I'd like to see Rob Capehart run against Hechler for SOS and Jay for congress against Mollohan. 
Add Joey Childress (Coal Company President) running against Rahall and we could have a triple-whammy!
Posted on 06/01/2003 8:19:16 AM PDT by Xthe17th
Manchin joins 2004 race for governor
MEADOW BRIDGE - Joe Manchin formally took the plunge Saturday, diving into gubernatorial waters a second time and vowing to install proven leadership skills to make West Virginia "shine like no other state."
Landing by helicopter in a football field, the secretary of state hit the ground running with a few veiled shots at the Wise ad-ministration and a pledge to parlay his business and political expertise into better days.
"I'm ready," the 55-year-old Manchin exulted.
"I absolutely have a vision. I've had a clear vision my entire life. I still believe that West Virginia has the great opportunities. I know it upsets all of us when we continue to rank absolutely dead last in every good category and rank first in every bad category."
Manchin said his "blood boils" to hear Mississippi, long the nation's doormat, now boast, "Thank God for West Virginia."
"We can be better than that," he said. "I think we can shine like no other state. I know that I have the ability, and I know I have the desire to do it, to change West Virginia to make it better."
Hours earlier, Manchin ended what suspense remained by telling a gathering of county Democratic chairs in Flatwoods he would run for governor next year, prompting a roar of approval.
Manchin pledged to use the public sector to West Virginia's best advantage in helping preserve existing businesses, providing more opportunities for college training and solving the state's problems.
"I think, when you look, in three years and no one still knows where we stand on workers' compensation, and some of the problems that we have, we need to be able to do some things a little differently than what we've done in the past," he said.
"We have to basically go into the state of West Virginia, agency by agency, put a standardized accounting procedure in, put in a management style that transfers all the way through so everyone's on the same page."
Manchin said the manner in which he has directed the secretary of state's office typifies that needed style.
"It's purely based on management, knowing where you're at, setting a vision, and the style of getting it done," he said.
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Manchin, also a former state senator, sought the office in 1996, losing in the primary to Charlotte Pritt before she ultimately was upended by Republican Cecil Underwood.
In student gatherings, Manchin said, less than 10 percent tell him they believe it's possible to remain in West Virginia after graduation, but 70 to 80 percent would rather live here.
"We've just failed opportunity-wise, and I think we can change that," he said.
Workers' compensation needs an overhaul so that no company can shirk its obligation to pay premiums and no worker is denied a check for a legitimate job injury, he said.
"God forbid if you get hurt in an accident on the job, but if that happens, you should get quick payment, you should get rehabilitated and you should be able to not miss one payment, such as your house payment, or create any financial hardship on your family," he said.
"And we should be able to get you back to work as soon as possible."
Manchin said West Virginia can learn from other states mired in workers' compensation woes and find a solution that doesn't drive off existing businesses.
Privatization is an option that must be considered, he said.
"Our main responsibility is to make sure that every worker is protected, that every paycheck is sacred, and we take that into account. Then you look at everything."
Borrowing a President Bush theme, Manchin called for his own version of "No Child Left Behind," promising to erase student loans for college graduates who agree to stay in West Virginia a minimum of two to four years. If a student elects to leave, the loan would be repaid at a low interest.
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Wise has been under veiled suggestions of late to bow out, given his admission to an extramarital affair.
Manchin was adamant his campaign wouldn't make an issue of Wise's adultery, linked to a state employee.
"I have never in my life spoken about anyone's private life," he said.
But Manchin indicated he was just as determined to battle over policy matters.
"Absolutely - we'll go toe to toe," he said.
©Bluefield Daily Telegraph 2003
Then he needs to come out of the closet.
Indeed he is. It is going to be nigh on impossible for the GOP to field a candidate to his right.
Gonna make for an interesting choice for lots of folks.
Given Manchin's closet Republican status and a thus nigh impossible challenge as you say, it'd be a shame to see Rob Capehart's political efforts go to waste. However, if Rob were talked into the open SOS slot instead, that would leave Sarah Minear to be the sacrificial GOP candidate; Perfect anyway since the rest of the gubernatorial field looks as goofy as the 'Rat presidential candidates. Jay Wolfe to then round out the GOP slate for congress - 1st congressional district against Mollohan (on the tax issue!)
A win sets Jay up to have been in office at least two and hopefully four years (experience) when Rockefeller runs again in 2008 should he again choose to challenge him. Meanwhile, we'll have him in congress to support whoever goes after vulnerable Byrd in '06. My pick for that would be House Minority Leader Charles Trump, whose children may be grown enough by then for him to consider the nomination.
from WV Timeline:
March 23, 1989: Impeachment proceedings against Treasurer A. James Manchin
The loss of $231 million dollars from the State Consolidated Investment Fund in 1987 and 1988 spelled trouble for one of West Virginia's most flamboyant and enduring politicians. State Treasurer A. James Manchin left office amid charges of mismanagement.
On March 23, 1989, the House of Delegates voted to bring impeachment charges against Manchin. The House adopted a 7-page motion critical of his management practices. Manchin seemed ready to fight the charges but before the state Senate could hold a trial, he announced his retirement from 41 years in state politics. On West Virginia Day, Manchin spoke to reporters inside his Capitol office while a crowd of supporters spilled out into the hallway.
Manchin: I have prepared this letter for his excellency, the Governor of West Virginia, which reads as follows: Dear Governor Caperton, the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course and I have kept the faith. Accordingly, I will enter into retirement on my last day of service as treasurer of the state of West Virginia at 5 o'clock p.m. on July 9, 1989. I will seek the strength and guidance of Almighty God as I prepare to embark upon a new journey and to open new doors of public service which will enable me to continue loving and serving the people of this state until they lay me away on top of the hill at my beloved Farmington. May the bright morning star be a lamp unto our feet and being with sentiments and respect, I'm your public servant, A. James Manchin.
A. James Manchin first entered public life in 1948 as a member of the House of Delegates from Marion County. He helped organize John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential primary campaign in West Virginia and Kennedy returned the favor by naming Manchin state director of the Farmers Home Administration. In the 1970s, Manchin gained national notoriety as the head of the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP), a statewide effort to get rid of junked cars. He served two terms as secretary of state and was twice elected state treasurer.
Manchin maintained his innocence regarding the Consolidated Investment Fund. In 1990, former Associate Treasurer Arnold Margolin pleaded guilty to two felony charges that he gave false information to the fund's investors.
Mollohan can be beat. Let him be complacent while Jay Wolfe has a strong grassroots network already in place there.
I'd like to see Rob Capehart run against Hechler for SOS and Jay for congress against Mollohan. Add Joey Childress (Coal Company President) running against Rahall and we could have a triple-whammy!
I sat on Jay's front porch for a couple of hours a little over a week ago and discussed these issues. Rest assured, he will do the right thing. He is one of the most thoughtful men I've ever met...and he is weighing his options very carefully.
I agree. He is ripe for the plucking.
Very good to know. Keep FR updated.
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