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This evening, I headed over the University of Charleston, where I work, for a candidate forum hosted by President Ed Welch. Three of the Democratic candidates attended the debate: Jeff Kessler, John Perdue, and Natalie Tennant. I was disappointed that Early Ray Tomblin and Rick Thompson did not decide to do so.
While the polls released so far have shown Earl Ray Tomblin and Natalie Tennant leading the Democratic gubernatorial primary, John Perdue has released his internal poll showing him surging.
April 13, 2011
Results a "Game Changer" in Democratic Gubernatorial Election
Charleston, WV - A new survey, conducted by one of the nation's most successful Democratic polling firms, shows John Perdue surging and Earl Ray Tomblin and Natalie Tennant stalling in the May 14 Democratic Primary race.
Secrest Strategic Services (formerly Cooper & Secrest Associates) surveyed 606 likely Democratic Primary special election voters on April 10-11 on behalf of the Perdue for Governor Campaign (margin of error: plus or minus 4 points).
"These results show a significant shift in this election," said George Manahan, campaign spokesman. "It's a game changer."
Tomblin leads the race with 28 percent, followed by Tennant (20 percent) and Perdue (18 percent). However, among voters who have seen Perdue's TV commercials, the contest is a statistical dead heat between Tomblin (27 percent) and Perdue (26 percent).
"It's clearly a two-person race between Tomblin and Perdue," said Manahan. "The more people that hear John's stance on utility rate increases, the more he gains in the polls and the quicker Tomblin and Tennant drop."
In addition, when voters hear the contrast between Perdue ("freeze and rollback utility rates") and his opponents ("all of the other leading candidates have accepted campaign contributions from utility companies"), Perdue moves out to a substantial lead at 43 percent with Tomblin at 16 percent, Tennant at nine percent, Jeff Kessler and Arnie Moltis at three and two percent respectively.
"It isn't often that polling data are as unambiguous as these," said Alan Secrest, president of Secrest Strategic Services. "There's a long way to go in this race, but the momentum, and the greatest potential for growth, lies with Big John Perdue."
Here's some populism I'd like to see all the candidates get behind. These rate increases are outrageous. We're all supposed to make sacrifices except the utilities and their shareholders?
Here's what the five major Democratic primary candidates running in the West Virginia WV-GOV special election have to say about energy. There's a lot of overlap with what they have to say about jobs.
I wanted to also include what was said about also cleaning up our atmosphere and protecting our natural resource wealth... but, there's nothing said.
Earl Ray Tomblin
West Virginia is, and, if I have anything to do with it, always will be an energy leader for our country. Our resources are plentiful, and our workers are dedicated to providing the energy that our country needs.
Our coal helped produce the steel that built this nation. And our coal provides over half of the nation's energy. With advances in technology, coal is burned cleaner now than ever before. If we invest in research and upgrades and technology, we can keep using coal for decades.
There are some who want to turn their backs on coal - not me. It is pretty simple: we can either be beholden to the Middle East and its huge oil deposits or we can find ways to use the natural resources that lie right beneath us here at home. I will fight every day to strengthen our coal economy.
And the possibilities that West Virginia has with natural gas are virtually unlimited. If we do it in an environmentally responsible manner, the drilling of oil and natural gas in West Virginia can create jobs, heat our homes, fuel our cars, and restart the manufacturing sector.
Can you imagine a West Virginia that is once again a manufacturing hub of America? I believe it can happen. The continued expansion of natural gas exploration in West Virginia can fuel a whole new energy economy, and I will go anywhere and do anything to create these jobs right here at home.
Natalie Tennant
As Governor, I will make West Virginia the national leader in energy - coal, natural gas and alternative energy. West Virginia can lead the 21st century with an energy policy that sets the pace for how our nation does business - and we can create those jobs right here at home while doing it. But this won't happen if we do things the same old way.
• Coal is critical to the U.S. economy. We will continue our commitment to coal while also investing in the coal industry of the future. We can lead the world in researching, developing, and testing new technologies.
• We can be the national test bed for cutting-edge clean coal technologies. If there is a new technology that makes West Virginia coal cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable, let's pioneer it in West Virginia.
• Marcellus Shale offers West Virginia a great opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and provide increased revenue for our communities. By managing this new resource responsibly we can build a new energy economy and world-class education system.
• But let's not stop at coal and natural gas. We can take the lead in powering our nation long into the future by investing in a true alternative energy industry now.
