In 1992, then-Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas and his running mate, Tennessee Democratic Senator Al Gore, campaigned in West Virginia. Clinton had a nationally televised interview with a religious network at a Presbyterian Church just over a mile from my house. Gore gave a public speech in the gymnasium of what was to be my middle school. At the age of 10, I remember watching Gore's speech live on television with my great uncle sitting in the second row.
But, President Bush has made no less than three presidential visits to Wheeling and several more to West Virginia. Why haven't Democrats? Is five electoral votes not enough for you? I doubt that there are many here who could raise you millions of dollars; we are a struggling state. So, why don't you change the trend of the last eight years? Turn West Virginia blue in 2008!
Have any of the candidates considered campaigning with the Democratic challenger to Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (State Senator John Unger)? Governor Manchin has an extremely high approval rating, but why aren't they investing more time than an evening fundraiser in Charleston?
Senator Clinton has been to Charleston, but her husband campaigned in Wheeling in 1992. Senator Edwards was in Pittsburgh on Labor Day to accept the steelworkers' endorsement, but why didn't he visit one of the highest unemployed counties in the country just 25 miles away --- and home to a fledgling steel company (Hancock County)? Is Senator Obama ignoring West Virginia because of its demographics? Certainly Senator Obama understands the need for him to win the support of some southern whites. Why hasn't Senator Obama come to address the recent torture and rape case in Logan County and lingering issues of racism in the United States?
Until 2000, West Virginia voted primarily with Democrats --- excepting Republican incumbent Presidents. Dukakis won West Virginia in 1988. That's right --- New York, Massachusetts, and West Virginia. West Virginia has a Democratic Governor, Democratic majorities in both Houses of the Legislature, two long-time Democratic U.S. Senators, and 2 of 3 long-time Members of Congress.
I certainly hope the camps are not taking West Virginia for granted.
The Democratic candidates are letting West Virginia down, and it may go to Rudy if they do not take a better strategy.