Today begins a response by workers to the Wisconsin Senate's surprise move last night...

by: btchakir

Thu Mar 10, 2011 at 15:45:58 PM EST

Today people are returning to the Wisconsin capitol building to protest the act of the Republican Senators and the approval they have received by Scott Walker. The organization of trade unions is becoming intense and recalls of some legislators and a build up to recalling Walker (which cannot happen until next January by Wisconsin law) are in process.

Frank Emspak of the Workers Independent News in Madison stated:

   "We've had democracy by deception here. You're talking about disenfranchising millions of people, not only in Wisconsin, but also throughout the Midwest, and basically saying that working people, in an organized fashion, have no right to participate in the electoral process. That is what the Republicans are doing."

Funded by people: Rich Lindsay for State Senate

by: misoverstood

Tue May 04, 2010 at 13:16:21 PM EDT

Charleston Gazette statehouse beat reporter Phil Kabler may be a little bit too much of an insider to think clearly. At least that is what his story in today's Charleston Gazette leads me to believe. The story is largely about the primary race for the 8th District of the West Virginia State Senate. There are three candidates in the primary: Senator Erik Wells and challengers Richie Robb and Rich Lindsay. Kabler's attempt to write a story about who is funding each candidate in their election attempt failed miserably.

Don't get me wrong, Kabler hit his favorite talking point: Robb gets all of his money from the unions and Wells gets his from the business community, including the Chamber of Commerce itself. Where the article failed was in its attempt to give the public any information about Rich Lindsay. Kabler writes in full about Lindsay:

A third Democrat in the race, Charleston lawyer Richard Lindsay II, raised $1,719 during the period, according to his disclosure filed with the secretary of state's office.

Kabler failed his readers and the citizens of Kanawha County in two respects. First, Lindsay may have only raised $1,719 during the last month, but he has raised over $15,000 to date. Second, and most importantly, Kabler did not make any mention of where Lindsay's money came from. Perhaps that is because all of Lindsay's money comes from individual donations. That's right, actual human beings. Lindsay has raised more money from individual contributions than either of the other candidates. Rather than taking money from businesses and other special interests, Lindsay has raised his money the same way that President Obama did. Kabler must not have found this important?

I can't understand how a reporter would write an article about money raised and where it came from, without ever mentioning where Rich Lindsay's money came from, particularly since Lindsay sent the press release that likely led to the story being written. I guess I shouldn't expect much more from an insider like the statehouse beat author.  

If you are interested in Kabler's full story, you can find it here.

State Sen. Joe Minard (D-Harrison) delivers for polluters

by: Clem Guttata

Sun Feb 07, 2010 at 09:15:03 AM EST

What State Sen. Joe Minard did is appalling and a total abuse of his position of public trust. This week's WVEC legislative update has the story:

By Donald S. Garvin, Jr.
WVEC Legislative Coordinator

Week 4 - Dirty Pool

In Week 1's issue of our Legislative Update we reported to you that DEP's proposed changes to the Oil and Gas Well Rule (35CSR4) passed out of the Joint Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee "with no changes to the proposed rule."

We also mentioned that industry lobbyists were out in force, but no amendments were offered.

Well, late last week I discovered how wrong we were.

What actually happened was that we got "snookered" (to use a more polite term for what I am really feeling).

Here's what happened:

While the Rule-Making Review Committee was considering other rules, the Senate Chairman of the committee, Joe Minard (D-Harrison) went out in the hall and huddled together with industry lobbyists, and DEP staff.

They made a deal in the hall to change the language in the rule that requires all oil and gas well drilling pits and impoundments to use impermeable synthetic liners. They agreed to add the following language: "except those pits and impoundments authorized by the Office, based on soil analysis from the operator."

DEP agreed to this new language as a "modification," so a committee amendment would not need to be offered (it's the agency's rule, so they can simply agree to the modification).

When the full committee deliberated on the oil and gas rule, committee staff explained that the rule had been modified because a previous rule on marking gas pipelines at coalmine sites had to be combined with the new rule covering impoundments.

Committee members - and those of us in the audience - were never told that there was an additional modification, or what was in that modification.

Senator Minard then moved the rule "as modified," and the committee voted unanimously to approve the rule.

Delegate Bonnie Brown (D-Kanawha), the House chair of the Joint Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee was not aware that a deal had been cut in the hallway, and never saw the modified language.

Senator Herb Snyder (D-Jefferson), the Senate vice-chair of the Joint Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee was not aware that a deal had been cut in the hallway, and never saw the modified language.

In fact, no one on the committee - other than Senator Minard - knew that a deal had been cut in the hallway and what the modified language was.

Certainly we didn't know. John and Leslee and I were sitting right there, along with Julie Archer from WV CAG. The public was never told that a deal had been cut in the hallway, and never saw the modified language.

