How Will The Dominoes Fall After Manchin’s Exit?

November 13, 2023

For years, I have talked about writing a book about West Virginia political dynamics over the last nearly 14 years called “Domino.” The book would focus on the state’s political history beginning in 2010 with the death of former U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, a giant in Congress and in the Democratic Party. But the book would largely follow U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., from his final year as governor to whenever his time at the U.S. Senate would be done. Well, we now know when that will be. Manchin will retire from the U.S. Senate when his term ends in 2024. You’d think with ...

Serving West Virginia’s Veterans In Their Time of Need

November 11, 2023

Veterans put their lives on the line to keep our country safe and America has a duty to ensure our veterans are taken care of. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, over 6,146 veterans committed suicide in 2020. To put this in perspective, approximately 17 veterans took their lives every day for a year. My father served honorably as a captain in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star for his service. Like many in his generation, my father served overseas in a foreign war knowing he might return gravely injured or not at all. Many veterans resume civilian life ...

Will it Even Be Possible to Manage the Israel/Hamas Crisis?

November 11, 2023

“... So, when you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle, smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them ... when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making them captives. ... You are commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam.” Koran 47:4 The events unfolding in Israel may seem unfathomable, and indeed, are beyond human understanding. People around the world are trying to understand the motivation behind such savagery. Yet, what may appear to be inexplicable ...

GOP Chair McArdle: ‘Say in May, Remember in November’

November 11, 2023

The 2024 primary election is on the horizon, and the general election will follow quickly. In these very historic and crucial elections, constituents must be diligent and cautious to make informed choices when they cast their votes. “Say in May” that tried-and-true conservatives should represent us in nonpartisan races. “Remember in November” that our Republic is at stake. The State Party’s role during this crucial and historical election includes promoting our candidates, doing no harm, and facilitating a process that educates all voters so that they can make informed ...

Veterans Day; Education Week; and Christmas Gift Bags

November 11, 2023

U.S. Marine Corps Major Dan Ealy will be the speaker at 11 a.m. today on the Veterans Plaza of the Marshall County Courthouse. Ealy, a Moundsville native currently stationed in Virginia, is married to Natalie Price Ealy and they have two children. His wife, although not a member of the military, has worked with military spouses throughout the years. Ealy started his military career as an MP. The Ealy family has a history of military service as his father served in Vietnam and his grandfather served in WWII. Also participating in Saturday’s program are Ret. MSgt Danielle Harmon, ...

Manchin: ‘I Have Accomplished What I Set Out to Do’ for W.Va.

November 10, 2023

It was a cold November morning just a week after my family’s store had burnt to the ground, losing the lives of four people, when tragedy struck again. This time there had been an explosion in the Farmington No. 9 mine. My Uncle John, our neighbor and several of my high school classmates worked in that mine. I knew family members of most everyone working in the mine that day. Everyone knew everyone in Farmington. Over the next several days, I sat with my mother and Aunt Jenny, Uncle John’s wife, desperate for any kind of update. Our whole state was paralyzed as the days drug on ...