Political Tidbits…for Democrats & Republicans

Jun 19, 2011

Political Tidbits…for DEMOCRATS

Democrats rallied at COALTON DAYS…a small community in Randolph County where family…friends…and politicians gather annually…the weekend before WV Day…it’s like a big family reunion…the population of 249 grows to about 4,000…not all are politicians…candidates or Democrats…Coach Huggins never misses.

Former Senator Mike Rosshosts anyone who comes…MUST ATTEND for those seeking or holding office…sometimes it looks like Charleston’s VIPs have moved to COALTON…the Ross family serves [hundreds] an Italian lunch on the lawn of his home…games & carnival rides for the kids…Elvis for his more mature friends…a truly Italian band…music like the old country.

…and all of that before an old fashion parade…bag pipes, flags, fire trucks, COALTON DAYS’ Queen…twirlers of all ages…homemade floats…boom boxes blaring…and of course riding and walking political folks…mostly Democrats this year…but not always the case.  

Lining the MAIN STREET…there are others…parade goers got a chance to greet [Acting] Governor Tomblin…Legislators Delegate Bill Hartman & Denise Campbell…tossed candy to the kids…lots of them…AG Darrell McGraw wearing his veterans hat…walked the parade route…Senator Walt Helmick…and former Williamson Mayor Sam Kapourales worked the crowd…Elkins Mayor Duke Talbott rode in the back of a truck…Coalton Mayor Jim Rossi joined the parade…after helping make meatballs.

Election 2012 is already in swing…though we need to finish the special gubernatorial election in October…Tish Chafin made it to COALTON DAYS…even before she announces for the Supreme Court…smart move to meet Northern state residents…SOS Natalie Tennant was in the crowd…could she be sizing up the Governor’s race again…former Senator Oshel Craigo worked the political types on hand…heard he will be active in the Chafin race… Senator H. Truman Chafin… decked out in a straw hat…working the other side of the…Ross lawn…it’s large…for his wife…Rob Alsop COS for Tomblin was there with his family…passing out stickers and candy…the kids loved it.

2012 REPUBLICANS CANDIDATES should mark the date for next year…there are few events like it…at least that phillipsbillboard has heard about.

Political Tidbits…for REPUBLICANS

Since the CNN Republican debate…there has been a lot of national news regarding the race for the Republican presidential nomination…thought GOP readers of phillipsbillboard  may appreciate an update on WEST VIRGINIA DAY.

HOW THE WSJ HANDICAPS THE RACE

Romney Solidifies 2012 GOP Lead

By Jonathan Weisman & Danny Yadron (The Wall Street Journal)

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has surged to a clear lead in the Republican race for the presidential nomination, but his party’s attacks on President Barack Obama’s economic stewardship have yet to shake the president’s lead over the GOP, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds.  Read the full story here.

RASMUSSEN REPORTS

83% of GOP Voters Intend To Vote Republican No Matter Who’s The Nominee

Mitt Romney declared in Monday night’s debate that any one of the current Republican candidates would make a better president than Barack Obama, and GOP voters overwhelmingly agree with him. More emphatically, they intend to vote Republican even if their first choice doesn’t win the nomination.  Read the full story here. 

THE FIX

The effect of GOP graybeards on the 2012 Race

By Aaron Blake (The Fix, The Washington Post) 

NEW ORLEANS — Just when it looked like the Republican presidential primary was taking a turn for the nasty, Haley Barbour took the stage at the Republican Leadership Conference on Friday.  Read the full story here.

The Washington Post

Texas Gov. Perry crashing 2012 GOP field, drawing activists’ interest but not yet in race

By Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS – A candidate in waiting, Texas Gov. Rick Perry is elbowing the Republicans already in the 2012 presidential race as he courts party activists, operatives and donors still shopping for someone to back against President Barack Obama.  Read the full story here.