West Virginians I saw your governor's inauguration on C-span last night

[Hippo_Tron]

And I'd have to say that I was impressed. Nothing earth-shaking or anything but the guy definately has charisma and with a top tier speechwriting staff (something that he probably doesn't have as governor), he could be great on the stump. Basically what I'm asking is, what do you think his potential for national office is?

[liberalpragmatist]

1. Not West Virginian here - but I think he's a social conservative

I think he's pro-life. My guess is he's too conservative for a national office (i.e. Pres or VP). Perhaps Senate though after Robert Byrd or Jay Rockefeller retire

[MountainLaurel]

2. He's a DINO

Very pro-life, pro-business, even though he plays a good game at kissing up to labor.

He ran an organization several years ago of "Democrats for Underwood", supporting the Republican candidate for governor.

[davidinalameda]

3. he didn't run it

but he and his family had a major hand in it after he lost the 1996 primary to Pritt

[wallybarron]

4. So

he's probably got potential for national office. My guess, for what it's worth, is he will appoint himself to replace Byrd.

[davidinalameda]

5. he's too conservative

he won't play to a national audience

[WildClarySage]

6. He's better than the republican candidate who ran but just barely

and I'll fight tooth and nail to keep him out of our senate.

[onecitizen]

7. I love him........

we expect big things out of him. Like we did, Wise, Underwood, Moore....

No really, I think he's gonna be good too.:)

[senexa]

8. I am waiting to see

So far I think he is just another politico who blows with the wind.

[eriffle]

9. What's his potential?

His potential is high, although I do not necissarily support it. The Manchin family is money and power hungry. He has the family connections on the left as as the family is personal friends with the Kennedys and the buisness connections on the right, Joe made money as a subsidary of Enron. Oddly, I'm keeping a more open mind than some of my other WV'ians. Our current tax structure is not working and I feel is hurting buisness. I think if the tax structure is changed so that it encourages buisness while making sure that the lower-middle class doesn't get hit with the bill then I'll be happy. Secondly, the myth that has been pushed by the right is that you can not be socially conservative and be a liberal at the same time. Yes, he his pro-life as am I, but I don't feel as though it should be legislated. If he takes the same stance he'll have my support. Also with our teen pregnancy rate high here in WV, I would like to make sure he doesn't become involved with things like sex-ed and birth control availability.

[brewsterb07]

10. lol

Its odd that you would ask that; for some time now myself and many others have seen national potential in running Joe Manchin.

I think that he would stand a good chance in going up for a federal position, his moderate Democratic views are a big plus.

Brandon

[BornLeft]

11. I wouldn't mind him as

a VP on some other Dem ticket. Not as the presidential candidate

[hollowdweller]

12. For such a humble speech he's grabbing power and screwing the working man

now that he's in office. Glad they stopped him from trying to control the programming on PBS!

[MrSandman]

13. This Governor?

Manchin denies knowing of Lincoln vote buying

State GOP chief wants ex-secretaries of state, new governor included, grilled on accountability


By Toby Coleman
Staff writer

The Manchin administration said Friday the governor did not know that Lincoln County residents were allegedly offered $20 to vote for him and a list of other candidates during last year’s Democratic primary.

A corrupt political faction run by Lincoln Circuit Clerk Greg Stowers paid voters and handed out the lists that included Manchin’s name, according to federal prosecutors. The list recommended a number of candidates running for everything from U.S. president to Lincoln County surveyor.

http://www.sundaygazettemail.com/webtools/email/News/Other%20News/2005050622

On edit...There have been federal charges...s