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."
John D. Perdue
West Virginia has the ability to reap more than $6 billion from the Marcellus Shale. I support a plan to return a portion of those proceeds directly to state taxpayers either through a tax break or a dividend check similar to what is done in Alaska.
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."
Rick Thompson
Energy
One of the reasons West Virginia is in such good economic shape relative to the rest of the country is that we're an energy state. Rick understands that clean coal technology and coal gasification are important to supporting markets for West Virginia coal.
In addition to coal, West Virginia sits atop a virtual gold mine in natural gas in the form of Marcellus Shale. These formations hold literally billions of dollars in as yet untapped resources. As Governor, Rick will push for the responsible development of these resources in order create jobs and opportunity for West Virginia companies and workers.
In 1952, six months before his second son would be born, Richard Thompson died in a coalmine accident near Fort Gay, West Virginia. He left his unborn son his name, the only photo of himself and his wife, which was in his wallet, and a lifelong respect for the men who mine coal. The newspaper report said that Rick Thompson was "about 27 years old," and speculated that a piece of slate fell from the roof and knocked his carbide lamp into a can of blasting powder, causing an explosion. The story did not mention that his older brother was with him when he died. Mining is always a family business.
Thompson says, "There's a mindset to hold on to what you have instead of moving forward, and someone needs to break that thinking and set an agenda." His agenda is straightforward - forming a vision for what West Virginia will look like fifty years in the future, from the state's education system to its industry and infrastructure. "We've been coal, and though there's plenty of it left, there is plenty more to West Virginia. We have the location, the resources, and the people. If we can look beyond coal and put politics aside, we will be uniquely positioned as an epicenter for America's future growth and opportunity."
Jeff Kessler
Energy is the cornerstone of West Virginia's economy. For more than 100 years, West Virginia coal has kept the lights on, fueling our nation. We must recognize that coal will remain a vital part of our energy portfolio. As Governor, I will be committed to developing clean coal technologies and making sure mining is as safe as possible.
West Virginia's energy future is so much more than coal. The vast amount of natural gas in the Marcellus shale provides boundless economic opportunities for this state. Drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale has already created 3,000 new jobs, and economists predict tens of thousands more jobs can be created in our state. As Governor, I will be committed to ensuring that West Virginians will have the training and skills to be hired in those positions.
Further, I am committed to making sure West Virginia benefits for providing the nation with such abundant resources. Specifically, I am proposing the West Virginia Future Fund, a 25% endowment fund on the severance tax collected from natural gas so that money can be saved and invested in West Virginia's future. This endowment money can be used to ensure that by 2020 West Virginia's education system is the best in the nation. Additionally, our Future Fund will permit us to diversify our economy and permit us to provide tax relief to our citizens and business.
Via Chris Cillizza and Aaron Blake at the Fix (bold mine)
Tennant creeping up on Tomblin: West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant (D) is neck and neck with acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) in a new poll set to be released by Tennant's campaign today.
The poll, which was conducted by Greenberg Quinlian Rosner and obtained by The Fix, shows Tomblin at 31 percent in the special election Democratic primary, with Tennant close behind at 27 percent. Among Democratic primary voters, the two have identical 45 percent favorable ratings and similar unfavorables (12 percent for Tennant and 15 percent for Tomblin).
But they're not the only candidates in the race. State Treasurer John Perdue is at 14 percent on the ballot test, while two other candidates are at 5 percent.
The poll shows Tennant in better position than a poll conducted for Tomblin's campaign a month ago, which had Tomblin at 35 percent and Tennant at 22.
The primary will be held May 14, with the special election set for Oct. 4. The favorite on the GOP side is former Secretary of State Betty Ireland.
Update: More details from the campaign website.
For Immediate Release
March 21, 2011
Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia Secretary of State and candidate for governor Natalie Tennant today released an internal poll showing that she begins the Democratic primary campaign with the best standing of any candidate. Building on her high favorability rating and name recognition, the poll illustrates that the more voters know Tennant, the more they like her.
"This poll shows that the more folks learn about Natalie Tennant, the more they like her, and the more they want to elect her governor. As we connect with voters across West Virginia, our campaign only continues to gain momentum. As governor, Natalie will fight for the people's interest and work to bring greater fiscal accountability to our government, just as she's done as Secretary of State," said Julie Sweet, Tennant's campaign manager.
