West Virginia Blue
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The West Virginia Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging whether Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, is legally entitled to draw the salary of governor while acting in that capacity. On Friday, the court accepted a petition filed earlier in the day by New Martinsville lawyer H. John Rogers, on behalf of a group he identifies as The Christian Patriotic Front. In his petition, Rogers argues it is unconstitutional for Tomblin to draw the $150,000 salary of governor, since the state constitution provides that he is merely to act as governor when necessary while there is a vacancy in that office.
"In our process, it was not an easy choice because we have a lot of good friends in [the race]," said state AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue. The endorsement required a two-thirds majority of votes.
Among other issues, the union asked candidates about where they stand on collective bargaining, mine safety, education, Marcellus Shale development, privatization of state agencies, prevailing wage and whether they support allowing public employees to run for office, Perdue said.
State Treasurer John Perdue says a moratorium needs to be placed on utility rate increases for customers of Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power in West Virginia."These bills just keep going up and up," Perdue, a Democrat gubernatorial candidate, said on Wednesday's MetroNews Talkline. "I think it's one of the most important issues in this election, that our people are suffering. Our small businesses are suffering and, if we want economic development, let's all work together."
Legislation pertaining to Marcellus Shale drilling regulations, texting while driving and managing the state's pension debts failed to come to vote in West Virginia House of Delegates during the recent regular session of the West Virginia Legislature, and state Sen. Jeff Kessler suspects special election year politics may have been the reason. "I would like to say 'no,' but I suspect the failure of some bills to move may have been the result of political jockeying," Kessler acknowledged. "Some things may not have moved as they should because of concerns of things politically motivated.
House Speaker Rick Thompson scored the endorsements of the state's two teachers unions on Tuesday. Such key endorsements may have a heightened effect this year, with a crowded field of candidates vying for nominations in the May 14 special primary. The victors may be determined by narrow margins. The West Virginia chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and the West Virginia Education Association made a joint announcement at a press conference at Thompson's campaign headquarters on MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City. Union leaders said it was the first time their groups had agreed on a primary candidate for governor.
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If last year's special primary election for Robert Byrd's U.S. Senate seat is any indication, turnout for the special gubernatorial primary could be light. About 12 percent - 149,000 - of the state's 1.2 million registered voters showed up to vote on that Saturday last August. If the same number were to vote in the May 14 primary, one of the six Democratic candidates could win with just 16,000 votes. A Republican might need only 7,000 votes to win that party's nomination.
That could make support from the 30,000-member teachers unions a key factor. Hale said Tuesday that not since Gaston Caperton's first primary election in 1988 has a candidate won the Democratic nomination without the support of the AFT.
Jeff Kessler hopes a bill that would provide an additional $4 million a year to coal-producing counties will be considered by state legislators next month. Kessler, D-Marshall, who is acting Senate president, said there was not enough time Saturday for legislators to work out details of the coal severance bill, known as Senate Bill 242. He said the bill could help other counties that may produce coal in the future. For example, in Ohio County, the Tunnel Ridge mine is starting up.
In the absence of new natural gas drilling regulations, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin wants legislators to provide more funding for industry oversight. Acting Senate President Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, is skeptical though, since any new inspectors hired by the Department of Environmental Protection would have no new rules to enforce.
"Having boots on the ground and inspectors in the field is the first step in guaranteeing that Marcellus Shale wells are being drilled in an environmentally responsible manner," Tomblin said Tuesday. "A reasonable, predictable regulatory environment is important not only to our citizens, but also to those companies who are investing millions of dollars into our economy."
Emails and news releases from the candidate campaigns this week (images, links, and fund-raising appeals stripped out):
John Perdue
Welcome to March Madness!
Congratulations to the WVU Men's Basketball Team for their opening round victory over Clemson. They have another big game tomorrow against Kentucky, but a Mountaineer victory against our border-state rivals and a birth into the Sweet 16 is very possible for my alma mater.
I've spent several days at the High School Basketball Tournaments in Charleston the past two weeks watching the great girls' and boys' teams play. Congratulations to all of the teams who participated. It takes a lot of hard work to make it to Charleston.
AARP Forum
I had a great opportunity to participate at the Cabell County AARP Candidate Forum this week along with several other candidates running for Governor. It is clear to me from the reaction I received at the forum and at other events I've attended around the state that seniors are very concerned about their utility bills. A recent survey conducted by the AARP indicates that 67 percent of their members in West Virginia are extremely or very concerned about rising utility costs.
The Biggest Issue in this Campaign...
... is skyrocketing utility costs. Every where I go, I hear this from seniors, small business owners and even our young adults just starting out in their adult careers. They can't afford to pay their utilities. In some instances, as reported by the Charleston Daily Mail, customers are reporting that their power bills have tripled in less than a year.
I hope you had a chance to hear me on MetroNews Talkline on Wednesday. If not, go to the MetroNews website and you can hear the ten minute interview with Hoppy Kercheval. You will be shocked to know that while AEP has been granted a $355 million rate increase in West Virginia, the Ohio Public Service Commission is forcing the company to return $43 million to customers in that state for excessive profits. AEP generated $1.2 billion profit in 2010.
Less than 60 days to go...
It's crunch time for our campaign and what we do in the next 30 days will determine whether we will be successful May 14. Remember, Early Voting begins April 22 and we expect about 30 percent of you will take advantage of it. So, we need your help, your contributions (and if you've already given, ask a friend to contribute) and your ideas on how we can make West Virginia a better place for all of us.
Thank you for your support of my campaign.
Best regards,
John D. Perdue
Rick Thompson
Yesterday the two largest teacher and education professional organizations in West Virginia -- the West Virginia Education Association and the West Virginia Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers -- endorsed me for governor.
