Inside West Virginia Politics

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we delve into the race for West Virginia Secretary of State, discuss if the state is ready for automatic voter registration, and discuss how best to help Mountain State small businesses.In segment one, Natalie Tennant, Democratic candidate of West Virginia Secretary of State, explains why much work still needs to be completed for automatic voter registration, why she believes this race comes down to “dignity and decency,” and why she takes issue with absentee ballot applications not being sent to all Mountain State voters for the General Election.In segment two, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner explains why he decided to run for re-election, what he chose to terminate some Secretary of State employees when he took office in 2016, and why he does not believe West Virginia systems are not ready for automatic voters registration.In segment three, Tennant explains how she wants to make it easier for West Virginians to start small businesses, why she says th

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the West Virginia Treasurer’s race, how the candidates stand on issues impacting the Mountain State, and how they hope to help West Virginia in the future.In segment one, Riley Moore, Republican candidate for West Virginia Treasurer, explains what he hopes to accomplish if elected to the office, what experience he would bring, and how he differs from his opponent.In segment two, West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue explains what he believes to be his biggest accomplishments as State Treasurer, how he’s helped to return money into the pockets of West Virginia residents through the unclaimed property process, and how he’s helped to balance the state’s budget during his time in office.In segment three, Moore explains what he plans to do differently than this opponent if elected, and how he wants to help those in the state wanting to go to college, and how he responds to critics who say he’s not qualified.In segment four, Perdue explains how the current S

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two big Mountain State races, how candidates differ on big issues facing the state, and what the candidates are hoping to change.In segment one, Rep. Carol Miller (R-Dist. 3), Republican candidate for U.S. Congress Dist. 3, explains what she thinks her greatest accomplishments have been while in office, why she thinks Congress needs to find a balance between helping the unemployed and encouraging everyone to return to work, and what her mission has been from her first day in office.In segment two, Hillary Turner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress Dist. 3, explains what spurred her decision to run for Congress, how she thinks the government can pay for universal healthcare, and what she would do differently to help families during the coronavirus pandemic.In segment three, Kent Leonhardt, the Republican candidate for State Agriculture Commissioner, explains what he believes to be his greatest accomplishments during his first term, how the state is g

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the two big races in the state for Congress, how healthcare should be made available to all residents, and what should happen with the newest CARES Act legislation.In segment one, Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV), the Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 2, explains why he thinks he represents West Virginia values, how he thinks healthcare can be made more affordable for all, and how he thinks government should encourage residents to go back to work.In segment two, Cathy Kunkel, the Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 2, explains why she thinks West Virginians should vote for her, why she supports Medicare for all, and what she thinks should be provided in the next stimulus package.In segment three, David McKinley, (R-WV), the Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 1, explains why he chose to run for another term, what he believes to be his g

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how the state prepared to reopen West Virginia schools, procedures schools will follow, and how schools will feed school children attending school remotely.In segment one, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch explains how the state prepared to reopen schools, his advice for Mountain State parents and students, and how the schools will handle lunch service during the pandemic.In segment two, West Virginia Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad explains what procedure schools will follow if a student tests positive for the coronavirus, her thoughts on the vaccine possibly being made available in October, and the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on parents.In segment three, Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, explains how comfortable some teachers are with reopening schools, how he thinks the color-coded map will help, and how the state should determine if any changes need to be made to the system.In segment 4, Seth

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two of the big races for West Virginia State Senate, how to improve education in the state, and economic recovery throughout the Mountain State.In segment one, Del. Andrew Robinson (D-Kanawha), the Democratic candidate for West Virginia State Senate, District 12, explains why he chose to run for State Senate, what he considers his greatest accomplishments while in the House of Representatives, and how he would attract economic development to the Mountain State.In segment two, Del. Eric Nelson (R-Kanawha County), the Republican candidate for West Virginia Senate, District 12, explains why he chose to run for the West Virginia Senate, what work he’s most proud of while in the House of Representatives, and what he would do to change education in the state.In segment three, Any Nichole Grady, the Republican nominee for West Virginia Senate, District 4, explains how’s she’s preparing to go back into the classroom, what her priorities are if she wins the seat

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about how best to provide educational opportunities during the pandemic, easing the burden on healthcare professionals, and why some firefighters are currently fighting for lost pay in the Mountain State.In segment one, Del. Daniel Linville (R-Cabell County) talks about what still needs to be done to increase broadband in West Virginia, why he believes the state will be ready to implement the new program that will provide internet to school children, and why internet access is so important for the education of West Virginians.In segment two, Dr. William Simmons, former president of Glenville State College, explains his concerns with online learning during the pandemic, whether new tests need to be developed to measure its effectiveness, and why personal contact between teachers and students is so important for education.In segment three, Tom Susman, president of TSG Consulting, explains the issues being encountered in health departments during the ongoing