On Wednesday this week the Senate Judiciary Committee took up the oil and gas rule and an amendment by Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph) was adopted that tightened up the modified language somewhat.

As it stands now the rule reads, "All pits and impoundments shall have an impermeable synthetic liner to prevent seepage or leakage, except those pits and impoundments deemed to be suitable to prevent seepage or leakage based on soil analysis from the operator and standards developed and certified by a registered professional engineer and approved by the Office."

And as it stands now, it is no longer mandatory under the rule that all pits and impoundments use synthetic liners, as originally proposed by DEP's Office of Oil and Gas.

This is absolutely the worst breach of the legislative process I have witnessed in the years I have lobbied for WVEC.

I am totally disgusted.

And there are still almost five weeks of the Session remaining.

Meanwhile, I am taking solace that most of the legislators took off early this week to get home before the next winter storm hits. Maybe they will fill their bird feeders.

Don't you forget to fill yours.

I'm not one for telling Republicans how to run their campaigns, but if I was challenger Russ Snyder I'd see a huge opening there for a populist campaign against someone in big business' pocket. Government regulations exist to protect people from polluters, not to protect polluters.

(One might also wonder where was Gov. Joe Manchin's DEP Secretary Randy Huffman in all of this?)

WVa State Senate Races

by: Clem Guttata

Wed Feb 03, 2010 at 12:18:00 PM EST

Here's the full field for the West Virginia State Senate races. Incumbents are noted in italics.

Open Seat
Dan Greathouse (Democrat), Distict 1, from Weirton, Hancock County
Orphy Klempa (Democrat), Distict 1, from Wheeling, Ohio County
Larry Tighe (Republican), Distict 1, from Wheeling, Ohio County
Note: Edwin Bowman (D - Hancock) retired

Ronald F. (Ron) Miller (Democrat), Distict 10, from Lewisburg, Greenbrier County
John Barnes (Republican), Distict 10, from Lewisburg, Greenbrier County
Rick Romeo (Republican), Distict 10, from White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County
Philip L. Stevens (Republican), Distict 10, from Grassy Meadows, Summers County
Note: Jess O. Gulls (R - Greenbrier) retired

Robert "Bob" Beach (Democrat), Distict 13, from Morgantown, Monongalia County
Ron Justice (Democrat), Distict 13, from Morgantown, Monongalia County
Cindy Frich (Republican), Distict 13, from Morgantown, Monongalia County
Note: Michael Oliverio II  (D - Monongalia) running for WV-01

Incumbent in Primary
Tim Reed (Democrat), Distict 3, from Davisville, Wood County
Frank Deem (Republican), Distict 3, from Vienna, Wood County
David C. Nohe (Republican), Distict 3, from Vienna, Wood County

John L. Cummings (Democrat), Distict 5, from Milton, Cabell County
Evan H. Jenkins (Democrat), Distict 5, from Huntington, Cabell County
Scott "Cody" Regan (Democrat), Distict 5, from Salt Rock, Cabell County
Note: No Republican challenger

H. Truman Chafin (Democrat), Distict 6, from Williamson, Mingo County
Greg "Hootie" Smith (Democrat), Distict 6, from Williamson, Mingo County
Note: No Republican challenger

Jeff Eldridge (Democrat), Distict 7, from Harts, Lincoln County
Ron Stollings (Democrat), Distict 7, from Madison, Boone County
Note: No Republican challenger

Richard Lindsay (Democrat), Distict 8, from Charleston, Kanawha County
Richie Robb (Democrat), Distict 8, from South Charleston, Kanawha County
Erik Wells (Democrat), Distict 8, from Charleston, Kanawha County
Bob Ore (Republican), Distict 8, from Clendenin, Kanawha County

Gregory A. Tucker (Democrat), Distict 11, from Summersville, Nicholas County
C. Randy White (Democrat), Distict 11, from Webster Springs, Webster County
Adam Harris Milligan (Republican), Distict 11, from Summersville, Nicholas County

Tom Ditty (Democrat), Distict 15, from Elkins, Randolph County
Walt Helmick (Democrat), Distict 15, from Marlinton, Pocahontas County
W. Page Noe (Republican), Distict 15, from Delray, Hampshire County

Patrick Hale Murphy (Democrat), Distict 16, from Martinsburg, Berkeley County
John Unger (Democrat), Distict 16, from Martinsburg, Berkeley County
Craig Blair (Republican), Distict 16, from Martinsburg, Berkeley County

Competitive Races

Mike Green (Democrat), Distict 9, from Daniels, Raleigh County
Jim Mullins (Republican), Distict 9, from Beckley, Raleigh County

Joseph M. (Joe) Minard (Democrat), Distict 12, from Clarksburg, Harrison County
Russ Snyder (Republican), Distict 12, from Lost Creek, Harrison County