In making their endorsement, WVAFT President Judy Hale said, "Rick Thompson has always been there for West Virginia's teachers and service personnel and we're going to be there for him. He has a 100% voting record for education and has always voted in the best interests of West Virginia's working families."
WVEA President Dale Lee stated, "Rick Thompson wants to do all he can to ensure a quality educational experience for our students. WVEA shares that goal with him. He respects those who have chosen education as their career choice and will stop the political teacher bashing and work to promote respect for the teaching profession."
I owe so much to the education I received from caring teachers and dedicated education professionals, and that's why this endorsement means so much to me. As Governor, I will work hard to make sure every West Virginia child has the best education we can provide.
Sincerely,
Rick Thompson
Natalie Tennant
RELEASE: Tennant to Legislature: Time to Act on Marcellus Shale is NOW
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2011
Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia Secretary of State and candidate for governor Natalie Tennant today urged the State Legislature to pass critical legislation regulating the development of the Marcellus Shale. The legislative session ended last Saturday with the House and Senate failing to reach an agreement on competing proposals.
"Political bickering must not stand in the way of critical economic development for the state of West Virginia. I am frustrated, and I know many West Virginians share my frustration. The Legislature and its leaders had time to quadruple vehicle title fees at the DMV, but they wasted precious time and could not pass important drilling legislation," Tennant said.
"Their inaction comes at the expense of the taxpayer by forcing a special session. With our state at a crossroads, we cannot afford to let this opportunity to take control of our natural gas reserves and move West Virginia forward pass us by," said Tennant. "The time to address development of the Marcellus Shale is now. As governor, I will not let politics as usual stand in the way of job creation."
Tennant outlined the potential economic boon from responsible shale development that could provide improvements for some of West Virginia's most important priorities. "The extraction and transportation of our natural gas is a major project that will create good-paying jobs that should go to local workers throughout the state," said Tennant. "Responsible development of the Marcellus Shale can provide resources for advancing education and investing in research and development. Despite the differences in the House and Senate bills, allowing job creating legislation to die in the final hours of the session shows a severe lack of leadership."
Some of the differences in the House and Senate proposals included the distance drillers would have to maintain from water wells and homes, the notice provided to landowners, and the number of inspectors necessary to adequately monitor drilling. The bills also covered development issues such as protection of private property rights, environmental regulations, and permit fees.
"We cannot afford to wait another year. Landowners and businesses must have certainty now," Tennant continued. "West Virginia has a tremendous opportunity to create jobs through innovation in the energy sector, and we have an obligation to take control of our natural resources to push our state ahead," said Tennant. "It is time to confront these issues so that hard-working West Virginians can benefit from this vast energy resource."
Charleston, WV - Senator Jeff Kessler, (D) Marshall, launched a new 2011 gubernatorial
campaign website late this afternoon. The key focus of the new site is Kessler's Vision, an
approximately one minute video highlighting the gubernatorial candidate's aspirations for West
Virginia, namely the Future Fund. The website address is JeffKesslerforGovernor.com.
"Under my leadership, West Virginia will reinvest a portion of our energy revenues so that our
children and future generations can prosper in this state.
It is my goal that by 2020, West Virginia will have developed the most qualified, educated
workforce in the county. And that we'll have the best education system as well.
West Virginia has the talent, the resources, and the work ethic to drive the economic engine of
this nation."
In addition, the website includes Kessler's campaign platform, the top social networking
applications, Kessler's personal story, and contact information for the campaign.
Earl Ray Tomblin
Tomblin Unveils Campaign Steering Committee
For Immediate Release
March 14, 2011
Charleston, W.Va. - Today Earl Ray Tomblin announced the formation of his campaign's statewide Steering Committee. Composed of community leaders from across West Virginia, the Committee will advise Gov. Tomblin on policy and strategy as he lays out his plans to bring jobs and economic development to West Virginia. The committee will be co-chaired by Morgantown businessman Parry Petroplus and Charleston attorney Tom Heywood.
"I have known Earl Ray since we attended West Virginia University together. He has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged private sector growth," said Petroplus. "That's why his number one priority is to attract new jobs and industry to West Virginia."
"First as Senate President and now acting as Governor, Tomblin has always been a strong voice for fiscal responsibility," added Tom Heywood, chief-of-staff to former Gov. Caperton. "Because of Gov. Tomblin's leadership and fiscal planning, all West Virginia has weathered these tough economic times."
"I am honored to have the support of these distinguished leaders from across West Virginia. With their counsel, and together with all West Virginians, I'm looking forward to making this State an even better place to work and raise a family," Tomblin said.
Members of the Tomblin for Governor Steering Committee include:
* Willie Akers, County Commissioner, Logan County
* Ellen Cappellanti, Attorney, Charleston
* Nick Casey, Attorney and former West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman, Charleston
* Vince D'Annunzio, Businessman, Clarksburg
* Jean Ford, Mayor, Williamstown
* Roger Horton, UMWA Local 5958, Whitman
* George Karos, Mayor, Martinsburg
* John Lopez, County Commissioner, Fayette County
* Judy Margolin, former West Virginia Democratic Party Executive Director, Charleston
* Marie Redd, former State Senator, Huntington
* Phil Reale, Attorney, Charleston
* Sharon Rowe, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lewisburg
* Carolyn Snyder, West Virginia Democratic State Executive Committee Member, Martinsburg
* Linda Whalen, Mayor, Bluefield
* Gary White, Businessman, Logan
* Steve Williams, Businessman and City Council Member, Huntington
* Bill Wilmoth, Attorney, Wheeling
* Jack Yeager, Mayor and former Assistant Adjutant General, Dunbar
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