Tennant's poll, which surveyed 600 likely primary voters by telephone from March 10th-15th, shows that she begins with the strongest standing of any candidate in the Democratic primary field - with a 45% favorability rating and 73% name recognition. The margin of error is 4.0 percentage points. A memo on the poll is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/51181398/Tennant-Well-Positioned-for-WV-Governor-Race.
Among voters who can identify Tennant and Earl Ray Tomblin, Tennant leads with 34 percent of the vote compared to 31 percent for Tomblin. Among all voters, Tomblin (31 percent) and Tennant (27 percent) start off right next to each other, followed by John Perdue (14 percent), Jeff Kessler (5 percent), and Rick Thompson (5 percent). Nineteen percent of voters are undecided.
What do the 5 major Democratic primary candidates running for WV Governor have to say about jobs on their campaign websites?
Jeff Kessler
Drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale has already created 3,000 new jobs, and economists predict tens of thousands more jobs can be created in our state. As Governor, I will be committed to ensuring that West Virginians will have the training and skills to be hired in those positions.
Further, I am committed to making sure West Virginia benefits for providing the nation with such abundant resources. Specifically, I am proposing the West Virginia Future Fund, a 25% endowment fund on the severance tax collected from natural gas so that money can be saved and invested in West Virginia's future. This endowment money can be used to ensure that by 2020 West Virginia's education system is the best in the nation. Additionally, our Future Fund will permit us to diversify our economy and permit us to provide tax relief to our citizens and business.
Creating jobs and boosting economic development have also been cornerstones of my legislative agenda. I sponsored the Economic Development Grant Committee and tax increment financing legislation that led to the Cabelas project in Wheeling, Power Alley Park in Charleston, Pullman Square in Huntington, new schools in the eastern Panhandle, and the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute in Morgantown. I also helped draft West Virginia's medical malpractice law and Workers Compensation reform legislation.
John D. Perdue
Small businesses are struggling because the big banks and Wall Street have choked off credit to small businesses. I will propose creating a Small Business Bank and seeding it with $50 million from the state and a similar amount through inducing private institutions and investors to participate. The bank should be managed by an independent board of experienced professionals who are insulated from political influence. This bank can be a job creating engine for West Virginia.
West Virginia has the ability to reap more than $6 billion from the Marcellus Shale. I support a plan to return a portion of those proceeds directly to state taxpayers either through a tax break or a dividend check similar to what is done in Alaska
Natalie Tennant
We will tear down the rules of the old economy and build the strongest, smartest infrastructure possible for the new economy of West Virginia. We don't have to do things the same old way. West Virginians deserve better. When I became Secretary of State, I didn't just settle for seeing things done the same old, wrong way. I saw that our businesses were struggling so I cut the unnecessary red tape to make it easier for small business owners to do what they do best - make money and create jobs.
• We will get our people back to work in jobs with dignity and a good wage. I will fight every day to make sure West Virginia is the best place in the country to do business whether you're a small business or a large manufacturer. We have the best workers from Marion County, to McDowell, to Morgan County and they deserve the best jobs.
• We will be aggressive in moving our economy forward by investing in biosciences, research and development, innovation for long-term technological advancement.
• We will expand Internet broadband access to all corners of West Virginia, using the federal stimulus funds that have already been allocated for this effort. Empowering our businesses to use the Internet is critical to West Virginia leading in the 21st Century economy.
• We will continue our commitment to an energy-based economy and our coal and natural gas industries. We will also look to innovation to keep our economy moving forward by investing in clean coal technologies and other alternative energy sources.
• We will ensure our small businesses stay in the business of doing business by opening up lines of credit, cutting red tape and training our entrepreneurs to use technology to spur new ideas and grow their business.
• We will reignite our tourism efforts through new branding of West Virginia. We can bring more vacationers to West Virginia and create jobs.
The largest division Tennant oversees as Secretary of State is business and licensing. The work she does there is vital to the economy of West Virginia and literally keeps businesses running. As a small business owner herself, Tennant knows the importance of ensuring that business in West Virginia thrives. Tennant has made efficiency, access, and cutting red tape hallmarks of her tenure as Secretary. In 2010, as the result of Tennant's commitment to making the Secretary of State's Office more business friendly, the number of online filings nearly doubled to more than 16,000.
