West Virginia Politics

LAWRENCE MESSINA Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. Democrat Earl Ray Tomblin edged a Republican newcomer in West Virginia's special election for governor, suggesting the state's recent economic gains mattered more to voters here than an unpopular sitting president of the same party — barely. But the barrage of attack ads targeting Tomblin, the acting governor, likely tightened his race with businessman Bill Maloney in the final weeks. Maloney...Read Full Story

Jindal, Sanford top the list From Eric Dondero: Cato is out with their annual list of most fiscally conservative governors in the U.S. right on time 1 month before the election. Their simple grading system: The governors are graded on their fiscal performance from a limited-government perspective. The governors receiving an “A” are those who cut taxes and spending the most, while the governors receiving an “F” raised taxes and spending the most. There were not many surprises. Republicans...Read Full Story

"Sensitive nature of the investigation" by Clifford F. Thies Democratic Gov. Manchin - one of those "conservative Democrats" - may have thought he'd be a shoo-in in the special election to complete the late Bobby Byrd's Senate term; but, now comes word of a scandal in the state government under investigation by the Department of Justice that might lead to his office. Whether or not the Governor is a party of interest in the investigation, it's kind of pathetic for the Governor of a state to...Read Full Story

by Clifford F. Thies West Virginia will indeed have an election to choose the fill-in for the late Senator Robert Byrd. As of today (Thursday, the 22nd, with filing continuing through 5 pm tomorrow), candidates include Governor Joe Manchin on the Democratic side and businessman John R. Raese on the Republican side. Two other Democrats and three other Republicans have also filed, meaning that each party will determine its nominee in the special primary to be held in August. As prognosticated...Read Full Story

Before it was Cool... sort of like Country Music From Eric Dondero: Businessman John Raese is locked in a tight race with Governor Joe Manchin for the open Senate seat from West Virginia. The latest poll has him 3 points ahead. And it is the WV seat that could prove to be the magic 50 for the GOP. In a recent interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Raese made a statement sure to please libertarians and other fiscal conservatives. From CNN (via HotAir Pundit ): Raese: I was a West Virginia...Read Full Story