While it’s clear that different folks have various ways of describing things and events, it would be a dull world if we all agreed.
Sometimes I’m surprised at how the language spins, such as it now appearing that “riots” and “peaceful protests” are synonyms.
Since we have a lot to cover this week, I’ll sum it up simply: if what happened in Portland and dozens of cities over the summer were “peaceful protests” what occurred at the U.S. Capitol ten days ago was not a “riot.”
President Trump is accused of inciting the DC crowd. Do I think Trump could incite an insurrection? When 70% of voters think the election was stolen, possibly he could. But I don’t think he did.
In fact, even a CBS News timeline shows that planning the breach occurred days before Trump spoke. And entry was achieved before he finished speaking. It’s difficult to incite a riot that’s already underway.
Voters who knew nothing about Carol Miller elected her to Congress in the state’s 3rd District four years ago. Many didn’t know her but simply accepted Trump’s recommendation. So, who knows what they would do if he said, “storm the forts”? But he hasn’t — and won’t — say that.
I always say there are bad and good losers and good and bad winners. The people are watching Democrats fit the “bad winner” title perfectly.
* * * * * *
Wise Republicans (there are still three left) wonder the real reason state GOP Chair Melody Potter suddenly resigned.
First, Potter has always spoken to me about her parents and her devotion to them is apparent. If she says she needs to help with their care, I believe her. Melody Potter has never lied to me.
Her abrasive personality and arbitrary actions had some clamouring for her resignation before the 2020 general election. Opponents warned they would try to remove her at winter executive committee meetings in March.
It’s doubtful they could have displaced her but this seemed an appropriate time for her to save the committee a parliamentary scuffle in March. There’s no doubt she’s a loyal Republican. Maybe a part of her decision was for the good of the GOP.
Vice Chair Roman Stauffer, mastermind of the 2016 Bill Cole for Governor campaign, now becomes acting chair. So anxious was he to see his name in print that he rushed out a press release praising the election of Roger Hanshaw as Speaker and Craig Blair as Senate President despite it having been settled weeks ago.
Among those mentioned as full time replacements for Potter, in addition to Stauffer, are former Chairs Kris Warner and Conrad Lucas and National Committeewoman Beth Bloch.
Other names will likely emerge and the factions within the GOP will rear their heads before a vote is taken.
* * * * * *
Speaking of Potter’s abrasive personality (she has always been very nice to me), the man she summarily fired weeks before the general had nothing but kind words when I reached out to him this week.
Former Political Director Nate Washington said, “Despite our differences, Melody is a fighter for the Republican party. She did many good things during her time as chair. I know she loves her parents and her desire to be with them is admirable. I hope we all remember her as a great chairman.”
* * * * * *
The chair race could have some bearing on the 2024 Republican race for Governor. The sitting (literally) Governor Jim Justice is term-limited from re-election.
All members of the board of public works are considered potential governors. Knowledgeable Republicans I’ve spoken with call Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Treasurer Riley Moore the early favorites. But Secretary of State Mac Warner, Auditor J.B. McCuskey and Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt are considered contenders as well.
Another favorite is Southern District U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. He will be replaced when President-elect Joe Biden assumes office.
Courthouse rumors have Stuart being in line for the Kanawha circuit judge position left open by the passing of Judge Charles King.
Justice will make the appointment and at one time, he and Stuart were not exactly bosom buddies. That may have changed.
Kanawha Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit, failed Supreme Court candidate, is thought to be in line for a Federal Judge position if Chuck Chambers retires during Biden’s tenure. Cabell Delegate Chad Lovejoy is also a potential candidate for that seat.
* * * * * *
Former Cabell Delegate and Democrat Attorney General candidate Doug Reynolds is said to be the frontrunner to replace Stuart as U.S. Attorney.
* * * * * *
A wise choice by Justice to replace resigned Wayne County Delegate Derrick Evans would be E. Jay Marcum, who ran third in the 2020 House primary. He is level-headed and came within nine votes of second place.
Following Evans, accused of breaking into the capitol while Congress was in session, even former Logan Senator Richie Ojeda would seem mild, I suppose.
* * * * * *
Legislative insiders were gossiping about their expectation that Kanawha Republican Delegate Moore Capito will challenge Second District GOP Congressman Alex Mooney in two years.
I don’t consider that likely but it doesn’t sit well with Kanawha Countians that their congressman resides and spends virtually all of his time in the Eastern Panhandle.
There’s also still a possibility West Virginia will lose a congressman when redistricting occurs due to population losses.
* * * * * *
Let’s hope inaugural week goes by without incident in Charleston and nationally.
Ron Gregory can be contacted at 304-533-5185 or ronjgregory@gmail.com.