Rick Thompson
West Virginia businesses need a level playing field on which to compete. That's why Rick Thompson led the fight to cut $235 million from business taxes over the last five years. As Governor, he'll continue to roll back taxes that put West Virginia companies at an economic disadvantage to their competitors in other states.
Experts agree that Fortune 500 companies will not create the majority of new jobs, but rather, small to mid sized businesses. As Governor, Rick will refocus our economic development on supporting the expansion of existing West Virginia businesses, as well as attracting high tech, high wage jobs in the energy and technology sectors.
In the past, West Virginia industries competed for business with other companies within our region. Today, they compete with businesses and industries around the globe. As Governor, Rick will propose the creation of a West Virginia World Trade Center to help West Virginia businesses expand operations internationally and increase import/export potential. Such a center could provide one-stop shopping for international trade, particularly in the mining and energy sectors, within our state.
Tax rebates and other incentives are powerful tools for attracting and expanding businesses, and West Virginia already has many such programs. As Governor, Rick will begin a top to bottom assessment of these economic incentives to determine which programs are working and which are not. In addition, he'll make sure such incentives are linked to performance standards, so that if companies don't deliver, they'll be required to repay the incentive amount fronted by West Virginia taxpayers.
One of the first actions taken up by the new House was abolishing the business franchise tax by responsibly phasing it out, which Thompson had always viewed as unfair. At the same time, he ended an anti-worker trend, which had developed in the previous years. By all accounts, the House of Delegates changed from a place of bickering where legislation went to die, to a body that shaped policy and set a direction.
Today, Rick Thompson is running for Governor. He doesn't need a job, and he would rather spend his Saturday mornings bow-hunting than giving speeches. (When he does give a speech, he's often asked to follow it with his guitar and a song.) Those who work in the Capital know that Rick Thompson lacks the ego and the desire for power, too often present in politics today. His vision for the office is one of responsibility and service. More than anyone else, Speaker Thompson has dealt with the diverse and often-competing agendas brought to Charleston from across the state and has proven that he can find a balance and build consensus.
Thompson says, "There's a mindset to hold on to what you have instead of moving forward, and someone needs to break that thinking and set an agenda." His agenda is straightforward - forming a vision for what West Virginia will look like fifty years in the future, from the state's education system to its industry and infrastructure. "We've been coal, and though there's plenty of it left, there is plenty more to West Virginia. We have the location, the resources, and the people. If we can look beyond coal and put politics aside, we will be uniquely positioned as an epicenter for America's future growth and opportunity."
Earl Ray Tomblin
We can accomplish great things in West Virginia. The building blocks are in place for unprecedented prosperity and job growth. I believe we can make changes in our government that will help the private sector to create jobs.
I have spent my entire public life making government a partner with the private sector to attract new industry to West Virginia, and building bridges between business and labor to create jobs. As Governor, I'll make jobs my number one priority. I will go anywhere, do anything, and spend every waking moment focused on expanding the number of good jobs for the people of our State.
We have a natural advantage here in West Virginia - we have the hardest working, most dedicated workforce in the world. Now is our time.
Now is our time to promote West Virginia as a great place to do business. Companies like Toyota, Hino, Coldwater Creek, and Macy's believe in West Virginia. And if we believe in ourselves, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Now is our time to make sure that government does not throttle job creation - but instead enables it. As Governor, I'll fight for lower taxes, fair and reasonable regulation, and schools that are second to none in preparing our children to compete and win in the world economy.
If we keep our focus - on jobs - everything else will fall into place.
I go to work every day thinking about how to create jobs, ready to fight for opportunities for you and your family. Is there something else we should be doing to create jobs? Let me know - I won't leave a single stone unturned.
Growing up, Earl Ray sold eggs and rabbits, bussed tables, and mowed lawns. He went to WVU, and was elected the youngest member of the State House of Delegates. He bought a local restaurant, worked nights until closing, helped on the family farm in the morning and spent days as a legislator for Logan County.
No wonder Earl Ray understands the importance of good paying jobs and encouraging private sector growth. That's what his whole life has been about.
As a public servant he has made government a partner with the private sector to attract new jobs and industry to West Virginia.
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.
...
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."
Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate John D. Perdue has announced that he will be hosting two town hall meetings this week as he campaigns the state for governor. From his website:
Weirton Event:
Please join State Treasurer John Perdue as he discusses The Perdue Plan for West Virginia's future at the Weirton Senior Center at noon on Thursday, March 10.
