Press Releases
WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?
Acting Governor, House Leaders Protecting Redistricting Documents
Stuart Says “If There Is Nothing To Hide, Turn Over The Documents”
WVGOP Heading To Court To Enforce FOIA Request
CHARLESTON, WV – On August 25th, the West Virginia Republican Party provided a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request to Tomblin and House leaders. Tomblin signed the House redistricting bill into law on Friday, September 2nd, and the same day the FOIA request was rejected. Letters were issued by the Clerk of the State Senate and counsel to the House of Delegates claiming blanket immunity to the FOIA request and no documents whatsoever were provided.
“What are they hiding?" asked Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Senate President Tomblin and Legislative Democrat leaders have chosen to improperly hide redistricting documents from the public to cover-up their conduct in the redistricting fiasco. Tomblin talks about transparency but he and his friends are now orchestrating a cover-up of essential documents to prevent the public from knowing the truth.”
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REDISTRICTING PROCESS IS JOKE WITH PRE-DETERMINED OUTCOME
Stuart Says Process For Redistricting Inexcusable Sham
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia House of Delegates today scheduled a public hearing for a bill that does not yet exist. At around 12:15pm, House of Delegates leadership announced a public hearing for 5:00pm, notice barely more than four hours in length.
“Ruse, sham, joke, charade, façade – all those terms work to describe the House leadership and its process for redistricting. The process being used for redistricting by House leadership is a literal sham and, frankly, inexcusable," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “House leadership has absolutely no intent to enact single-member districts. No maps. A public hearing announced a mere few hours in advance. This is a grand insult to all West Virginians.”
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SPEAKER THOMPSON CANNOT TELL THE TRUTH
Speaker Thompson Claims to Support Transparency, but Refuses to Share Drafts of Redistricting Maps
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia House of Delegates today scheduled a public hearing for a bill that does not yet exist. At around 12:15pm, the Democrats announced the public hearing for 5:00pm. Such a late announcement ensures as little attendance as possible from voters that support Single-Member Districts, and if you live in the Eastern Panhandle, it would be impossible to attend the public hearing at all.
“In the Charleston Daily Mail on Monday, December 11, 2006, then Delegate Rick Thompson is quoted as saying, ‘I believe the more you discuss issues in committees or on the floor or by questions or debate, the better product that you have and that’s what I want’," said Chad Holland, Executive Director of the West Virginia Republican Party. “I call on Speaker Thompson to abide by his own words. I call on Speaker Thompson to release to the public the draft map that the Democrats have been keeping secret. I call on Speaker Thompson to give the people what the Speaker claims he supports...time for discussion, debate and questions regarding the Democrats redistricting maps.”
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MCKINLEY, CAPITO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR ECONOMY/NATION
Rahall Again Votes to Support Obama; Manchin & Rockefeller Have Only Rhetoric
CHARLESTON, W.V. – Today, the House of Representatives passed a historic deficit reduction plan without the support of a single Democrat to raise the debt limit and begin to control government spending.
“Congressman McKinley and Congresswoman Capito have once again displayed tremendous leadership and courage by supporting a deficit reduction plan that begins to control government spending without raising taxes," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “West Virginia is fortunate to have two great leaders in Congress.”
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HOUSE COMMITTEE FAÇADE FOR STATUS QUO
Tomblin Refuses To Lead & Needs To State Veto Intentions
CHARLESTON, W.V. – For only the second time since its formation, the House of Delegates Select Committee on Redistricting met yesterday in Charleston to discuss redistricting. Majority Leader Brent Boggs, D-Braxton, who is leading the committee, has said he doubts West Virginia lawmakers will approve a plan to go to 100 single-member districts. Currently, the Mountain State has 23 multi-member districts in the House and 17 multi-member districts in the Senate. Only two states have more multi-member districts than West Virginia and the 30th District is the largest multi-member delegate district per capita in the nation.
