Those expecting, or hoping, for a financial lifeline on gasoline prices from Governor Jim Justice were sadly disappointed last week.
They shouldn’t have been.
With the state’s budget surplus, no matter where it came from, the Governor could offer beleaguered motorists a break.. But Justice will not do it — now or ever.
It reminds me of those who say they voted for Jay Rockefeller over the years “because he’s too rich to steal.”
Sorry. Nobody is THAT rich. Not that I am accusing Jay or Justice of being common crooks. But there are millionaires every day who commit theft and are tried and convicted for their crime. Riches do not make someone honest.
But at least Rockefeller, former Governor Gaston Caperton and other rich public servants show compassion toward constituents.
Give me an example of real compassion from Justice. It doesn’t exist — and loving BabyDog doesn’t count.
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Even when a little simple guesswork goes into it, our political predictions turn out pretty accurate.
State Democrat Chairman Belinda Biafore says I was right on the money when I said she would not seek re-election this Saturday. One reader had suggested that was the case.
But figuring she’s been kicked around enough, Biafore does not intend to have her name put forward.
Democrats appear to be making the silly move toward liberal progressives when that just isn’t where the state voters are headed.
Former legislative Majority Leader Rick Staton and current Delegate Mike Pushkin will battle for the state chair position while Biafore rides off into the sunset. Both are blatantly liberal, holding views clearly out of pace with West Virginia’s supermajority.
Socialists have shot at Biafore and her cabinet including State Director Curt Zickefoose for five long years. Biafore deserves much more than that, though. She’s been the reasonable voice that keeps divergent sides together. Liberals have shot at her but she seldom fights back. She is the calming, reasonable voice in a sea of political hysteria.
Unless Pushkin or Staton can moderate their political personas dramatically, they will lose even further ground to Republicans.
As I’ve mentioned before, it isn’t Republicans who have muscled their way to supermajorities to make West Virginia a solid red state. Democrats deserve a huge amount of “credit.”
Democrats have been very beneficial to the GOP cause. And Delegate Danielle Walker will only add to the liberal base of leadership as the next Vice Chair. She’s apparently the ultra liberal pick for the second position.
Yes, Saturday will be a great day for state Republicans.
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Mark Harris, state Republican Chair, likely maneuvered Democrats into making these terrible mistakes.
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Jarred Cannon of Hurricane became the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates this week.
Current House Clerk and former Delegate Stephen Harrison administered the oath of office.
Cannon, a Republican, will represent the 22nd District to complete the unexpired term of former Delegate Joe Jeffries, R-Putnam. Jeffries resigned after apparently learning he is a more talented sex education teacher than legislator. The district currently includes parts of Boone, Lincoln, Logan and Putnam counties.
Cannon is a 2016 graduate of Hurricane High School and a 2020 graduate of West Virginia University. He owns the public relations firm Athena Consulting, serves on the board of the Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association and also as an organizer for Camp Lincoln, a conservative youth program.
Cannon is bright and articulate. Like several young Republican legislators, he has a bright future indeed.
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Speaking of young GOP members with bright futures, Republican Ben Queen has raised tons of money in his effort to move up to the State Senate, District 12 anchored in Clarksburg.
Queen drew no Democrat opposition but will meet Libertarian challenger Andrew Lynch in November. Obviously, Queen is the overwhelming favorite.
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The 13th is a battle of political titans with ultra liberal Democrat Delegate Barbara Fleischauer staunch conservative Republican Mike Romano.
This race cannot be calculated like many others for several reasons. With West Virginia University at its core, it is decidedly liberal on many issues.
Romano also went through some personal turmoil. He overcame those but could be scarred due to the allegations.
Although it’s a Republican year, I’d pick Fleiscrdhauer at this point to give Democrats a much- needed win.
Ron Gregory is a regular columnist and political reporter for LOOTPRESS. Contact him at 304-533-5185; ronjgregory@gmail.com; or PO Box 20297, Charleston, WV 25362. Anonymity is guaranteed.