The Weirton Senior Center is located at 3425 Main Street, Weirton, WV, 26062
Martinsburg Event:
Please join State Treasurer John Perdue as he discusses The Perdue Plan for West Virginia's future at the Martinsburg Knights of Columbus at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 12.
The Martinsburg Knights of Columbus is located at 108 West Stephens Street Martinsburg, WV, 25401
If you are in the Weirton area on Thursday or the Martinsburg area on Saturday, this will be an excellent opportunity to hear the Treasurer's Plan for the state and also an opportunity to ask questions about his ideas and vision. If you are unable to attend, you can send your ideas for West Virginia to the Treasurer through his website at http://johnperdue.com/ideas.
The Democrats have a strong field for the Special Election for Governor. All of the candidates have weaknesses and strengths but who should Democrats support? Let's briefly take a look at the field.
Natalie Tennant- Surrounds herself with progressive minded staff; not part of political establishment; seems open to new ideas; seems to be supported by a lot of progressives smarter than this hill billy; not a proven fundraiser; some question whether she is ready; highest likability of all Dems; superb communicator; polls high; has won statewide office and been in public eye for years
John Perdue- Democratic loyalist; won statewide office for years; deep ties to Democratic county commissions; mediocre communicator; may split votes in south; proven fundraiser; likely the best ground game; will be supported by some key labor progressives; early polls have him behind Tomblin and Tennant; too close to coal
Rick Thompson- Compelling life story; supported by key labor groups; built strong support with key Democratic constituencies around State; poor name recognition with general public; proven fundraiser; too close to coal; loathed by Chamber of Commerce (good thing for progressives but probably bad for Thompson); not sure can be Republican; not taken on tough progressive issues because of politics; may split votes in South; unable to really campaign until after Session; runs low in polls
Jeff Kessler- has taken up tough progressive issues; unproven fundraiser; low name recognition; will be unable to really campaign until after Session; helped ouster anti progressive Dems from Senate leadership; runs low in polls; good debater and knows issues; good communicator
Earl Ray Tomblin- head start as act as governor; has money advantage; has support of Manchin machine; mediocre communicator; close ties to unsavory characters like Ferrel the felon; closest ties to coal goons of all candidates; polls have him ahead; most conservative of all candidates; will likely get support of Chamber of Commerce; first on ballot; may split vote in South; angered some by pretending to be governor and trying to block election; proven fundraiser
Today, State Treasurer John D. Perdue officially announced his candidacy for governor. From a press release:
"State Treasurer John Perdue today announced that he will be a candidate for the Democratic Nomination for Governor of West Virginia in the May 2011 Special Election.
"In the fourteen (14) years I have served as your state Treasurer, we established the successful SMART529 College Savings Program, returned over $100 million in Unclaimed Property, and returned financial integrity back to the state and Treasurer's office by helping West Virginia achieve an AA1 bond rating," said Perdue.
Perdue told friends, family and supporters that he has the experience to lead West Virginia at this critical point in its history.
"West Virginia stands at a crossroads," said Perdue. "While other states are raising taxes and cutting jobs and services, West Virginia can begin to provide real opportunity by investing in our people, businesses and state."
Perdue said the state's $240 million surplus and growing economy is a chance for the state to invest in areas that will create jobs.
Perdue said his campaign will focus on three key areas: growing the state's economy through research and job creation; improving the state's education system; and modernizing West Virginia's crumbling roads and bridges.
Perdue also said his administration will take on utility company rate increases. "We need a Governor who will stand up to utility companies and tell them that eight increases in two years are crippling our people and businesses."
The Treasurer said he will work with West Virginia University and Marshall University to support research efforts at each of the institutions, particularly in the areas of bioscience and energy research. "West Virginia can be the nation's energy leader, not just in production, but in research and development," he said.
Perdue said he wants to help small businesses expand and grow in the state. "Our plan will help small businesses find the money they need to grow their companies and create additional jobs."
Perdue told supporters that West Virginia has to improve its education system if the state is going to attain long-term growth. "Our plan is to give teachers and our education system the tools and the money they need and then get out of their way," said Perdue.
Perdue said the state must find a long-term solution to fixing the state's roads and bridges. "Our highways and secondary roads are crumbling, and if we don't fix them soon, it will be difficult for the state to attract new business."
