(Editors note: The writer served on the West Virginia Racing Commission & International Association of Racing Commissioners board.) It’s About Time As an avid racing fan & former racing regulator I am disgusted it took the FBI and Department of Justice to...

Racing’s Demise After seeing a picture of a deceased Mountaineer race horse in a local landfill I can no longer withhold my concerns.  This photograph conveys the condition of those responsible for management and oversight of the racing industry in West Virginia....

There’s more to the “no confidence” resolutions being adopted by Republicans across the state than to send Governor Jim Justice a message.  Nor was it about not following the Republican platform – which I doubt 100 Republicans have even read. What is going on is raw...

“Racing is in need of open-heart Surgery” Dean Crutchfield, senior vice president of Sterling Brands said in The Guardian story entitled “American horse racing isn’t dead – but it’s getting awfully close”. Hall of Fame Jockey Gary Stevens says “we need to come...

I am disgusted. What’s going on in the Republican Party in West Virginia? Though I no longer reside or vote in West Virginia I spent a lifetime there building the Republican Party and advancing the two party system. What took place during WV GOP day at the Capitol...

(Editor’s note: Served as a Member of the WV Racing Commission from February, 2013 until January 31, 2017 when Governor Justice replaced me after taking office.) The West Virginia Racing Commission will again make their meetings available via conference call. Chairman...

Last week the U. S. Supreme Court  said it will hear New Jersey’s appeal to legalize sports betting. West Virginia Governor Justice, Members of the Legislature and the racing industry needs to “Be Prepared.” Phil Kabler has an encouraging story in today’s...

The Herald Dispatch in Huntington today ran the editorial below calling attention to online gambling being looked at by various states. Phillipsbillboard.com has called attention to this revenue opportunity that West Virginia should consider.  The Huntington newspaper...

(Editor’s note: Served as a Member of the WV Racing Commission from February, 2013 until January 31, 2017 when Governor Justice replaced me after taking office.) A visit to the website of the WV Racing Commission revealed they are ending the ability for interested...

 [Editor’s Note: During the Reagan Administration I was responsible for rural development policy based at the U. S. Department of Agriculture.] Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue went to an urban city (Cincinnati) to tell rural citizens and communities he was...

[Editor’s Note: During the Reagan Administration I was responsible for rural development policy based at the U. S. Department of Agriculture.] President Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was sitting at the elbow of President Trump in the White House about...

Is West Virginia missing out on new revenue - by not thinking ahead? Maryland’s Legislature is taking steps to be prepared. Forward thinking members have introduced legislation to assure the State is ready to take advantage of sports betting.  Introduced February 8th...

(Please note: Research for this piece came from Herman Guy Kump: A Political Profile by Albert Steven Gatrell.  Governor Kump’s granddaughter gave me the book.) It is beginning to sounds like our State is facing issues in 2017 similar to 1933. Today one can read in...

Governor Justice is looking for “big ideas”. Here is a middle sized idea. These ideas could help avoid a tax increase on our state’s residents. Plus help an industry with 7,300 jobs and communities and businesses that depend on the horse racing. The concept is known...

After reading Dan Milbank’s piece this morning I decided it was time for a blog. My life has been consumed by politics.  As a youngster I passed out Republican literature at the polls (when you could get closer than 300 feet), helped local candidates run for office,...

Before telling West Virginians U. S. Joe Manchin told the nation he will not run for Governor.  He appeared on CBS “Face the Nation” today.  

I am beginning to think about the landscape and strategy for the 2016 campaign as the Republican controlled Legislature begins to wrap up.  Today I found an insightful analysis in Real Clear Politics.  With Senator Joe Manchin deciding which roads to travel in 2016 –...

Disgusted is the way I reacted last night after reading a Twitter post about a $100,000 breakfast being organized by a “secretive” and likely “extreme” conservative group.  You must read/click this link to see exactly what is going on. It is unfortunate the organizers...

The Associated Press has a story running that Senator Joe Manchin may be coming home.  After last November election results “Joe” may be the best hope for a revived Democratic Party in our State?  Who knows when it comes to Joe? Click on this link to learn...

On New Year’s Day 2014 I wrote in my blog about the West Virginia political environment.   Today before I look forward I took a quick look back to see what I missed. Never did I expect a campaign as messy and mean.   The campaign turned voters off and many Democrats...

After the historic West Virginia election as well as a smashing Republican victory across the nation political junkies and policy wonks like me are pivoting to 2016.  In my case it is the intrigue of the presidential contest and the adjustment both parties will need...

(Editor’s Note:  The commentary below came as an email from Bob Harris.  I thought it was powerful and should be shared.  Mr. Harris grew up in Charleston where his father was editor of The Charleston Gazette and later Chief of Staff to Senator Jennings Randolph.  Bob...

The 2014 election cycle is the first in which I have not been actively involved at some level in years.  What a mess it has been to observe and I am certain readers have seen the same. There has been so much money with some of it questionable, too many untruthful ads...

(Editor’s Note:  With campaign ads beginning to flow there is none more famous than “Daisy.”  Mr. Babb’s piece is offered for those new to campaigns and political advertising.  For those inclined to watch a link is provided below.) By Drew Babb Drew Babb teaches...