“It is clear that the House Committee is a mere façade to maintain multi-member districts in West Virginia. House Democrat leaders are merely going through the motions pretending to care about the best interests of the public. Earl Ray Tomblin refuses to provide leadership on the issue," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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TOMBLIN & LEGISLATURE SHOULD MOVE WV PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
Stuart Says Tomblin Should Request Legislative Action To Protect WV Interests
CHARLESTON, W.V. – As presently in effect, West Virginians play little to no role in selecting the Democrat and Republican nominees for President of the United States. West Virginia is currently near the end of the line when selecting its choice for President of the United States. In 2012, at least thirty-six states are scheduled to pick their Presidential candidate before Mountain State voters will head to the polls on May 8, 2012. Since the modern day primary began, the May primary in West Virginia has rarely played any meaningful role in selecting the Presidential nominees.
“It is time to move up the WV Presidential Primary to ensure that West Virginians have more say in picking the presidential nominees," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “We owe it to our coal miners and West Virginia families to ensure that the issues that are critical and unique to the future of West Virginia are reflected in the selection of a President of the United States.”
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SEN. MANCHIN TALKS LIKE A MODERATE, BUT HE CHOOSES LEFT-WING LIBERALS TO LEAD HIM IN THE US SENATE
“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts” John Locke
CHARLESTON, W.V. – Our economy is failing. Our jobs are disappearing. Our National Debt is exploding. What do “Washington Joe” and his chosen leadership in the US Senate propose to do? Believe it or not, they are calling for yet another “stimulus.” You read that right…”Washington Joe’s” leaders want to spend more money we don’t have.
“Sen. Manchin chose Democratic leaders in the US Senate whose policies led to 9.1% unemployment. They lost 1.9 Million jobs in the past 15 months. They added $3.7 Trillion to the National Debt in the past 2 ½ years pushing the current National Debt over $14.3 Trillion. And the only solution they can offer is…wait for it…spending more money we don’t have,” said Chad Holland, Executive Director of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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VOTER APATHY RESULT OF DEMOCRATS FAILED RECORD AND PLAYING POLITICAL GAMES
Stuart SaysTurnout Low Because Process Has Turned Off Voters
CHARLESTON, WV - Early voting turnout for the 2011 Special Primary for Governor has thus far been behind even the poor turnout of the Special Election for the United States Senate Election of 2010. It is possible that the twelve percent turnout from that election could exceed the final turnout for the election of the next Governor of West Virginia.
“On the eve of an historic election for Governor, only a small percentage of voters have even cast a ballot," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “It is easy to understand voters’ apathy. The Democrats over-politicized the election process and engaged in political shenanigans that have turned off voters.”
“Joe Manchin started this bungled process and his Democrat friends in Charleston have continued it. The moment Joe Manchin chose to leave his post before the end of his term, all the Democrat “Joe Manchin wannabes” began to play extreme games of “who’s in charge.” Voters have become completely fed up with the process and the clear political games being played,” said Stuart.
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STATE SHOULD SUSPEND GASOLINE TAX FOR SUMMER
Stuart Says State Spending Excessive and Priorities Misplaced
CHARLESTON, WV – Fuel prices in West Virginia and across the nation are skyrocketing and the traditional higher gas price season is yet to arrive. The demand for gas typically spikes during the summer, when most families plan vacation. Holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are also key travel times during the summer.
“Fuel prices are surging with no end in sight," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “I am calling on Tomblin and the Legislature to temporarily suspend, or at a minimum reduce, the gasoline tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The action would directly benefit working families during the summer season who have to pay for gasoline to get to work and for family activities. After the spending binge of this past Legislative session, it is the least that can be done to help West Virginia families.”
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WV REDISTRICTING SHOULD BE DONE IN THE OPEN
Single Member Districts Critical To Accountability
CHARLESTON, WV – Redistricting of political boundaries occurs ever ten years in West Virginia as it does in every other state in the country. Unfortunately, in West Virginia the redistricting process is not done by an impartial commission and is traditionally done by the political leadership without transparency or participation of the public.
“Redistricting only occurs once every ten years and is critical to process of electing our representatives and governing our state," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “It is critical that redistricting in 2011 be done in the open, with transparency, and with public able to participate in the process. It is not acceptable for the politicians to draw political boundaries behind closed doors and to force their plan down our throats solely to save their jobs.”