Perdue said he is finalizing his plan for West Virginia and will be discussing aspects of it with individuals and groups over the next two weeks. He said he will release his plan by March 1.
While there are many good candidates in this race, Perdue is the only candidate who is going to be able to unite the party and fight the massive amounts of money that the Republican nominee will have. He has an excellent organization and work ethic. By the end of the day, he will have announced in almost every part of the state. Moreover, he has been the only candidate who has officially announced in the Eastern Panhandle.
"It's something I have an interest in," Tomblin said Tuesday in his state capitol office. "I take a great deal of pride in the changes we've made in this state and if the opportunity arises and the right people get behind me I would really consider running for governor."
The Logan County Democrat also has the title of the state's Lieutenant Governor and if Gov. Manchin would leave his office before his term is over, Tomblin would become governor. "When you sit in this seat here it's one that you never know from day to day that you may get the call," he said.
MetroNews mentions two other possible candidates, one unannounced but and one already announced.
House Speaker Rick Thompson is holding fund raisers across the state, but hasn't announced yet. He was in Martinsburg on Friday for what I was told was a good fundraiser. So far he's held fundraisers with two of Berkeley County's most prominent Democratic supporters, Butch Pennington and John Fink. I was invited to both events, but wasn't able to make them due to scheduling conflicts.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Kessler is the only announced candidate and is a favorite of at least two West Virginia Blue regulars and has a lot of good qualities. If he makes it out to the Eastern Panhandle, someone drop me a line because I'd like to meet him. Same with any other of our gubernatorial candidates.
Other potential gubernatorial candidates whose names I've heard bandied about for governor in 2012 are State Auditor Glen B. Gainer III and State Treasurer John Perdue, both of whom would have to be considered strong contenders.
One person to watch is the popular Secretary of State Natalie Tennant. She's played it coy so far, but there is a long way to go until 2012.
While neither Alan Mollohan or Nick Rahall are going to want to give up their safe House of Representative seats where they have considerable seniority and clout, but the GOP's best shot at winning the governor's race would come from the House of Representatives, Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito. That's one of the big questions in West Virginia politics. The Republicans are going to want her to run so they have a viable, legitimate candidate this time. But the feckless Capito has ducked GOP recruitment efforts to run for U.S. Senate. Capito wants to be governor or senator, but fears losing her safe House seat.
All of them are invited to post here, the meeting ground for many in the netroots.
The following diary is photo intensive. The West Virginia Democrats and union leaders took two buses and several vans from Charleston, West Virginia throughout southern West Virginia on a Tour for Change. I drove 6 hours from the Eastern Panhandle on Friday night to join them at 8 a.m. Saturday.
8 a.m. Charleston, opening press conference
Among those there were Governor Joe Manchin, Auditor Glen Gainer, Treasurer John Perdue, Attorney General Darrell McGraw, Sec. of State Nominee Natalie Tennant, Supreme Court Nominee Menis Ketchum, UMWA President Cecil Roberts, WV AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue, State Party Chairman Nick Casey. Ben Smith from Politico hopped on the bus to cover the tour. He spoke to a lot of people, including Tom Vogel at length who explained the national pundits took the primary results here to be anti-Barack Obama when it really was pro-Hillary Clinton. Since then the state has run a coordinated Campaign for Change to encourage people to vote a straight Democratic ticket, from Barack Obama on down.
10:15 a.m., Boone County Democratic Rally, Danville
It was a crisp autumn day. Mark, one of our Democrats from Danville, said he played football on the field when they were blasting through the rock not far away to build a cut through the hill for the road. It shook the field as they practiced. This was long ago, but out of kindness to him I won't say how long.
At each stop Kenny Perdue handled the introductions and the opening and passed it off to Glen Gainer, who really fired it up for Obama. In West Virginia, even the state auditor and the state treasurer do stemwinder speeches. (Joe Manchin headed from Charleston to Bridge Day to speak to the tens of thousands there.) They'd pass the mike through the ranks. Natalie Tennant, the first and so far only woman selected to be West Virginia University Mountaineer mascot, fired her musket at the close of her speeches when we were outdoors. Talk about Fired up and ready to go. You'd think the musket was rousing, but thenCecil Roberts brought it home. Rousing doesn't quite describe it (Video soon) as he'd talk about how awful the policies of George Bush have been on working people and how Dick Cheney mocked West Virginians as inbreds at a black tie dinner for his millionaire and billionaire friends and how Cheney joked could say that now that he doesn't need the votes of West Virginians for re-election. "That's what Republicans think of you," he said. West Virginians can't punish Dick Cheney, but they can punish John McCain and the other Republicans.
