Who Would Have Predicted This

As the National Presidential political winds blow so do ours in West Virginia. The long campaign and subsequent early commitments by many prominent Republican Party officials and office holders has made for an unanticipated situation by many in our State. As a result of Mike Huckabee's recent surge, many who have gotten on board with a candidate early now find themselves in a dilemma, stay with someone falling in the polls or go with someone else. As the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries come and go the momentum will focus on one or two individuals as will contributions.

As the West Virginia GOP Convention approaches it's still any body's guess who will win the 18 Delegates to the Republican National Convention that will be up for grabs on 5 February 2008, Tsunami Tuesday as it is being called this time. Starting 1 January and continuing through the 14th, West Virginia Republicans will be electing delegates to our State Convention. Once this process is completed a list of elected delegates will then provide a much clearer picture of the distribution of delegates that will actually take part on the 5th of February.

I remained uncommitted until after the completion of county delegate registration on 30 November, I then officially went with Huckabee. I have been assisting his efforts since October, for those of you who like to browse through Federal Candidate Campaign filings, but chose to remain uncommitted until the filing closed.

I hope the best man wins, for our sake. The Democrats will bring up everything they can on whoever wins, so as painful as some of this is to watch we need a winner that can withstand this and more from the left and win in November.

Merry Christmas to All

Divided We Fall

Ron (President Reagan) said there would be times like this.

Groups hope to give push to GOP

New club in Town

It was just a few short months ago when myself and others were lectured about how divisive and counter productive so called groups and organizations like this are to the "team" effort by many of those who are now actively involved in these outfits.

Elections are held every four years and party leadership is chosen by the voters, for better or for worse. We have a State Executive Committee that consists of 150 + members from virtually every walk of life that were elected to do a job. This State Committee includes ALL 55 Republican County Chairman and many of our elected State and local Representatives. If they truly need this much outside assistance then we have much deeper problems than our debt.

The Democtrats must be enjoying this.

"You help me, I'll help you".

Shaffer files precandidacy for assessor position

There are so many things about this that must be said, and will be. We deserve no less!

BREAKDOWN

Three Bomb Threats Prompt Dismissal of PHS
PHS Bomb Threats Cancel Some Homecoming Events
No Bomb, But No Homecoming, Either
PHS cancels homecoming parade
Students question postponing dance
Bomb threats close Parkersburg High
Another Bomb Threat at PHS
PHS Dismisses School on Monday After More Threats
PHS Student Reactions to Threats
PHS Students Head Back to Class
PHS enacts strict rules after bomb threats
Bomb Threats Create Problems At 911 Center
Officials discuss recent threats
PHS Back to School...Without a Threat
More bomb threats at PHS
BREAKING NEWS: Bomb threat at PSHS
Parkersburg South Threat Procedure
Parkersburg South Principal Speaks Out About Bomb Threat
Bomb threat at South
Bomb Threat at Parkersburg South High School
Parkersburg South H.S. Given "All Clear"
Students, parents adjust to increased security at PHS
Increased security slows start of day at PHS
Wood County BOE Reactions
Somebody should try to slap my hands.
Two arrested in connection with bomb threats
Two arrested in bomb threats
If these kids had committed a "tobacco violation" their names would be "on the record"
City offers $10,000 reward
Two Bomb Threat Arrests
WTAP, Worst Television Any Place continues editorializing the news. "15 year old Man arrested" according to Daybreak
$10,000 Dollar Reward Established
Location of Wednesday PHS Bomb Threat Call Released
Youths won’t be tried as adults

Large Bureaucracies have a difficult time with situations like this. Some folks are finding out for the first time how little say they have over their children when dealing with the public education system. It's a shame to see how many folks are using this as an opportunity to lecture others on how everyone should respond to this type of situation. Parents and some Administrators are choosing sides and publicly chastising parents who exercise personal control over their children, while others are shamelessly using this to get face time and tell us how we should live.

What can we realistically expect though from an organization who only strives to graduate 80%, and less than half of those make it to college. Some kids fall through the cracks, while others are forced out the holes. The saying: the more things change, the more they stay the same certainly applies here, it just cost more and more every year. Thankfully, we in Wood County have options when it comes to this mess.

Who REALLY Represents You

Fun and Enlightening exercise forwarded to me by a local political friend.

http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

If you want to know how mine came out, email me with your results and I will share mine.