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PROBLEMS APPARENT IN MORGANTOWN ELECTION
Stuart Says Election By Mail Problematic On Multiple Fronts
CHARLESTON, WV – For the first time in the history of West Virginia, an election is being conducted with “mail-in” ballots. Unfortunately, multiple ballots are being mailed to households, deceased and former residents are receiving ballots, and because of the requirement that each ballot be signed, the sanctity of the secret ballot is compromised. Secretary of State Natalie Tennant has indicated that the program may be rolled out statewide despite the apparent problems with the process.
“The process of allowing for an election by mail in Morgantown was ill-conceived and will result in an election for which the results are uncertain and unreliable," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “We have literally received dozens of calls from citizens in Morgantown that are terribly concerned about the legitimacy of the election process."
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOVERNOR MOORE
Stuart Encourages Citizens To Send Cards, Well Wishes To Former Governor
CHARLESTON, WV – Former Governor Arch Moore will celebrate his 88th birthday on Saturday, April 16. The former Governor is the only person in the history of West Virginia to serve three terms.
“Governor Arch Moore is a beloved figure to all West Virginians," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Governor Moore was a remarkable leader, an historic figure, and was directly responsible for some of the greatest periods of growth in the history of West Virginia. Governor Moore’s lifetime achievements are truly legendary.”
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THOMPSON MISLEADING PUBLIC ABOUT FOOD TAX
Stuart Says Speaker Thompson Record, Not Rhetoric, Should Guide Voters
CHARLESTON, WV – Rick Thompson, Speaker of the House of Delegates and candidate for Governor, is running television commercials touting his desire to eliminate the state sales tax on food. Thompson, however, has personally blocked attempts on numerous occasions by Republicans to eliminate the food tax, most recently in the 2011 legislative session.
“Rick Thompson’s memory must be failing him regarding the food tax," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Thompson could have eliminated the food tax but for years he has blocked every Republican attempt to do so. If Rick Thompson is willing to eliminate the food tax as Governor, why won’t he do so as Speaker of the House?”
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WVGOP CHAIR TO DELIVER LETTER FROM TOMBLIN TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT
STATE GOP CHAIR HEADED TO TAIWAN TODAY
CHARLESTON, WV – Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, leaves for Taiwan today on an eight day mission as part of a ten member national delegation from the RNC. The trip is sponsored and coordinated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) and will include visits with government and industry leaders of the island nation. Stuart will hand deliver a letter to Taiwan's President from Senate President acting as Governor Tomblin.
“I am looking forward to representing the people of West Virginia in Taiwan as we visit with the nation’s leadership and work to strengthen ties between our nations,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “International trade and international partners are critical to rebuilding West Virginia and I intend to strongly assure Taiwan’s leadership that West Virginia can be a wonderful partner in the growth of both our economies.”
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THE “TOMBLIN BILL” SIGNED INTO LAW
GIVING AWAY $100 MILLION
Tomblin Close Friends With Gambling Industry And Lobbyists Behind SB550
CHARLESTON, WV – The “Tomblin Bill” was signed into law today by Senate President acting as Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. The bill gives the state’s largest casino operators $100 million of taxpayer money to buy new equipment and upgrade facilities owned by the casino operators. Tomblin has a long history in the gambling industry through family businesses and is very close friends with the lobbyists that represent the casino industry in West Virginia.
“Today the Senate President acting as Governor signed into law the “Tomblin Bill” to give away $100 million of taxpayer dollars with no strings attached to the multi-billion companies that control and own casinos in West Virginia and the out-of-state competition," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Tomblin has been a very good friend to the gambling industry and the lobbyists that drove the legislation to passage. It is sad but not surprising that Tomblin continues to deliver the goods to the gambling industry. I am sure the stockholders of the casino operators are very happy today.”
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WV GOVT SPENDING SOARS
AS LOBBYISTS CONTROLLED AGENDA
Most News Media Continue To Fail To Report Sad Tale Of Lobbyists And SB550
CHARLESTON, WV – S.B. 550, which passed the West Virginia Legislature March 12, established a fund that will pay $100 million of taxpayer dollars directly to private billion dollar companies in West Virginia. In addition to $100 million in public money to private and profitable companies, Tomblin signed into law nearly $800 million over ten years for government worker pay raises. While spending and unemployment soars, Tomblin and the Democrat-controlled Legislature failed to address pressing issues like the $8 billion pension crisis or Marcellus gas legislation.