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about concerns over reopening West Virginia schools, if extracurricular activities and sports can be held this fall, and if all students and teachers should be tested before they go back to school.In segment one, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice explains why the Sept. 8th reopening date for Mountain State schools is still a fluid situation, why the state must still “stay on their toes” and be ready to pivot in the case of a COVID-19 spike, and why he rebukes Democratic candidate for governor’s claims that schools are not ready to reopen.In segment two, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, the Democratic candidate for governor, explains why he thinks West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice should be using the funds received from the Department of Education and the CARES Act to make the state’s schools safe to reopen, why the state needs to provide personal protective equipment for teachers and students, and why he believes schools are not safe for reopening at thi

On this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the absentee ballot request procedure for West Virginia's Primary Election, if the process should be changed, and the many ways to vacation in the Mountain State.In segment one, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner explains how the "new and improved" absentee ballot request form goes directly to the county clerk and removes any issues with the United States Postal Service, how the changes will make the process faster and less expensive, and how the state currently prepares to protect West Virginians from COVID-19 during the upcoming election.In segment two, Natalie Tennant, Democratic nominee for West Virginia Secretary of State explains how she decided to run for re-election to help take the state forward, why she thinks changes to the primary election absentee ballot request system will suppress voters, and why she takes issue with Warner's vote against what she describes as voting right acts.  In segment three, freelance travel writer Clay

In this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about what should be included in the COVID-aid package currently before Congress, why one state House employee is being hailed as a hero and how a Legislative Scorecard helps make government more transparent to voters.In segment one, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) explains how the Senate Republican's COVID-aid package will differ from what was offered in the House, how the Senate package offers "targeted relief" to help the country reopen and how the current pandemic impacts her current campaign.In segment two, Paula Jean Swearengin, the Democratic candidate for Senate explains why the current $600 employment benefit should continue, why the government should help small businesses to be able to pay their employees a living wage and how the nation needs more "people servants" instead of "corporate servants" in Congress.In segment three, Anne Landgrebe, a West Virginia House employee who tested positive for COVID-19 explains how she helped to protect 49 ot

In this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about how Mountain State officials continue to battle against the coronavirus, the CARES Two package currently being discussed in Congress and how it could benefit the state.In segment one, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) explains why he continues to want answers on how the VA Medical Center murders were able to take place, how he hopes to help those who lost their jobs to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the “hot spots” provision will help those throughout the Mountain State.In segment two, Mary Collins, chief financial officer for Q-Labs explains how the lab allows some COVID-19 tests to be processed in West Virginia, how testing in-state speeds up the process and how Q-Labs currently works to test the faculty and staff at West Virginia University.In segment three, West Virginia Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad explains why West Virginians traveling back from out of state should take precautions to help stop the current spike of COVID-19 cases, what vacation sp

In this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the recent guilty plea of Reta Mays for the VA Clarksburg Medical Center murders and what steps the state continues to take to combat the coronavirus.In segment one, Tony O'Dell, the attorney for many of the VA Clarksburg Medical Center victims' families, explains how the recent guilty plea of Reta Mays is a great start, but the medical center must also be held accountable for system failures that allowed it to happen.In segment two, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) explains how she hopes Reta's Mays' conviction will help bring closure for the families and how the investigation into the cases will continue. She also explains why she believes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should continue to track COVID-19 cases.In segment three, West Virginia COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh explains what steps the state government plans to take to bring the COVID-19 numbers down, why the governor chose to shut down the Monongalia County bars for 10 days and

In this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how stopping the Atlanta Coast Pipeline's construction will directly impact the state, why one local business decided to convert to solar energy and why some believe solar energy makes sense for Mountain State businesses.In segment one, Charlie Burd, the executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, explains why he believes the halting of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is disappointing, why all may not be lost with construction and why he thinks the construction will be good for the state.In segment two, Karan Ireland with the West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, explains why she believes the decision to halt the Atlanta’s Coast Pipeline’s construction was the best decision, how several organizations vowed to continue to fight the construction and how the pipeline would negatively impact the Mountain State.In segment three, Nancy Bruns, co-owner of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, explains why the company is converting over

On this week’s episode, we talk about West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's plan to spend the state's CARES Act funding, how to prepare for the second wave of the coronavirus and what still needs to be done to help those in need throughout the Mountain State.In segment 1, West Virginia Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) explains why he disagrees with some of Justices' decisions on how the state should spend the CARES Act funds, why he encourages all West Virginia municipalities to apply for their share of the money and why he believes the funds should be spent on "struggling" Mountain State families and business, not to fix roads.In segment 2, Rev. Matthew Watts with Grace Bible Church in Charleston explains why be believes 20% of the CARES Act funds should be dedicated to the 20% living below the poverty level in West Virginia, how the coronavirus pandemic helped to identify the lack of healthcare for those living in poverty and why the state simply needs to develop a plan to help the impoverished.In segment 3, West V

