Governor Tomblin Wants to Hear From Voters on Special Election

Jeremiah (4.00 / 3)

With all due respect, I believe the rule of law should be followed. Cost, political environment favoring one party over another or the risk of becoming a laughing stock because democracy can be messy are not legitimate reasons to postpone an election. In something like this, the opinion that counts is that of the court and not the public. It is a mistake to ask for the public's input. The legislature did not set this up to be a public hearing process. If a court rules differently than the majority of the public wants, then it immediately makes the decision unpopular. I would hope a court would rule that the election could be held in 2012, but that decision should be made by judges on legal grounds and not political ones.

When a man embarks upon a crime, he is morally guilty of any other crime which may spring from it. Sherlock Holmes.

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by: Carnacki @ Wed Nov 10, 2010 at 14:18:50 PM UTC

the rule of law is unclear (0.00 / 0)

We have legislative staff attorneys stating that the election should not be held until 2012 and the Courts have yet clarify one way or another.  I don't see how, in the absence of a Court ruling stating otherwise, it can be construed to be inappropriate to weigh various public policy factors when determining the appropriate course for the State.  Beyond that, requesting input from the citizens of the State to address an issue on which there are a number of forces (media and ambitious candidates for Governor) making public proclamations is the only prudent course.  

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by: Jeremiah @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 02:03:12 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Governor Tomblin Wants to Hear from Voters (4.00 / 1)

Jeremiah, I think you have it right. In this instance "the people" does not mean "Hoppy" who has now turned his disappointment over the election to the torturing of a new victim. Trouble is, Earl Ray is no victim.

The vote can wait until at least 2011, after the legislative session is over. The constitution cannot be manipulated to favor any candidate (Thompson) just because they feel slighted. Thompson should either refocus and act like the leader of the House of Delegates or quit and run for Governor full time. That's essentially what he's doing now.

And I would prefer to vote for "Other" on your list of potential candidates.

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by: bluebird @ Wed Nov 10, 2010 at 15:25:45 PM UTC

Follow the Constitution (0.00 / 0)

The State Constitution says there shall be a "new election" if the office is vacated less than 3 years into the term. That language clearly intends that the state should not have an "Acting Governor" for more than 1 year.

Senator Tomblin will do well as Governor. Other candidates would also do well. My opinion is not based on his capacity to do the job; it's based on the Constitution that he and other lawmakers have sworn to uphold.

In a good conversation everyone speaks.  In a great conversation some even listen.

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by: Wabi-Sabi @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 02:00:03 AM UTC

new election (0.00 / 0)

With all due respect, if an election were clearly intended to be held then why would Legislative attorneys state that the election does not have to be held until 2012.

This issue is far from clear.

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by: Jeremiah @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 02:11:56 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Poll (0.00 / 0)

Regarding the Poll, it seems like 2 different questions.

1. Should there be a Special Election in 2011?
2. Who should be the next Governor?

In a good conversation everyone speaks.  In a great conversation some even listen.

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by: Wabi-Sabi @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 02:02:03 AM UTC

;) (4.00 / 1)

polls are never flawed

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by: Jeremiah @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 02:06:09 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Poll analysis: (4.00 / 1)

Official poll results:
4 folks have very different perspectives.
Also, Mr. Kessler got everyone in his law firm to vote for him.

Margin of error: +/- 4

Every. Vote. Counts?

Just kidding.
_Sorta.

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by: Mary Jones @ Thu Nov 11, 2010 at 03:07:55 AM UTC

[ Parent ]