“Tomblin said he was “worried” about the effect on the budget of a $65 million pay raise for government workers," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Tomblin seems to have no such “worry” for a $100 million payday for large, private, and profitable companies despite a Marcellus industry that is left hanging and an $8 billion pension crisis."
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ACTING GOVERNOR OWNS $100 MILLION GIVE-AWAY
Democrats Giving Free Cash To Out-Of-State Multi-Billion Dollar Companies
CHARLESTON, WV – S.B. 550, which passed the West Virginia Legislature March 12th, established the Licensed Racetrack Modernization Fund and provides as much as $100 million of taxpayer dollars directly to West Virginia gaming companies. According to the bill, for every $2 spent on purchasing new video lottery terminals and related equipment by the gaming operators, the state would give the casino $1. The fund is capped at $10 million a year divided between the state’s casinos and lasts 10 years for a total payout of subsidies of $100 million. The bill has not yet been signed into law by Senate President acting as Governor Tomblin.
“It is pure unadulterated highway robbery. The Democrats $100 million taxpayer give-away to private companies is not only outrageous but it may be the closest thing to legalized robbery that the Legislature has ever passed," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Not even Billy the Kid could have dreamed up such a robbery.
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BIG LABOR & BIG UNIONS CHOOSE A GOVERNOR
Thompson Endorsed By AFT-WV & WVEA
CHARLESTON, WV – Rick Thompson, a plaintiff’s attorney and Speaker of the House of Delegates, received the endorsement of American Federation of Teachers-WV and the National Education Association yesterday. It is anticipated that Thompson will soon receive the endorsement of the AFL-CIO.
“Big labor and big unions have made Rick Thompson their choice for Governor,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “It is the payback for all his work in the House of Delegates to deliver an Obama-style tax and spend government to West Virginia. It is the intent of the big union bosses that the real payback will begin in October.”
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STATE GOP CHAIR TO VISIT TAIWAN
Stuart One Of Ten Nationally Selected By RNC Chairman Reince Priebus
CHARLESTON, WV – Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, has been selected by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus to be part of a ten member national delegation to travel to Taiwan April 4th through April 11th. The trip is sponsored and coordinated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO).
“It is a tremendous honor to be asked by Chairman Priebus to be part of a national delegation to travel to Taiwan this year,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “I am looking forward to representing West Virginia and my party in Taiwan as we visit with the nation’s leadership and work to strengthen ties between our nations.”
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LEGISLATIVE DEMOCRATS FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE
State GOP Criticizes Run-Away Spending & Failure to Address OPEB, Marcellus
CHARLESTON, WV – As the 2011 regular session came to a close last night at midnight, the Legislature had passed massive new spending bills granting pay raises to government workers and judges, massive new subsidies to the gambling industry, massive increases in DMV and other fees, and budget-busting portions of Obamacare. All the while, the Legislature failed to address some of West Virginia’s most pressing issues - the $8 billion pension crisis and Marcellus shale gas.
“Thank God ”spendapalooza” is over. West Virginia could not afford one more day of this spending marathon," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Democrats are in complete control of the Legislature and completely out of control of the budget and our economy.”
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DEMOCRATS “SPENDAPALOOZA” NEARLY OVER
State GOP Chair Says Democrats Have Looted State Treasury For Massive Spending
CHARLESTON, WV – At midnight this evening, the 2011 West Virginia Legislative Session will come to a close but not before the passage of massive new spending bills throughout the term.
“'Spendapalooza' is the only term that could be used to define this year’s legislative session," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Well, “Spendapalooza” ends this evening. The liberal Democrats in the Legislature have increased state spending by more than $1 billion over the next ten years. Spendapalooza has been terribly damaging to our future - massive pay raises for government workers, $100 million in give-aways to the gambling industry, massive increases in DMV and other fees, and adopting Obamacare’s health exchange provisions at a cost of tens of million of dollars.”