On this week’s episode, we talk with two men running for West Virginia Attorney General, discuss one of the Supreme Court’s recent rulings with the executive director of Fairness West Virginia and look into the future of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital at their recent topping-out ceremony.In segment 1, Andrew Snyder, executive director of Fairness West Virginia explains why he believes the Supreme Court recent decision ruling against discrimination of the LGBTQ community in the workplace the “best gift that we could have asked for during Pride Month” and how the decision helps the debate for West Virginia’s Fairness Law.In segment 2, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who’s running for re-election in November, explains why he believes West Virginians should vote for him, how the Supreme Court ruling that allows the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s construction to continue could result in West Virginia jobs and how the ruling helps correct the law that created “an impenetrable barri

On this week’s episode, we talk with Amy Grady and Bruce Ashworth, two of the candidates for West Virginia State Senate, District 4, Independent candidate for Governor Marshall Wilson, and Mark Curtis presents a portion of "My Lost Moment: The Class of 2020," which salutes high school and college graduates from throughout the Mountain State.In segment 1, Amy Grady, the Republican candidate for the West Virginia State Senate, District 4 seat explains how she believes she pulled out the victory in the Primary against Mitch Carmichael, how she tried to earn the trust of West Virginia residents and her political philosophy.In segment 2, Bruce Ashworth the Democratic candidate for the West Virginia State Senate, District 4 seat explains how he’s in this race to help get the state’s unions back up and running, how he would improve education and why Mountain State residents should vote for him in November.In segment 3, Marshall Wilson, the Independent candidate for West Virginia Governor explains why he chose to run

On this week’s episode, we talk with Professor Robert Rupp with West Virginia Wesleyan and those running for West Virginia Secretary of State including incumbent Mac Warner and Natalie Tennant about how they each believe the current pandemic impacted last week’s Primary election. We also begin the discussion of November’s General Election by talking about the Secretary of State race.In segment 1, Professor Robert Rupp with West Virginia Wesleyan explains how this year’s primary was a “campaign without traditional campaigning” and how Gov. Jim Justice helped secure the Republican nomination by how he managed West Virginia’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.In segment 2, Rupp explains what he described as the teacher protest movement that helped secure Amy Grady victory in the State Senator District 4’s Republican Primary over incumbent and current Senate President Mitch Carmichael and how the negative ads often shown during elections help to poison the atmosphere of the race.In segment 3, West Virginia Sec

On this week’s episode, we talk with three republican candidates for West Virginia governor, including incumbent Governor Jim Justice, about plans they have for the Mountain state and why they each believe they are the best choice for the position. We also continue the COVID-19 discussion, this time focusing on the minority population and systemic poverty’s impact on health.In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice explains why he believes West Virginia residents should re-elect him as governor, saying that he is in office “for the right reasons” and hopes to continue his position. He also tells us why opponent Woody Thrasher’s criticisms show he doesn’t understand state government.In segment 2, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Woody Thrasher explains how he would help West Virginia move forward if elected into office, shares his concerns about the current pandemic and economy, and tells us what the state government should have done differently throughout the crisis.In segment 3, Michael Folk, anothe

On this week's episode, we spend the majority of the show talking with three West Virginia democratic gubernatorial candidates about their campaigns and how they would tackle issues they could be faced with if elected into office. In the last segment, we interview a democratic candidate for the United States Senate about his platform and the importance of bringing jobs to the Mountain state.In segment 1, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango tells us why he wants to be governor of West Virginia, why he believes he is the best choice of the democratic candidates, and what he would do if faced with a second wave of COVID-19 while in office.In segment 2, West Virginia Senator Ron Stollings explains why he thinks his medical background makes him the best choice for governor, the future of the Hobet mine project, and what he would do differently than the current administration, should he be elected.In segment 3, Democratic Candidate Stephen Smith tells us how his campaign differs from other candidates, highlight

On this week's episode, we talk with tourism officials about the latest developments in West Virginia's reopening, including new restrictions, employment opportunities, and how you can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Then, we talk with two republicans running for the United States Senate about their priorities and concerns.In segment 1, Haynes Mansfield, Marketing Director of ACE Adventure Resort reflects on the importance of tourism to the Mountain state, details some of the new restrictions and practices that are in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and tells us about some employment opportunities in the industry.In segment 2, West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association's Richie Heath discusses the impact of reopening outdoor activities on other sectors in the state and shares some advice on how to keep yourself safe as you venture out into this new normal we find ourselves in.In segment 3, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tells us why she wants to continue her position in the Senate, responds