Then he led the crowd through a rousing "George Bush, John McCain, one and the same."
Nick Casey, the state Democratic chairman, would close with how West Virginians were told they were too racist to vote for a black candidate, but he heard the same thing as an Irish Catholic boy growing up that West Virginia was too bigoted to vote for the Catholic John F. Kennedy and West Virginians proved the nation wrong and put Kennedy in the White House.
Then we'd load up and head for the next stop. Someone said we traveled 300 miles, much of it on winding, mountainous roads with numerous switchbacks that made me wonder if large buses should travel on them.
12 p.m. Logan Democratic Rally, Logan Mall
The Logan Mall - a shopping center - is the flattest area of the community because it's a reclaimed stripmine where they've built retail and restaurants.
Logan surprised our people. The longer the people spoke, the more people showed up. And several of our volunteers passed out Obama Biden bumperstickers on the main thoroughfare to cars that would stop and roll down their windows. So then they began passing them lawn signs too. It seemed like more cars took them than didn't.
1:30 p.m., Williamson Democratic Rally, Williamson Fire Hall
There were more than 100 people in the fire hall before we arrived. Ryan was there during the primary and these were strong Hillary Clinton supporters. They've coming home.
You heard of "Yellow Dog Democrats" - I called these "Broken Glass Democrats." They'd crawl across broken glass to vote for the Democrat. This county is very important because they generally vote a straight Democratic ticket.
As Nick Casey and I talked about later on the bus, the McCain campaign (and unfortunately some of our own people here) assumed these folks wouldn't vote for a black candidate. Many of us believe they will. We have faith they're better than that and they don't deserve being taken for granted by anyone, Democrat or Republican. These are good people. These are good Democrats.
The Democratic cheerleaders gave a rousing cheer spelling out "democracy." I don't remember all of it. O was Obama.
3:45 p.m. Welch Democratic Rally, outside the Welch Library
We pulled into Welch and the people were fired up and ready to go before we even got there. Three young teenagers were banging on drums and had a good beat going. McDowell County is about 25 percent African American in a state that has an overall African American population of about 3.5 percent.
People were holding up letters spelling out "We heart Cecil" for Cecil Roberts.
Throughout the trip big, burly men would come up and hug him. They love Cecil Roberts here. Unions for steelworkers, painters, and miners, teachers, government workers, service industry, all represented. But Cecil Roberts has to be one of the most popular figures in the labor movement today.
Our next secretary of state Natalie Tennant.
You don't think Appalachian Americans are ready to vote for a black candidate? I beg to differ.
5:30 p.m. Princeton Democratic Rally, Mercer County Courthouse
People with preconceived notions about West Virginia have made a lot of presumptions based off the most negative stereotypes, based off the way people here look. As Tom Vogel explained to Ben Smith, you could find people in any part of the nation to make ignorant comments. I think the videos from northeast Ohio and elsewhere from the Sarah Palin rallies have demonstrated that quite clearly.
John McCain has taken this state for granted. He has one field director here and after stating they were sending Sarah Palin here, she went on a a Blow Off West Virginia Tour to Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Joe Biden is coming here and soon Barack Obama will too.
Eight County Southern West Virginia Democratic Bus Tour
Saturday, October 18
With:
Governor Joe Manchin
Auditor Glen Gainer
Treasurer John Perdue
Attorney General Darrell McGraw
Sec. of State Nominee Natalie Tennant
Supreme Court Nominee Menis Ketchum
UMWA President Cecil Roberts
WV AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue
State Party Chairman Nick Casey
Schedule for Press Conferences and Rallies:
8am Charleston; AFL-CIO HQ; 501 Leon Sullivan Way
9:15am Lincoln County Veterans Memorial; Intersection of US 119S and WV Rt. 214
10:15am Boone County; Lick Creek Park; 726 Lick Creek Drive; Danville
12pm Logan Mall; 77 Norman Morgan Blvd.; Logan
1:30pm Williamson Fire Hall; 104 E. 4th Ave.
3:45pm Welch Library; 90 Howard St.
5:30pm Mercer County Courthouse; Princeton
7:30pm Beckley Moose Lodge; 410 New River Drive
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