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SPEAKER THOMPSON & DEMOCRATS RECESS TO JOIN RALLY FOR WISCONSIN PUBLIC UNIONS
State GOP Head Questions Hypocrisy, Wasted Time & Priorities
CHARLESTON, WV – The House of Delegates passed a resolution (House Resolution No. 40) yesterday expressing support for Wisconsin public union workers and condemning Republicans and Wisconsin Governor Walker. Today, the AFL-CIO has organized a rally for Wisconsin’s public unions at the Capital. With the final day of the Legislative Session starting at 11:00 am today and the codified end of the session at midnight this evening, Speaker Thompson and the Democrats in the House of Delegates recessed on this important day to allow the Speaker and Democrats to join the rally for Wisconsin public unions.
“Rick Thompson and Larry Puccio condemned the actions of Ron Walters this week because they claimed it to be a 'waste of precious legislator time' in an important session,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “What is a recess to join a labor rally considered? Clearly, after spending hundreds of millions on dollars on tax breaks for the gambling industry and massively raising DMV and other fees, handing out hundreds of millions in pay raises over the next ten years, and passing a pointless and offensive resolution in support of Wisconsin public unions and condemning the legal act of a duly elected Governor of another state, Speaker Thompson and the Democrats have decided that a labor rally for another state is the best use of taxpayer time and money.”
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DEMOCRAT DELEGATE COMPARES WISCONSIN
GOVERNOR TO ADOLF HITLER
State GOP Head Demands Apology and Admonishment By Speaker & House
CHARLESTON, WV – The House of Delegates passed a resolution (House Resolution No. 40) yesterday expressing support for Wisconsin public union workers and condemning Republicans and Wisconsin Governor Walker.
On the floor of the House of Delegates, Delegate David Walker, D-Clay, compared Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to Adolf Hitler. “We've seen Adolph Hitler point the finger at the Jews," he said. “Blame it on the Jew, and if we get rid of the Jew, all our problems would be solved.”
“The West Virginia Republican Party condemns the remarks of Delegate David Walker. His comparison of the Governor of Wisconsin to Adolf Hitler is reprehensible and deplorable,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “David Walker has embarrassed his constituents and the people of West Virginia. He must immediately and publicly renounce his comments and apologize to the people of West Virginia, the good folks in Wisconsin, and Governor Walker. There is no place in public debate for this type of rhetoric.”
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RESOLUTION OFFENSIVE TO WV TAXPAYERS
State GOP Head Commends Wisconsin Governor
CHARLESTON, WV – The House of Delegates intends to introduce a resolution (House Resolution No. 40) during this session to express support for Wisconsin union workers and condemning Republicans and Wisconsin Governor Walker. Sixty-three members of the House have sponsored the sweeping, dramatic Resolution. The Resolution actually calls Wisconsin Governor Walker’s legislation as “unfortunate proposal that would be detrimental to thousands of hard-working Wisconsin citizens.” Additionally, the House of Delegates has refused to take up resolutions affecting West Virginia including one in support of transparency in redistricting throughout the state.
“It is regretful, disturbing and offensive that the House of Delegates would take up a resolution to curry favor with WV organized labor, attack the lawful actions of a Governor of another state, and endorse the radical behavior of those that would flee and attack rather than constructively work for solutions to a budget crisis,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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GOP FIGHTS TO ELIMINATE FOOD TAX;
THOMPSON RETALIATES
State GOP Chair Proud Of Bold Effort of Republican Caucus
CHARLESTON, WV – During the House floor debate of the bill to lower the food tax by 1%, House Republicans attempted to amend the bill to allow floor debate for the complete elimination of the tax. Speaker of the House Rick Thompson abused the rules process and blocked GOP efforts.
Today, Delegate Ron Walters (R-Kanawha) made a motion that all bills be read in the entirety on the floor of the House of Delegates on 3rd reading, the prerogative of any member of either party. Speaker Thompson’s response was to retaliate and remove Delegate Walters from his position of the powerful House Finance Committee.
