Those of you thinking the session will be a peaceful one had better think again. If the first debate of the session is any indicator, the Democrats are back to the same old rancor as before.

On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin (D-Mingo) rose to praise the “Democratic Governor,” “Democratic Legislature” and his “Democratic colleagues” for what they did last year — all of which he emphasized were Democrats. He must have said “Democrat” ten times in five sentences.

Senator Barnes (R-Randolph) then stood up and pointed out the fact that last year the legislature enacted laws agreeing with nine points in the West Virginia Republican Party platform. The witty Senator then said he looked forward to working with both sides to enact the remaining goals.

Touché.

I had previously thought the legislature would be quiet given the fact that this is an election year, but all indicators say to get ready for a slugfest.

Is that a bad thing? Certainly not. The friction is the direct result of a two party system. Whether the Democrats or Republicans are in the majority, there needs to be a healthy and vibrant minority to keep everyone honest.

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Each year the minority office gets two additional employees and an intern to help with the needs of the minority Senators. We are blessed to have great help this year.

Those acquainted with West Virginia blogs will be familiar with Roman Stauffer, owner of West Virginians for a Republican Majority. Our other staffer is Josh Gross, a graduate of Wesleyan and an active volunteer in the party. Our intern is Marshall student Richie Parsons. Those of you who speed through Charleston are probably familiar with his dad, “Radar Rick” as the Gazette calls him, who handed out an excess of 3,000 speeding tickets in one year.

During the session, the ratio of Republican employees and interns to Democratic employees and interns in the Senate (not counting the Clerk’s staff) is approximately 17 to 51 or 3 to 1.