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Former Senate Minority Leader Vic Sprouse proudly demonstrates he can count the number of state senators, including himself, not running for re-election or who might be leaving office.
With math skills like his, it's no surprise that he uses his "engineering" degree to wipe the sweat off the equipment at his overpriced ladies gyms. Sprouse wrote:
If hell freezes over, and the heavens open up and rain fire and brimstone onto the earth... AFTER those two events occur, then Senator John Unger might, possibly, could beat Shelley Capito for Congress, that would be nine.
Let's remember the grammatically challenged Sprouse's history of political predictions. Sprouse picked former New York crossdressing mayor and wanna-be dictator Rudy Guiliani to win the White House.
Tonight, Guiliani received 3 percent of the vote in the Michigan primary. U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, who Sprouse mocked as a fringe candidate, received twice the number of votes as Guiliani.
Unlike Sprouse, I don't think Unger is a long shot. I think he's got a great chance of winning. Sprouse should leave the political prognostications to those who are good at it.
A few hours before the Iowa caucuses last night, Scott Saxton of WSAZ news in Charleston-Huntington made a post online that should get the attention of any Democrat in WV's Second Congressional District: http://www.wsaz.com/news/headl...
Richie Robb, retired South Charleston mayor and former Congressional candidate, seems to be getting things ready to run against retired state employee/citizens' advocate Thornton Cooper and State Senator John Unger in the May primary election. His presence will surely heat things up as Democrats and independents in the 2nd District decide whom they want as an opponent against incumbent Republican drone Shelley Moore Capito.
State Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley (yes, the same John Unger who is challenging vulnerable Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito in WV-02) is leading the way in addressing ATV safety concerns in the legislature this year.
Unger, the chairman of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said that he is in favor of seeing increased restrictions placed on ATV use.
"I've always been an advocate of safety," Unger said recently. "Folks want to have the freedom of riding ATVs. It's important to have your freedom. But it's also equally important to have responsibility with that freedom."
According to Unger, part of the problem is that ATVs were not made for use on asphalt and roadways. In many parts of the state, this fact is ignored though, and the vehicles are used for transportation on major roadways. When accidents result, other motorists are left footing the bill for these uninsured drivers, he said.
The legislature is looking for ways to solve this problem, and it came close to enacting laws last year that would have placed further restrictions on ATVs. Those measures passed the House of Delegates but failed to earn the approval of the West Virginia Senate.
When leaders head back to Charleston next month, Unger said new ATV legislation will likely be proposed.
"I think this issue's going to go before us again," Unger said. "Deaths are up compared to other states. It's something that we can't turn the other way from."
ATVs are not designed to be safely operated on paved roads. Berkeley and Jefferson Counties have local restrictions keeping ATVs off of even more paved roads than the rest of the state and, unsurprisingly, have seen some of the largest reductions in ATV deaths since.
The Eastern Panhandle is ahead of the pack when it comes to ATV safety Sen. John Yoder, R-Jefferson, said. He'd like to see legislation passed that gives the rest of the state's counties the right to enact similar ordinances to protect their own populations, he said.
At present, state law permits only counties with Comprehensive Plans to enact ordinances like the ones used in the Eastern Panhandle to keep ATVs off the local roads. Laws need to be enacted, he said, that give all counties a local option on whether or not to enact such ordinances. Until this is done, Yoder said, the issue is not going to go away.
"I think it's going to keep coming back until something is done on a comprehensive level," Yoder said. "There are a lot of problems with irresponsible ATV drivers in the state and problems that they create by driving on the roads and weaving in and out of traffic."
Del. John Overington, R-Berkeley, said he supports a local option for all counties as well. He is also in favor of creating an identification system for the vehicles, so that their owners could be tracked if the vehicles are spotted on the highway. Creating a system of identification could be unpopular with some and viewed as a means of creating additional taxes, Overington said. Still, the measure would also serve as a much needed safety net, he said.
"I think the safety consideration is more important than the additional tax revenue," Overington said.
Like many "local" issues, ATV safety appears to cross party boundaries. I think this will be another West Virginia issue with much strong regional identification than party identification.
Naomi Smoot of the Martinsburg Journal did a bang up job after DCCC recruit chair U.S. Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) sat down with the newspaper's editorial board.
MARTINSBURG - The Democratic Party is bringing out its heavy hitters for a local race that they say could be among the biggest in the country in 2008.
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala., visited the area with congressional hopeful, state Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley. The two were in Berkeley
Springs for a fundraiser earlier in the day. During an interview later, Davis touted Unger as a strong candidate and voiced his support for a man who he said was "the right candidate," to win West Virginia's Second Congressional District in November 2008.
