984. Raese has made some serious headway with the public this time. He's definitely on their radar screen now."
"To many, Raese represents the hope of all those who want something much better for this state, and we shouldn't let him get away so fast this time," said Ellis. "West Virginia doesn't have a more interesting dinner speaker than John Raese. We need to hear his voice on these economic and business issues, now more than ever. These times demand it."
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