What Is Jonathan Miller Up To?
My first encounter with Jonathan Miller was a telephone conversation several years ago. A North Carolina political friend suggested he call to learn about West Virginia politics. I found him to be politically astute with a good understanding about how political campaigns are conducted.
When I learned about his announcement yesterday that he plans to run for Congress against U. S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito my first reaction was your kidding.
After some thought I believe he is making a calculated move that the redistricting of congressional districts will take his home county out of the second congressional district.
Miller is currently a Republican member of the House of Delegates from Berkeley County.
Democratic Governors Association
The Charleston Daily Mail reports today about negative campaigning. The Democratic Governors Association is making telephone calls with negative messages about GOP candidates Betty Ireland and Bill Maloney.
A spokeswoman for the Democratic Governors Association says they are testing messages “with the purpose of being prepared to hit the ground running on May 15.”
I don’t believe that for a minute. They are trying to influence the Republican primary race for Governor.
Manchin Joining Republicans
Senator Joe Manchin announced yesterday he is joining Republicans in the U. S. Senate to promote the development and use of alternative energy.
During his campaign for Senator Byrd’s seat last fall he took several Republican oriented positions. As has been noted his first speech as a freshman Senator was to attack President Obama. Recently he made clear he would not support raising the national debt without budget cuts. With a little research there are other issues which would show a Republican inclination.
While Governor he had policies any new resident of West Virginia who did not know Manchin was a Democrat would have thought he was a Republican.
Maybe after the 2012 election if he runs and is reelected the Republican leadership in the U. S. Senate should have a serious conversation with him. It is even possible they could be joined by a Republican President.