Democrats vote against their own bill
Feb28
In a move clearly proving their hypocrisy, the Democrats voted against their own bill to provide all West Virginians with a reduction in the state income tax. The Republicans called the bluff of the so-called party of the workingman and proved that the Democrat’s bills are not written to pass, but to garner votes for the upcoming election.
Democrats do not want marriage protected
Feb20
You have doubtless heard of how the House Republicans tried to move the “Marriage Protection Amendment” (HJR 102) out of committee. For those of you who did not, last Thursday the Republicans used parliamentary procedures in the House chambers to force a vote to get the resolution defining marriage as between a man and a woman out of its first committee reference. All they needed was a simple majority, but unfortunately they did not get it despite additional votes from four brave Democrats.
McKenzie says no to Attorney General, yes to constitution
Feb16
Senate Republican Minority Whip Andy McKenzie (R-Ohio) gave a resounding speech on the floor today, rebuking the Attorney General Darrell McGraw for his broad reach of power and calling for the Senate Democratic leadership to restore their constitutional boundaries.
West Virginia closed for business to Wal-Mart
Feb15
One of the dumbest ideas the Democrats have had this session is the “Wal-Mart bill.” The unions created this bill because the employees of Wal-Mart voted against becoming unionized. Those Democrat Senators up for reelection who desperately need the union vote, especially Senator Jenkins, have practically fallen over themselves in support of this egregious bill.
It would require employers with 10,000 or more employees to devote at least 8% of their payroll to employees’ health care costs. Since Wal-Mart is the only business in West Virginia with over 10,000 employees, it is easy to see who is in the Democrats crosshairs.
Democrats keep prison gates open
Feb14
The Senate dealt with a bill yesterday that amended some provisions regarding the parole board. Republican Senator Russ Weeks attempted to amend the bill to keep dangerous criminals in prison, but the Democrats would have none of it.
The difference between Republicans and Democrats
Feb9
The capitol was a lesson in the differences between Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday. While Republicans argued for tax relief in their morning press conference, Democrats debated a bill that would dramatically increase taxes in the most asinine manner.
Shindigs and bigwigs
Feb3
When the legislators and lobbyists descend upon Charleston for the legislative session, it means one thing: parties and receptions every night. For 60 straight nights, there is no reason anyone in the capitol should pay for his or her own supper. If you aren’t invited to the event, all you have to do is confidently walk past the registration table and you are in.
Since this is an election year, the number of parties per night doubles as does the lobbyists and the number of legislators hobnobbing.
Book review: Black in the White House by Ron Christie
Feb1
Have you ever wished you could participate in the private day-to-day life of the White House and attend meetings with the president or vice president and have them ask for your opinion? The chances of that ever happening to us are very slim, but we can experience the feeling vicariously through Ron Christie. In the book, Black in the White House, Christie shares intimate moments of the executive branch and gives us an acute sense of what it was like.
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