West Virginia Blue
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Many of us received the "DEMO MEMO" where Larry Puccio resurfaces to claim credit to the Democratic Party for the woefully deficient Marcellus Shale bill. According to Puccio: Democratic Leadership Continues to Deliver
"Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Senate President Jeff Kessler, House Speaker Rick Thompson and the members of the special interim committee, led by Sen. Doug Facemire and Del. Tim Manchin, which spent months helping us to get to this point, deserve credit for tackling one of the biggest issues to face our state in many years. We are ahead of the curve and well positioned to seize upon the vast opportunity of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field."
It could be argued that Doug Facemire (who claimed he was too busy running his grocery store) never did much of anything except hold a fundraiser for Tomblin and count his campaign contributions, almost 40% of which came from the gas industry. However, if the above mentioned legislators would like to take credit for doing nothing for the last 6 months (with the exception of House Select Committee Chair Tim Manchin who actually held 3 public hearings) then so be it, but let's not neglect to give them all the credit for ramming through this industry-written piece of crap without a bit of concern for WV residents, surface owners or the environment.
We could even go so far as to give ERT credit for his feigned concern when he knew all along that he would ignore and then destroy the hard work of the House select committee, substituting instead the industry's bill and calling a special session at the last minute making sure that his henchmen would not permit any significant amendments. The Democratic leadership continues to deliver all right, but frankly we could have gotten the same pro-industry bill from Bill Maloney, the only difference is that some of these Democrats might have stood up to him.
Further making a mockery of the democratic process, Puccio closes by saying,
"All of this is further proof that West Virginia's Democratic leaders are governing responsibly and delivering for the people of our great state."
With the "no longer acting" governor, half of the Senate and all of the House up for re-election in 2012, WV voters need to decide if this non-responsive, spineless government is what we want. Arrogant corporate-owned officials and their ring-kissing sycophants should not continue to legislate against our health, safety and property rights. All should have primary challengers who represent WV residents. Seek out and support capable candidates for your districts or consider running for office yourself. That would begin the process of "delivering for the people."
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