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RICK THOMPSON ABUSES HOUSE RULES
State GOP Chair Says Thompson Misapplies Rules To Block Larger Food Tax Cut
CHARLESTON, WV – During the House floor debate of the bill to lower the food tax by 1%, House Republicans under the leadership of Tim Armstead attempted to amend the bill to allow floor debate for the complete elimination of the tax, a move aimed to put more dollars in the pocket and more food on the table of struggling West Virginia families. Rick Thompson, a candidate for Governor, blocked the amendment against House rules.
“Rick Thompson is using his personal agenda for the trial attorneys and big labor to arbitrarily block a larger cut in the food tax,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Republicans support the total elimination of the food tax but Thompson has egregiously and improperly abused House rules to personally stop allowing his members and Republicans to debate the issue. Thompson is all too eager to throw piles of cash at his union buddies in the form of government worker pay raises but unwilling to allow a floor discussion about the need for eliminating the food tax.”
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JOHN PERDUE CAMPAINING ON TAXPAYER DIME/TIME?
Who is Tracking Perdue’s Middle-of-the-Workday Campaign Stops?
CHARLESTON, WV – John Perdue is scheduling campaign stops during the work day when he is supposed to be serving the people of West Virginia as State Treasurer.
“If John Perdue is taking time during the workday to campaign for Governor, is he using his vacation time and reimbursing taxpayers for his expenses?” said Chad Holland, Executive Director of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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RICK THOMPSON & HOUSE DEMOCRATS BLOCKING NEW COURT
State GOP Chair Says Liberal Democrats Beholden To Plaintiffs Lawyers
CHARLESTON, WV – Rick Thompson, the Gubernatorial hopeful who is the darling of the plaintiff’s bar, and the liberal Democrats serving in the House of Delegates have so far been successful in killing any hopes of an intermediate court of appeals by refusing to place the matter on the Legislative agenda.
“Rick Thompson and the liberal Democrats who control 65 of the 100 seats in the House are stopping any hopes of establishing an intermediate appellate court,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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“FIRM HAND” NEEDED TO GUIDE STATE
Charleston, WV – Joe Manchin has proven to be a true dichotomy - “West Virginia Joe” versus “Washington ‘Rubber Stamp’ Joe”.
“As Governor, West Virginia Joe promoted a moderate but clear record regarding government spending. As a U.S. Senator, Joe Manchin has supported raising taxes, Obamacare, Obama’s massive budget, and even skipped critical Senate votes,” said West Virginia Republican Chair Mike Stuart. “When Joe Manchin left for the U.S. Senate to fight for the Obama agenda, it created a leadership vacuum that has allowed the special interests and liberal Democrat Senate and House leaders to hit the jackpot with new massive spending proposals and no Governor to keep control.”
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PARTY LINE VOTES PROVE SENATE DEMOCRATS VALUES
State GOP Chair Says GOP Will Contest Every Seat
CHARLESTON, WV – On Monday, West Virginia’s State Senate passed the public employee pay raise and bonus bill (HB 2879) on a party line vote with all Republicans voting against it. The State Senate also passed SB 407 & 408 along party lines with every Republican voting “No”. SB 407 adopts individual requirements mandated by Obama’s healthcare takeover and SB 408 establishes a state Health Exchange in accordance with Obama’s health plan.
“Despite trying to pretend otherwise, the Democrats in the State Senate today have shown the public their true colors as liberals that stand in lock-step with President Obama and his big-government agenda," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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TOMBLIN SHOULD ANNOUNCE VETO INTENT
State GOP Chair Says Tomblin Rhetoric Should Match Actions
CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s Legislature enters its final week of the regular session. As of today, not a signle dollar has been cut from the state budget but hundreds of millions in new spending over the next ten years has been put forth. West Virginia maintains a pension system that is in debt by approximately $8 billion.
“It is truly Christmas in March at the Legislature," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “If pork was good for you, the liberal Democrats in the Legislature would be the healthiest legislators in the country. While regular folks are being whipped with higher energy, gasoline, and food costs, the Legislature is focused on pay raises as the solution to our problems. Where are the tax cuts? Where are the jobs? Republicans want to eliminate the food tax but the liberal Democrats would rather give pay raises to their friends.”
