Who should progressives get behind for WV-GOV?

McCabe in 2012, Provisional candidate in 2011 (4.00 / 1)

Brooks McCabe is the best progressive choice for governor. He's pro-choice, seems to be against mountaintop removal, somewhat liberal on gay rights, and a real Democrat. But he's running in the 2012, not 2011.

For 2011, I can't see how any progressive could support Tomblin or Kessler, who are both pro-life and totally committed to the coal industry.

My thought is that progressives should support a provisional candidate -- perhaps Tennant or Perdue -- in 2011 but then unite behind a McCabe candidacy in 2012.

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by: New2Charleston @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 15:51:14 PM UTC

Tomblin, Kessler, McCabe (4.00 / 3)

I agree about Tomblin and Kessler re: reproductive freedoms and equality for woman.

On coal, I think Kessler is actually one of the better candidates in terms of being knowledgeable about the issues and not satisfied with coal status quo. I consider him more of an honest broker / reality-based type on coal issues. That would be a huge step up from where Sens. Manchin and Rockeller have been.

In regards to McCabe... I have a hard time believing he'll run for Gov. in 2012 if a Democrat wins this election. The 2012 announcement was just laying down a marker.

He might run for Gov. if a really conservative Dem. wins and there's a lot of dissastisfaction, but there's no way I see him running a primary against Tennant or Perdue in 2012.

He might make a really nice candidate for WV-02 or one of the many other state offices opening up in 2012.

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by: Clem Guttata @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 16:41:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

McCabe might win with a really, really, good campaign (4.00 / 1)

manager.  He gets so detailed on policy no one knows what he's talking about.  I think he would be a great governor. Kessler has lost pro choice women and his stand on gay rights has cost him conservative Dems. Natalie Tennant seems to be very progessive.

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by: MadAnne @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 16:59:50 PM UTC

Fairly accurate (4.00 / 1)

Your post gives a fairly accurate depiction of the candidates.  However, regarding coal, I do not understand why you depict Perdue as close to coal.  Having heard him speak on the issue, he seems to take a very realistic approach to coal, advocating to make it as clean as possible while establishing research and development funds to help advance alternative energy sources in the state.  He also, like Tennant seems to have surrounded himself with a plethora of progressive minded staff.  The difference, I believe, is that many of Tennant's progressive minded staff tend to be younger with relatively little experience, while Perdue's staff seems to have experience for a state-wide campaign effort.  

It will be interesting to see how Kessler and Thompson play.  Early indications show that Thompson may have money to increase his name recognition.  Also, I look for ERT's negative numbers to increase dramatically once more information comes out about the illegal gambling machines and his mother's ties to dog racing kennels that have received state money.  

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by: alanshore @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 17:14:42 PM UTC

I found this interesting. (4.00 / 2)

Kessler is one of the sponsors for SB509.

SPONSOR(S):
Beach, Foster, Laird, McCabe, Miller, Minard, Snyder, Stollings, Tucker, Kessler

SUMMARY:
Requiring insurance coverage of spouses and dependents for pregnancy and contraceptive services  

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by: MadAnne @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 18:40:04 PM UTC

another example that'll piss off the right... (4.00 / 1)

I'll give him credit for helping to minimize the number of abortions he's restricting access to. But, while that's all well and good it's not a very saavy way to build a coalition.

I think woman, not men like Jeff Kessler--no matter how well meaning--ought to be the ones making decisions about the course of their own lives. Just as Jeff Kessler agrees that teh Gays ought not be discriminated against, I don't think woman should be treated as second class citizens either.

There's a bunch of people in the N. Panhandle who love the idea of a local candidate, but with several other viable Gov. choices I don't see where Kessler goes very far from there.

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by: Clem Guttata @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 18:53:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Prescription Fairness is a good bill (4.00 / 2)

Teen pregnancy is increasing and this bill would help curb the problem of kids having kids.  PEIA currently covers Viagra prescriptions, but a 17 year old on their parent's policy isn't covered for birth control under their parent's prescription benefit.  

There's no good reason why contraceptive medications should be restricted for minors when other medications aren't -- especially when the insurance will cover erectile disfunction for the girl's father or grandfather.

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

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by: Wabi-Sabi @ Wed Feb 16, 2011 at 06:56:27 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

over-acting as Gov. (4.00 / 1)

Tweet from @ryrivard Ry Rivard

Acting Gov Tomblin announces 12 member "Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force." Each member has 3yr term.

How much attention will the task force pay to environmental issues like water quality or to economic justice issues like surface owner's rights?

I bet you can answer that question without even looking at the task force charter.

A mere dozen at a time is an expensive way for WV tax-payers to buy votes for Senate Pres. Tomblin, over-acting as Governor.

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by: Clem Guttata @ Tue Feb 15, 2011 at 20:20:32 PM UTC

Who Should We Support (4.00 / 2)

It is pretty clear. Tennant is the only only choice. Let's elect someone who really cares about West Virginia. And, let's elect someone who will keep Democratic values alive.

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by: jackkelly48 @ Wed Feb 16, 2011 at 00:44:49 AM UTC

Need more (4.00 / 1)

While I agree that we need to elect someone who cares about WV and someone who will keep Democratic Values alive, could you please elaborate as to why you believe Tennant is the only choice?  In my humble opinion, she has not really taken any policy stances to suggest that progressives should support her.  Some clarity for your position would be appreciated.  

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by: alanshore @ Wed Feb 16, 2011 at 04:21:56 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Tennant and LGBT issues (4.00 / 2)

Just a quick note. As others here have, I am likewise curious about Natalie Tennant's issues and position. It was heartening to read this today in the Gazette:

Gay miner to push for anti-discrimination bills

Two gubernatorial candidates have confirmed they will appear at the press conference to support Hall, according to Fairness West Virginia: Acting Senate President Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant.

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by: WV26003 @ Fri Feb 18, 2011 at 04:58:21 AM UTC