West Virginia is, simply put, a Democratic State. It is proven time and again as the party continues to dominate both houses of the Legislature and most statewide offices. For the last, oh let's say, 10 years, political comemntators have looked at WV and its "social conservatism" and the last two presidential elections and have written it off as "trending Republican". It is the only thing that the seems to comfort the state Repbublican Party these days, as they put up "credible" challengers against Alan Mollohan and Robert Byrd. But the results from the last two presidential races and the state's characterization as social conservative are misleading in whether the Democrats have a chance to take back WV-02 with Mike Callaghan.
Mike Callaghan, the challenger for WV-02, has a great shot at beating Shelley Moore Capito this fall. Progressive bloggers, such as you and I, should all be lining up to give Callaghan more than just moral support to unseat this Bush ally. Mike is a good progressive leader who is getting strong backing from the WV congressional delegation, Byrd, Alan Mollohan and Nick Joe Rahall. There are many reasons for why this is winnable for Callaghan, and indeed he is in a strong position. The lack of press or attention to this race is due to the slow start and nothing to do with the strength of the campaign or candidate and his challenge.
West Virginians are getting tired of Bush and will be looking for a way to put it to Bush. We feel the painful results of his policies everyday whether it is the War, failing healthcare policy, poor education plans and ever-rising college tuition, tax cuts and subsequent cuts in important governmental programs. We are front and center of what where Bush is failing this country. This is why it is important to support Mike. Our state has been giving Democrats strong support for 70 years, and it should no longer be overlooked.
The state Republican Party has failed to gain much traction as it sticks to Bush's national party message on the state level. Democrats on the other hand stay in power in WV while its national message fails when it doesn't get West Virginia. It should look to WV for its strength on issues of national security and economic issues.