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GAS & FOOD PRICES, UNEMPLOYMENT, STATE SPENDING SOAR
State GOP Head Says State Spending Out Of Control
Charleston, WV – While Congress is debating government shut-down and massive spending cuts, the Legislature in Charleston is not talking about a single dollar of spending cuts but, rather, only how many millions more can we spend. So far this Legislative session, no spending cuts have been discussed but the state budget has grown by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next ten years.
“State spending is out of control,” said West Virginia Republican Chair Mike Stuart. “Is Charlie Sheen running this mess?”
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STATE SENATORS TAKE GOOD FIRST STEP
State GOP Head Says Bipartisan Reform Possible With Courage
CHARLESTON, WV – On Wednesday, the West Virginia State Senate voted 33-0 in favor of beginning the process of addressing the massive challenges posed to West Virginians by our deeply indebted pension system.
“I congratulate members of both parties in the State Senate for starting the long process of curing our pension nightmare,” said West Virginia Republican Chair Mike Stuart. “Fixing the OPEB crisis is tough politically. It takes courage because there is no easy fix. We can solve this long-standing problem if we work together. This was a good first step.”
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STATE BUDGET GROWS BY TENS OF MILLIONS
State GOP Head Says “Stop Spending And Start Tightening Belt”
CHARLESTON, WV – In the 2011 Legislative Session, massive spending bills have been passed or are advancing including over $70 million per year for teacher and government workers, $6 million for judges, a bonus bill for public employees, as well as other fees and increases to the taxpayer’s budget.
“This session the Legislature has added hundreds of millions of dollars of irresponsible new spending obligations to the taxpayers over the next ten years. Sadly, there has not been $1 cut from the budget so far this year," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Tomblin and the liberal Democrats in control of the Legislature have said we can’t afford to reduce the food tax but they can find tens and tens of millions for pay raises and other pet projects.”
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LEGISLATURE SPENDS MONEY; UNEMPLOYMENT GROWS
State GOP Head Says Leadership Failing, “Where Are The Jobs?”
CHARLESTON, WV – In January, the state's unemployment rate climbed nine-tenths of a percentage point to 10.3 percent, according to a news release from WorkForce WV. The number of out-of-work state residents rose to 79,500.
“Unemployment is rising quickly in West Virginia" said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Tomblin and the liberal Democrats who control the Legislature are failing West Virginia. Jobs are being lost and the state economy is headed in the wrong direction while the Legislature and Tomblin offer only pay raises as the solution for a better economy.”
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LEADERSHIP VACUUM CAUSES “CHRISTMAS IN MARCH”
State GOP Head Says Special Interests Control Democrat Agenda
CHARLESTON, WV – As a result of the Special Election of 2010, West Virginia experienced a leadership vacuum that led to power grabs, court cases, in-fighting, and a new special election. In addition to the costs of the election, taxpayers are left to foot the bills for hundreds of millions from the leadership vacuum and the new control of the Legislative agenda by the special interests. The effects of the 2010 Special Election will be felt by taxpayers for decades.
“”Christmas in March” is the theme of this legislative session," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Because of the leadership vacuum caused by Joe Manchin and the in-fighting between Democrat leaders who all want to Governor, lobbyists and special interests have been allowed to hijack the legislative agenda.”
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LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WANT EASIER TAX INCREASES
State GOP Head Says “If Passed” GOP Will Work For Its Defeat
CHARLESTON, WV – The House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill to let voters decide if counties and municipalities may pass bonds and levies by a simple majority through passage of a constitutional amendment. The measure would be on the ballot in 2012.
“Shame on the liberal Democrats in the House for trying to make levy tax increases easier to pass," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “They can put it on the ballot, but we will work for its certain defeat. Tax increases on the people of West Virginia should not be easy to approve. The liberal Democrats and government units are simply addicted to taxpayer money. They think we work for them.”
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PAY INCREASE SHOULD BE TIED TO REFORM
State GOP Head Says Teacher Raises Should Require Teachers To Help WV
CHARLESTON, WV – As soon as Wednesday, the Legislature will vote on an across-the-board pay raise for teachers.