This Democrat Wants to be Your President

A Picture is Worth a Thousands Words

Hillary With a Crook

Hillary With A Patriot and Hero

The Chair Speaks

Political fighting hurts troops

In Jean Grapes’ letter of Sept. 9, she wrote, “The election of 2008 must not be about emotional or moral issues, even though they are important.” You will always find emotional and moral issues when you contemplate the governing of our nation, as did our founding fathers. Morals, values, principles and ethics play an important role in our electoral process. Republicans and Democrats alike have not adhered to the above. I am not happy about that, as I am sure the Democrats are not appreciative of their own who have fallen from grace.

As to Walt Auvil’s letter of Sept. 16, bringing our entire troops home is his solution. MoveOn.org along with the aid of media outlets portrayed Gen. Petraeus as a liar and a betrayer. His character assassination was of epic proportion. Neither letter gave an alternative. Everyone can have an opinion; the kicker is to come up with a workable solution. A viable alternative has not come from the national Democrat Party or its leadership in Congress.

I have never seen hatred for a man as projected toward President George W. Bush from various media outlets and books. No doubt this will bring a hailstorm of responses from both sides of the aisle. When entering the military an individual swears allegiance to the commander in chief. In an effort not to jeopardize my progeny’s military mission, let me say I am more aware of what is at stake for our men and women. I would get a little heated over the messages that were being sent to our men and women. Then I would hear, “Don’t forget, Mom, I am fighting for their freedoms, too.” I do not know if I could be as gracious.

Media outlets have gone from reporting the news as it happens to making the news then reporting on it. Making a decision from information provided by the media is a thing of the past. The integrity of some of our media outlets has come into question. The phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” was never meant to have evolved to this. I believe all media outlets have a responsibility to report the news truthfully, without bias .

Beverly G. Lockhart, Parkersburg

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beverly Lockart is chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee.

Registration Update

Update on the voter Registration in Wood County:

Republican: 21597

Democrat: 21621

Also you can take another one from the D and put it under the R. I was checking on an individual who I had helped him and his wife switch a few months ago and he had not been properly updated in the system, imagine that! So that brings the difference to 22.

Many of us remember when we were 2500+ behind just a few short years ago. Something is happening that the local media is ignoring, we Republicans just aren't as much out of public favor as some would like you to believe.

*If you know someone who has switched registration please follow-up and ask them if they received a new Voter Registration Card from the County Clerk. That's how I caught this one.*

I'm Speechless...for now

Hoppy's Commentary For Friday

--State Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney confesses he would vote for Democratic State Supreme Court Justice Spike Maynard in the General Election if there were only one Republican on the ballot. Two seats are open in 2008. McKinney adds that fellow Republicans may “throw me out of the party for that, but you have to give the guy his due.” McKinney says “history will prove him to be the best Supreme Court Justice West Virginia has ever had.”

My thoughts: Maybe our Chairman will prove to be a great prognosticator.

The Rumors are True

Fred Thompson campaign announces state director for West Virginia

An exciting challenge and a change of pace

"Naturally, these new duties require me to sever my official ties with the state party and the state GOP convention."

"My biggest hope is that Republicans in West Virginia can come through this process without creating bitterness or divisiveness, and that we all rally enthusiastically behind the eventual nominee."

Gary Abernathy

My thoughts: I haven't really decided what I think about the way things are beginning to play out here in West Virginia with the change to a convention, but let me say it is starting to remind me of intra-squad scrimmages back in my football days. Most of us couldn't wait to play the opposing team and really put it to them, but then there were always a handful of individuals that just loved to show off for the coach and beat up on one another. We have ten teams choosing up sides within our own larger team. I hope everyone makes it through practice and to the real contest in November.

Cut and Run Crowd Wrong!

Neville Chamberlain was wrong in 1938 and so are the cut and run crowd in 2007.

The head of the Wood County Democrat Committee is on a long rampage again in yet another letter, this one in the September 9th paper. She even quoted one of the great 20th century "intellectuals" Pat Buckhannon and the loser John Kerry.

I supported President Bush in 2000 and 2004 and still do! I can only count our blessings that the challenges of the last six years were not faced by the likes of Gore or Kerry! The President made mistakes, so did other war presidents--Washington, Lincoln, FDR, et al. War is not only hell it is also almost unmanageable. I took Military Science and always thought it was an oxymoron.

The President is fighting the Islamo-Fascists on all fronts he can (and where the Dems don't block him). The primary job of the Federal Government is National Defense. Practically everything else should be left to the local governments and the people.

