Whether they are running for re-election or as a challenger, they have their “main” reasons for doing so and it’s unlikely that you and your concerns have anything to do with it.
Think it’s time for compromise and cooperation? Eh. You want economic development? Eh. Do you hope for real reform? No way!
History proves it true. And sure, their slogans are inclusive, right?
A good example is the “Open for Business” slogan adopted by soon-to-be-former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) when he was running for governor back in 2006. In one of the costliest campaign stunts paid for by taxpayers, Manchin replaced “Wild & Wonderful” with “Open for Business” on all 107 of the state’s welcome signs.
What happened?
Well, 18 years later, the Mountain State has continued to lose population, the state economy remains dependent on coal and gas/oil severance taxes, our roads are far worse today than 10 years ago, “Wild & Wonderful” was put back where it belongs 107 times over, and Manchin now is best known as the governor who decimated the Division of Highways by selling all its equipment in 2008.
So, instead of the incumbents and challengers telling you what they think you want to hear, ask them for the answers you want to hear. For instance, yesterday’s OPEN LETTER here on LEDE News asked senatorial candidate Glenn Elliott about his “right now” position on fossil fuels in West Virginia and where he stands on his party’s push for renewable energies.
The Democrat has yet to reply, but I’m hopeful Elliott will since he didn’t mention the Energy Issue on his Facebook Timeline during his two-month tour around the Mountain State even though it’s a “litmus test” topic to many West Virginia residents. If he does not offer his answer, it won’t be the first time an aspiring politician has avoided a critical question, so do not be surprised if your inquiries are ignored.
But remember, no answer is still an answer.