"He is the real deal," Davis said of Unger.
Davis serves as the recruitment chair for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and said that when he was considering candidates to contact about the region's upcoming congressional race, he thought of only one man. Unger talked to Davis several years ago and expressed interest in someday running for a seat in the House of Representatives. Unger asked questions about how he could make a difference, and seemed to stand apart from other people, Davis said. So when it came time to seek candidates for the 2008 race, Davis said there was no other person that seemed as well suited to run as the local senator.
"The only candidate that I thought about was John," Davis said, adding that, "This is the only viable candidate."
Davis is confident that Unger can beat incumbent U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., in 2008. Davis said that Unger comes with a unique story: He is a home-grown West Virginian who studied at Oxford, did missionary work with Mother Teresa, and has held office in the state Legislature since an early age.
It wasn't long ago that Martinsburg Journal "editor" Maria Lorensen and Charleston Gazette "columnist" Phil Kabler claimed Unger would not receive support from the DCCC.
How wrong they were and how spot-on those of us who have touted Unger are.
Now comes the big question. Will Democrats act boldly and press our advantage?
For example, here in WV-02, it's well past time replace Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02). We can only hope that challenger John Unger can raise enough money to sustain an eventual media war -- and then will use it wisely to constantly remind voters that he is the Democrat and she is the Republican.
November 14, 2007 Press Release from WV-02 Democratic Party challenger State Sen. John Unger
Capito Ignores Her Constituents' Concerns; Votes Against Responsible Redeployment
CHARLESTON - Representative Shelley Moore Capito once again ignored her constituents' concerns and voted again Wednesday evening to continue President Bush's failed policies in Iraq. Capito opposed a plan to responsibly redeploy our troops, while continuing to provide our brave men and women in harm's way the resources they need.
"Our troops face death every day; the least the President and Congress can do is face the truth," said Democratic Congressional Candidate John Unger. "It is time for a responsible redeployment strategy that forces the Iraqi government to take control of its country and the Iraqi people to stand on their own. It is long past time for Congresswoman Capito to listen to the people of West Virginia and support a plan that brings our troops home and refocuses our efforts on winning the war on terror."
Capito voted against the "Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act," which requires the start of redeployment of U.S. forces within 30 days of enactment and transitions the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq from primary combat to force and diplomatic protection and counterterrorism operations. The bill also provides $50 billion to meet the immediate needs of our troops.
John Unger Commemorates Service of West Virginia's Veterans
MARTINSBURG - This Veterans Day, Democratic Congressional Candidate John Unger would like to honor those brave men and women who have served our country in the military and recognize the enormous sacrifices they and their families have made. With approximately 202,000 veterans residing in West Virginia, the state has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation.
"Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served their country and protected our way of life. But we must do more to honor our veterans not just on Veteran's Day, but every day, and fulfill the promises made to them when they return home," Unger said. "As more and more of our veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, we must provide the health care they and their family needs. Only by honoring our veterans every day will we truly give them a future worthy of their sacrifice."
Honoring our country's troops and veterans' service to the nation is a top commitment for Unger, who will work to improve veterans' health care, rebuild our country's military and strengthen benefits for our troops and military families. Unger will work to reduce the red tape our wounded service members and veterans face and support the spouses and children of those troops who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The John Unger campaign released a statement on the endorsement this weekend from the West Virginia AFL-CIO. From an email:
West Virginia AFL-CIO Endorses John Unger in Congressional Race
CHARLESTON - John Unger, Democratic Congressional Candidate in West Virginia's 2nd District, announced today that he secured the key endorsement of the West Virginia American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations (WV AFL-CIO). WV AFL-CIO's endorsement of Unger's candidacy is the earliest endorsement of a challenger in the organization's history.
"It is an exciting time in the labor movement because working people are realizing that organized labor is the only advocate for the middle class to grow," WV AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue said. "I believe that the middle class values of John Unger will be an asset to us and help ensure a better life for all working people."
"I am proud to stand for the working men and women of West Virginia and our country and honored by their support," Unger said. "I have always believed that hard work is the driving force behind our nation's prosperity, and think its time our working families have someone who looks out for them. In Congress, I will be a voice for West Virginia's working men and women, representing their interests and protecting their futures."
The West Virginia AFL-CIO is a group of more than 420 affiliated unions joined together for the common cause of fairness for all workers. On November 3, 2007 in Charleston, WV the WV AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education met and endorsed John Unger for the 2nd Congressional District.
