“Meir”ed in controversy
I have never seen such backstabbing by rank-and-file Republicans as I have in Harriet Mier’s nomination. Before conservatives knew anything about her, they loaded the shotgun and gave her both barrels. With such opposition from the right, the Democrats do not have to do anything; they can just sit back and watch the Republican hit the panic button.

In politics, you appeal to the common denominator. For evangelicals, her Christianity is a selling point. Do not be surprised when James Dobson quotes Rove as saying she is an evangelical. It speaks to fellow Christians but practically means nothing.

My barbershop – which is rarely wrong – is okay with Miers. The blue collar worker wants to see how the confirmation hearings go.

Luck o’ the Irish?
The cacophony of the week around here is whether Betty Ireland will run against Senator Robert Byrd. She has been pounded with calls from all sides with advice on what to do. Everyone take a big breath…now exhale. Feel better?

People love Robert Byrd, but Betty Ireland is a charmer. She is very nice, personable, intelligent, but deep inside she has a will of steel. I think she can win. Sources say she is seriously considering her options and that we will hear something soon.

Next time, don’t be so stupid
Democrats are ticked by the news coverage over their memo threatening to fire Senator Sprouse’s employees. They did not want Scott Finn of the Gazette to write anything about it.

Wishing him all the best
Ben Beakes has been inundated with calls since Gary Abernathy’s announcement. He is certainly smiling bigger these days.

Who is Richie Robb?
Successful Mayor? Yes.
Devoted to West Virginia? Yes.
Pleasant personality? Yes.
Republican? No.
A little late with the letter? Yes.

Song issues
It seems every time I set my iPod Mini to shuffle, I hear “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver. Not that I mind, but it is spooky.

Speaking of songs, I recently discovered the song “I’m Driving Down Highway 40 In My Big Ol’ Pickup Truck” by Brak. Now it won’t get out of my head.