Opinions
Tips for a secure, happy holiday season
CHARLESTON – The holidays are a time for shopping and charitable giving, and while this is a time for sharing with family and friends, be careful not to inadvertently share your personal information with strangers who may be identity thieves.
When your number’s up ...
The Powerball jackpot was up to $700 million and it was the last day to buy a ticket. A set of numbers popped into your head: a combination of your age, your IQ, etc. Or maybe it was completely random, but something told you that this was your lucky day.
Trump’s energy policies are paying off for workers and consumers
WASHINGTON – With the liberal media busy looking for excuses to attack President Trump and his administration, you might have missed some good news on the energy front. American energy jobs are being created, gas prices are dropping, energy imports are dropping and energy exports are rising.
Big Jim is making himself look small
Prior to his recent retirement, 79-year-old Big Jim Hatfield had been Mingo County Clerk for 16 years. He assumed the position in 2002 at the age of 63, right about the time most people are retiring. Prior to that, he was a county commissioner and deputy sheriff. He is well known throughout Mingo County and the rest of southern West Virginia.
General election a huge success for West Virginia
CHARLESTON – I am very pleased to report that West Virginia hosted a very successful November General Election.vHere are a few of the highlights from my perspective as the state’s chief elections officer.
Allen Loughry’s long goodbye
Yes, Allen Loughry, the convicted and suspended state Supreme Court justice who looked like he’d never leave, is finally gone – from the Court, at least – but he’s liable to dominate headlines in state and local media for months to come.
How Joe Manchin won
MORGANTOWN – Months before the 2018 General Election, politicos wondered how Democratic Senator Joe Manchin could win re-election in a state that had flipped to red and given Donald Trump a 42-point victory over Hillary Clinton. Early on, Manchin was tagged with the “vulnerable Democrat” label.
Justice delayed could be justice avoided
Though they might ordinarily affirm the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied, our three convicted, suspended, and/or retired state Supreme Court justices seem none too eager to have justice applied to them. Perhaps they’re in no hurry and don’t mind waiting.
State attorneys general impact our everyday lives; Their elections matter
State attorneys general always have played a significant role on issues of national importance, as they hold a unique and powerful position in our federalist system of government. They exercise an independent authority separate and distinct from other organs of state government, including the governor.
The House of Delegates should impeach themselves
It’s safe to assume that the members of our House of Delegates were taught a simple lesson numerous times while growing up: If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Recht was a judge who set the standard
WHEELING – The Northern Panhandle has lost one of its great citizens. Judge Arthur Recht, who just last Friday from the bench, bantered with lawyers and enjoyed himself to the fullest in his role as judge, passed away Sunday surrounded by his adoring family.
Room E-400 – The state Supreme Court’s 'Black Hole'
CHARLESTON – West Virginia continues to demonstrate to the rest of the country what a real constitutional crisis looks like.
Mr. Loughry, you need to leave
The convicted and suspended Supreme Court Justice apparently does not share the governor’s concern that our state’s reputation is being tarnished by the continuing drama.
Protect our Constitution: Vote no on Amendment 1
Amendment 1 would be a radical departure from our state’s commitment to personal freedoms.
Citizens encouraged to report questionable activities during early voting
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner initiated an eight-week program called “Project Election Protection” to educate the public on election security, proper conduct during the election and illegal campaign activities.
State Senate should respect Supreme Court impeachment ruling
“If we do not stop the infighting, work together, and follow the rules ... we will destroy ourselves.”
Preserving election integrity means combatting election fraud
CHARLESTON – For years, many people have claimed that in-person voter fraud was non-existent in this state. I and many others were certain that fraud and voter intimidation still exists within our borders.
Manchin’s vote: for Kavanaugh or for himself?
Thanks, in part, to Sen. Joe Manchin, Brett Kavanaugh is now a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Forty-nine other senators voted to confirm, but Manchin was the only Democrat. Still, if Manchin had voted no, Vice President Mike Pence could have broken the tie.
County clerks are the chief elections officials for their counties
Our county clerks lead the front-line efforts to provide secure and fair elections. Beyond the substantial duties and tasks undertaken by clerks during an election cycle, they are responsible throughout the year for voter registration, local campaign finance law compliance and maintaining an accurate and updated list of registered voters in their counties.
Patricia Saidi pins hope on potato chips payday
“Candy-coated popcorn, peanuts, and a prize – that’s what you get in Cracker Jack!” Kids today may not be familiar with that sing-song slogan, but Baby Boomers remember it well, even if they haven’t eaten any in years for fear of breaking teeth or dentures.