“Teachers should not get a raise this year unless they agree to essential education reforms," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party. “Teachers want a raise but so does every other hard-working West Virginian. Unfortunately, our education system is broken. It is failing our children and our state.”
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DEMOCRATS WANT TO IGNORE VOTES OF WEST VIRGINIANS
Democrats in State Capitol Aim to Make West Virginians
Votes for President of the United States Irrelevant
CHARLESTON, WV – The Democrats in the State Legislature are actively pushing a bill that ensures the votes of the people of West Virginia for President are irrelevant. The bill (HB 2378 and its companion SB 322) will alter the manner in which electors are chosen from West Virginia in Presidential elections.
“In all my years in the political world, I don’t think I have ever seen a more misguided and insulting attack on the right of the people of West Virginia to vote and have their voice heard," said Chad Holland, Executive Director of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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SPENDING IS NOT SOLUTION TO BETTER WV
State GOP Head Says Judicial Raises, Spending Leading To Crisis
CHARLESTON, WV – Pay raises and spending increases seem to be the only business being conducted in the Legislature this session.
“I am deeply disappointed that the Legislature apparently has no understanding of the economic challenges facing West Virginia families," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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LEGISLATIVE SOLUTION TO EPA
Bi-Partisan Bill In Support Of Jobs and Coal
CHARLESTON, WV – The Intrastate Coal and Use Act was introduced by Republican Delegate Gary Howell. Shortly thereafter, a similar version of the bill was introduced by Democrat Delegate Scott Varner. Since that time, the bill has stalled in the West Virginia Legislature but has been offered as model legislation by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
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FINANCE DIRECTOR JOINS WVGOP
CHARLESTON, WV – Charissa Parsons, former finance director to Congressman David McKinley, has been retained by the West Virginia Republican Party as its Finance Director.
“We are very pleased to announce that Charissa Parsons has joined us as we continue to build the West Virginia Republican Party," said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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GOP Chairman Not A Candidate In 2011
Stuart Says “My Work Is Not Finished”
CHARLESTON, WV – “I want to put to rest the continuing and persistent rumors of my candidacy for Governor. While those rumors have not been aided by me, I understand the desire for bold leadership with a clear vision for our future. The rumors are flattering but, as a leader, a run for Governor in 2011 is neither practical nor prudent given the stream of progress I am building for the Republican Party and the lingering uncertainty as to whether the selection process for our nominee will be by convention or primary process.
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DARRELL MCGRAW RADIO ADS
SHAMEFUL WASTE OF MONEY
Legislators Should Investigate Improper Use Of Funds
CHARLESTON, WV – For months, statewide radio advertisements have been trumpeting the name “Darrell McGraw” all at taxpayer expense.
“Darrel McGraw is shamefully wasting taxpayer dollars in what is a thinly veiled effort to build his name ID in advance of next years election,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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JOE & “O” – A DUO WE CAN’T AFFORD
Joe Manchin Needs To Keep Election Promises
CHARLESTON, WV – In a critical vote and as a critical voter on whether to repeal or keep Obamacare, Joe Manchin chose to stand with President Obama rather than the people of West Virginia. In response, the West Virginia Republican Party is running full page, full color advertisements in certain West Virginia newspapers today.
“Joe Manchin messed up by supporting Obama and his massive healthcare bill over the people of West Virginia. If Senator Manchin intends to continue to vote the interests of Washington over the interests of West Virginians, we urge him to skip votes as he has in the past or not seek reelection in 2012,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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OBAMACARE UPHELD; MANCHIN STANDS FOR OBAMA
Joe Manchin Proves Rubber Stamp Label
CHARLESTON, WV – In a critical vote and as a critical voter on whether to repeal or keep Obamacare, Joe Manchin again has chosen to stand with President Obama rather than the people of West Virginia.
“Joe Manchin has again affirmed his label as a “rubber stamp” for Obama and his liberal friends in Washington. Rather than stand for the overwhelming majority of his constituents, Joe Manchin chose to stand for Obama in a critical test of his loyalty to West Virginia or the far left agenda. Manchin chose the latter,” said Mike Stuart, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party.
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