Glynis Louise Board (Democrat), Distict 14, from Reedsville, Preston County
Adam Keplinger (Democrat), Distict 14, from Belington, Barbour County
Dave Sypolt (Republican), Distict 14, from Kingwood, Preston County

Brooks McCabe (Democrat), Distict 17, from Charleston, Kanawha County
David B Hall (Mountain), Distict 17, from Pinch, Kanawha County
Charles Minimah (Republican), Distict 17, from Charleston, Kanawha County

Unopposed
Larry J. Edgell (Democrat), Distict 2, from New Martinsville, Wetzel County

Mike Hall (Republican), Distict 4, from Hurricane, Putnam County

Totals (party incumbent)
3 open seats (2 D - 1 R)
8 incumbents in primary (8 D - 0 R; 3 no R challenger)
4 multi-party competitive races (3 D - 1 R)
2 unopposed (1 D - 1 R)

The three open seats are will be important races to watch, as will some of the multi-term State Senators facing primary challengers.

What races are you watching the most closely?

Congratulations to State Senator Herb Snyder

by: Clem Guttata

Fri Nov 14, 2008 at 07:14:37 AM EST

State Senator Herb Snyder deserves our hardiest congratulations.

Not only did he just win election back to the legislature after a multi-year absence. He did so by the slimmest of margins, 200 votes. Even better--he is using his return to the spotlight to promote progressive causes.

Four years ago, Herb Snyder was an incumbent senator defeated in his party's primary after a drunken driving charge left him publicly apologizing for an alcohol problem he was struggling to control.

Sober since that arrest and on the verge of returning to the Senate, Snyder wants to use his experience as a catalyst for legislation aimed at helping addicts overcome their dependencies.

"I'm not ashamed whatsoever'' to bring up the issue, he said. "If we don't talk about the problem of addiction as a society, it's never going to improve.''

Tom Breen's article also quotes our good friend Sen. Jon Blair Hunter.

West Virginia law requires safety and treatment classes for DUI offenders seeking to get their licenses restored, but some lawmakers have raised questions about the accessibility and effectiveness of those classes.

"The so-called treatment programs we have right now are basically worthless, as far as I can tell,'' said Sen. Jon Blair Hunter.

We need even more reality-based voices of reason like Herb Synder in the West Virginia legislature.

Congratulations Herb!

W.Va. 2008 State Senate elections

by: Clem Guttata

Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 07:32:18 AM EST

W.Va. State Senate - 1st District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 2nd District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 3rd District -- 2008 Election -- Uncontested, Donna J. Boley (R), Pleasants County is only candidate
W.Va. State Senate - 4th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 5th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 6th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 7th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 8th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 9th District -- 2008 Election -- Uncontested, Richard Browning (D), Wyoming County is only candidate
W.Va. State Senate - 10th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 11th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 12th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 13th District -- 2008 Election -- Uncontested, Roman W. Prezioso, Jr. (D), Marian County is only candidate
W.Va. State Senate - 14th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 15th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 16th District -- 2008 Election
W.Va. State Senate - 17th District -- 2008 Election

Let us know if you find any errors or omissions, or if you have any additional information about candidates. Post your information as a comment in the appropriate diary, as a comment here, or email wvablue {at} gmail.com.

W.Va. 2008 State Senate election diaries

by: Clem Guttata

Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 18:59:31 PM EST

I would especially like to know of candidate websites.

I'm skipping the uncontested districts. Here's what I've got so far:

West Virginia news and notes

by: Clem Guttata

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 16:12:05 PM EST

* Morgantown and Bridgeport have new daily flights to Washington, Dulles.

* I like this bill proposed by Wyoming County State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey. If enough states sign on, it could change how we elect the President.

* Delegate Doug Reynolds, D-Cabell gives his take on the beginning of the 2008 legislative session.

* Tom Searls reports Manchin, Capito file; Bailey hopes to succeed Ireland. Mr. Searls managed to add his own inaccuracy just before quoting Capito's.

Capito, the daughter of the state's only three-term governor, announced she will stand for a fourth two-year term in the U.S. House.

"I am proud to be West Virginia's voice at the other side of the political table," she said in an announcement. "I will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats alike to create opportunities for our state, and most important I will always place the needs of West Virginians first."

So far, one Democrat, South Charleston lawyer Thornton Cooper, has filed to run against Capito. State Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley, is expected to file and has the backing of the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Capito is a member of the House committees on Financial Services and Transportation and Infrastructure. She previously served on the congressional Page Board, but quit the post when she said House leadership was not keeping members informed of happenings in the scandal-plagued program.

Capito is vying for a fifth term as a Bush-Republican. She's in the middle of her 4th term of placing the needs of the Pres. George Bush ahead of the needs of West Virginians.

Capito arrived with Bush, she should leave with him.