Exciting news for Democratic candidates. From an email:
WV AFL-CIO 2008 Primary Endorsements In October the West Virginia AFL-CIO celebrated its 50th Anniversary at their Twenty Sixth Constitutional Convention held at Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center, Wheeling, WV. During the course of the convention the WV AFL-CIO Committee On Political Education (COPE) and all delegates to the convention unanimously endorsed for the 2008 Primary Election, Joe Manchin lll for Governor, Jay Rockefeller for U.S. Senate, Alan Mollohan for the 1st Congressional District and Nick Rahall for the 3rd Congressional District.
On November 3, 2007 at the Charleston Civic Center, Charleston WV the WV AFL-CIO Committee On Political Education met again and endorsed for the 2008 Primary Election, John Unger for the 2nd Congressional District, Joe Delong for Secretary Of State, Glen Gainer for State Auditor, Darrell McGraw for Attorney General and John Perdue for State Treasurer. WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, Larry Matheney, stated “It is our goal to support candidates that will strive to improve the lives of West Virginia working families.”
There were numerous candidates for local and state office represented. Of statewide interest, Joe Delong's parents were there. His mother talked about his bid to become the Democratic nominee for Secretary of State.
Speaking on behalf of State Senator John Unger--who couldn't make it as he was flying back from a DCCC sponsored meeting in Chicago--was his brother, Ryan. He spoke on why we need to replace Republican Shelley Moore Capito in WV-02 and why John is a compelling candidate to do so.
I met a lot of interesting folks. I hope we can continue our conversations here online!
Democratic State Senator John Unger had an impressive fund-raising effort in Q3. I believe it was Hoppy Kercheval who said at the beginning of the quarter that Unger needed to raise 100K to be a legitimate contender. Unger blew past that number and then some.
According to his FEC report:
- Q3 raised: 123K
- Cash-on-hand: 135K
Of his Q3 fund-raising, 51K came from PACs--much of which is Democratic politicians supporting his effort to defeat Republican Shelley Moore Capito--and the remaining 72K was from individual contributions.
When I have some more time, I'll provide further anlaysis (including details of Capito's numbers).
UPDATE from Carnacki:
The Unger camp just emailed a statement:
CHARLESTON, W.VA. - Congressional candidate John Unger exceeded his fundraising goal of $100,000, raising a total cash on hand of $135,196.26 since announcing his bid to challenge incumbent Shelley Moore Capito in West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. Unger's total is the most any Democratic candidate has raised against Capito in the first quarter of a campaign.
"I am deeply grateful for the generosity of people from all over West Virginia who have shown such strong support for making a change in our state," Unger said. "West Virginians are joining together in this campaign because of a serious concern for the direction our country has been going in. They know I am committed to our shared values and focused on new ideas and innovative solutions to secure our future."
The report filed with the Federal Elections Commission shows Unger has raised $135,196.26 for the FEC's third quarter filing period. More than 72 percent of donations came from individuals residing in West Virginia. Unger has raised a total of $149,312.66 since announcing his candidacy in May.
"This early support shows the excitement and growing momentum generated by our campaign," Unger continued. "West Virginians are truly committed to making a change within our state and creating a better, brighter future."
The 2007 West Viriginia Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner is history... more West Virginia Democrats attended than ever before. The main attraction was former President Bill Clinton, but there was a lot more in the offing as all of our state Democratic Party leaders and our congressional delegation were there demonstrating the united stand of the party as we move closer to the 2008 election cycle.
I have to admit that a real highlight for me was being able to listen to and actually see former President Bill Clinton (D-The World). That being said I won't hesitate to state that the other big event of the night was watching our two Congressmen Nick Rahall (D-WV03)and Alan Mollohan (D-WV01) introduce the next Congressman from West Virginia John Unger to the enthusiastic crowd.
Both Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan made it clear to all that John Unger is the man West Virginia needs in Congress to replace the vulnerable Shelly Moore Capito who was clearly described by Congressman Rahall as nothing more than a "Bush rubber stamp."
West Virginia's Congressional Delegation in January 2009
There was no doubt in my mind that the state party led by Chairman Nick Casey will pull out all the stops to unify Democrats in our state's Second Congressional District. The party is behind John Unger, and we will see a change when we go the polls in November of next year.
I also took some time to visit the Elect John Unger Booth in the entrance hall prior to the dinner. I introduced myself as wvblueguy, and was pleased to hear that WVaBlue.com is well known by the supporters working for John Unger in the booth. Including the great job done by Carnacki and Clem in the end of quarter fund raising effort here and on DailyKos.
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