Al-Qaeda is our enemy, not President Bush. Wake up or we'll all be in deep doo doo, Madam Chairman! What chutzpah by the Dem chair to write her letter the week of 9-11.

Allen Ross
Parkersburg

Bush PR can’t alter Iraq facts

Will the local GOP folks elected to represent the Party please respond!

Walt Auvil is the Chairman of the Wood County Democrat Executive Committee, which the News conveniently omitted. The time for hand holding and singing in Wood County is over, we need ACTION. We on the Wood County Republican Executive Committee need to wake up, before we measure our losses at the ballot box in a few short months.

Bush PR can’t alter Iraq facts

On Sept. 10, Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, began delivering his much-ballyhooed report to Congress and the nation of the state of the “surge” in Iraq and his view of the way forward there. Except—as usual with this administration—the whole thing was a stage-managed fraud, cooked up by the Bush PR machine. A fraud most major media outlets echo and perpetuate.

If only Bush’s opponents in Iraq were as spineless, toothless and gullible as the major U.S. media we would have achieved “mission accomplished” there long ago. Iraqis—and our troops—however have the misfortune to largely be in Iraq—outside the convenient bubble of unreality surrounding the U.S.

The Iraq they live in has lost 2.5 million of its citizens—refugees from the violence, of whom less than a thousand have been accepted into the U.S. Two million more have been “internally displaced,” which means driven from their homes by ethnic cleansing and/or U.S. attacks, but lacking the means to escape the country. Thirty percent of equipment the U.S. has issued to Iraqi “security forces” is unaccounted for, including 110,000 AK47 assault rifles and 80,000 pistols. And, 655,000 Iraqis are dead due to the violence as of mid-summer 2007.

Despite the fact one in every $10 spent by the U.S. government is spent on Iraq (approximate total projected bill of $1 trillion; $200,000 a minute) Baghdad “enjoys” approximately 1-2 hours a day of electricity (with heat not less than 100 degrees during the summer). There were four complete nationwide blackouts during July. Of 17 major power lines to Baghdad, two are operating. Two-thirds of all Iraqis have no access to clean drinking water.

No amount of PR can alter the facts for those living in Iraq. The cost of deploying a U.S. soldier in Iraq is $390,000 a year. The cost in human suffering for our troops, Iraqis and the families of both is incalculable. And one more: The cost of bringing a U.S. soldier home is $627.80.

Walt Auvil -- Parkersburg

*My thoughts: I'm actually disappointed with Walter. This diatribe could have been concocted from any Moveon.org piece of propaganda. Walt is beginning to sound like a George Soros clone.

Local Leaders Silent

Taint of scandal is damaging GOP

Where is the Party....Who Speaks for us!

And for those who thought that the event in the City Park was just a friendly thing to do, I give you Joe Delong. After the Democrat organized party building event in the City Park that was well attended by local Republicans and Democrats I'm sure Joe feels very welcome and embolden in Wood County. It would have been great if Wood County could have found a candidate to run when Betty steps down, instead we are rolling out the red carpet for her replacement!

Local Democrats (and others) come out Swinging for '08

Bob Gould's passing a shock to WV GOP & Dems

Sen. Donna Boley, a longtime Gould friend and supporter, told The Associated Press, "He was just a good friend, an intelligent guy, very politically astute."

Complete story at Republican Gazette

Huntington Herald-Dispatch

BOB GOULD

THE 3RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT 2ND ANNUAL PICNIC

SENATOR DONNA BOLEY AND JACK BOLEY

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO

THE 3RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT 2ND ANNUAL PICNIC

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007

FROM 4:00 TO 8:00 P.M.

AT THEIR CAMP SITE SITUATED IN
FRIENDLY, TYLER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

Pleasants County, Wood County, Roane County, Wirt County and Tyler County Republican Executive Committee Members and Spouses, as well as, County Republican Women Organizations and Spouses, or a friend, are all invited:

To attend, The 3rd Senatorial District 2nd Annual Picnic, to be held at the Camp site of Donna Boley and her husband, Jack Boley, in Friendly, Tyler County, West Virginia (see directions below).

We have invited back this year John and Liz Raese, and Chris and Jeannette Wakim and both couples will be in attendance.

Also, an invitation will be extended to include the following Incumbents and their Spouses: 3rd Senatorial District – Senator J. Frank Deem, Wood County, 6th Delegate District – Delegate Wm. Roger Romine, Tyler County, 7th Delegate District – Delegate Lynwood “Woody” Ireland, Ritchie County, 8th Delegate District – Delegate Bill Anderson, Wood County, 9th Delegate District – Delegate Larry Border, Wood County, 10th Delegate District - Delegate Tom Azinger and Delegate John Ellem, Wood County, and 11th Delegate District – Delegate Bob Ashley, Roane County.

Donna and Jack Boley will furnish the hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as, the buns, drinks, eating utensils, paper products, etc., and all you are asked to bring is your favorite covered dish – such as a dessert, bake beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, etc., and please bring lawn chairs. They have two grills set up on the pavilion and this event will proceed rain or shine.

Please R.S.V.P., no later than Thursday, August 23, 2007, and let us know whether or not you will be attending, how many and what you will be bringing, by contacting either Beverly G. Lockhart, Wood County Republican Executive Committee – Chair, at (304) 424-7041, or e-mail her at bgl49@earthlink.net, and/or Senator Donna Boley, Pleasants County Republican Executive Committee – Chair, at (304) 684-3266, or e-mail her at donnaboley@suddenlink.net.

We look forward to fellowship with you, trading ideas, looking towards the future in 2008 and building for a greater tomorrow in the Republican Party. This promises to be a great time for all, so please give us a call and tell us you are coming.

NOTE: IF POSSIBLE PLEASE CAR POOL – LIMITED PARKING.

Directions: Go North on Route 2 – through St. Marys (Pleasants County) – to Friendly, Tyler County, WV. As you exit Friendly (Tyler County) watch on your left – you will see a closed Church. Turn towards the River at the Church, and go across the railroad tracks – turn right – go to Lot No. 27 – (Jack and Donna Boley).

No Hino Deal for Fenton! Pay up or Sell!

Fenton Glass owes $230K in back taxes

Officials with tax office said the business has until Nov. 13 to pay the real estate taxes owed or risk the property being put up for sale by the county. The personal property tax owed would be handled by the Wood County Assessor’s Office and the state.

“Cash has been utilized for more current needs, such as labor and material costs, and we are continuing to work on restructuring”said George Fenton, president of Fenton Art Glass.

Wow, so we are going to sell Fenton to pay for HINO. I would think with all the breaks that Toyota was given there ought to be something that Wood County can do for Fenton, other than sell their facility to the highest bidder. Sure wouldn't want this to happen on my watch if I were an Elected Official. Not a real resume builder or something that folks forget easily.

I will be posting more on this tragedy as it develops.

Stockholm syndrome in our Legislature

Is there a Stockholm syndrome for politicians?

The more I talk with some of our Republicans, the more I am convinced of the existence of such an affliction.

West Virginia Regains Familiar Position

Governor disappointed by state rank

"West Virginia is ranked at the bottom of Forbes Magazine’s list of the best states to do business. The list put out recently ranked the Mountain State 50th on its annual list, dropping one spot from last year to now trail Louisiana."

Even the worst disaster to hit Louisiana since the War of Northern Aggression (Civil War) couldn't keep them in our spot for long. As I have said for many years now, West Virginia has three possibilities to get out of the bottom and stay there.

• Puerto Rico becomes our 51st State


• We are reunified with the Commonwealth of Virginia


• A sustained Republican takeover of the three branches of State government

Local Republicans Speak Out

Ireland to leave office in 2009

Rocky Peck, who was chairman of the Wood County Republican Party during the 2004 campaign, said Ireland was to be a player in future Republican Party politics.

If Gov. Joe Manchin either runs for the U.S. Senate or appoints himself to replace Sen. Bob Byrd when a vacancy occurs, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., would run for governor and Ireland would run for Congress, Peck said. Another possibility was she could run for state Senate for the seat held by Vic Sprouse, R-Kanawha, who isn’t running for re-election, he said.

‘‘That’s kind of been the rumors,’’ Peck said.


Bob Fish of Wood County, a vice president of the West Virginia Republican Party, cited Ireland’s service and respects her decision for personal reasons..

‘‘I think Betty has done an outstanding job as secretary of state,’’ he said.

New Williamstown Lions Club President

Congratulations to Lenny & Linda Rabatin. Lenny is a former Vice Chairman of the Wood County Republican Executive Committee and served for many productive and prosperous years with his wife Linda. The Lions Club gain is our loss.

Lenny and Linda still live in Williamstown, not Vienna as stated in this article.