DaughterGate Update

The Charleston Gazette picks up on lingering resentment over the role played in the West Virginia University degree scandal by two now-former faculty administrators.

"WVU Provost Gerald Lang and Stephen Sears, dean of the College of Business and Economics, resigned last month after an investigation found them most at fault for the award of an unearned master's degree to Heather Bresch, Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter."

"There's some strong sentiment that their stepping down into these cushy teaching positions [where salaries are] considerably higher than what most people make is no punishment at all," English professor Mark Brazaitis told The Gazette. "It is a slap on the wrist."

Public Broadcasting revisits the false information given to the press when questions first arose regarding Bresch's degree.

"The official response from WVU was that Bresch did earn the degree and the records discrepancy was related to an unpaid $50 graduation fee," the report said. "As we all know now, this statement was not true." With audio.

The State Journal also weighs in on the affair, while the Charleston Daily Mail speculates on the differing severance package options for embattled WVU President Mike Garrison.

Update: AP reports on three WVU professors who say they are leaving "partly in protest" over the situation there. The Gazette and MetroNews also have stories, with the latter offering audio of one of the departing faculty as well.

They Voted For You: Farm Bill (Updated)

U.S. Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, all helped the House override President Bush's veto of the recent farm bill.

"The legislation includes election-year subsidies for farmers and food stamps for the poor, spending that lawmakers could promote when they are back in their districts over the Memorial Day weekend," The Associated Press reports.

The 316-108 vote overcoming the president's objection came just hours after his veto message.

Bush concluded the bill was "too expensive and gave too much money to wealthy farmers when farm incomes are high," the AP article said. "With Bush at record lows in the polls in the waning months of his term, it was fellow Republicans who joined with majority Democrat in rejecting the veto. GOP lawmakers are anxious about their own prospects less than six months from the Election Day."

The Senate is expected to follow suit, AP said.

Update: The House will have to pass a new bill, weather a second veto and try for another override because of an error in the original legislation, AP reports.

"Congress had omitted a 34-page section of the bill when lawmakers sent the massive measure to the White House," the report said. "Democrats hoped to pass the entire bill, again, on Thursday under expedited rules usually reserved for unopposed legislation. Lawmakers also probably will have to pass an extension of current farm law, which expires Friday."

"Republican leaders called for a farm bill do-over," AP also noted. "The White House, almost gleefully, seized on the fumble and said the mixup could give Congress time to fix the 'bloated' bill."

Wood County House Race Tied

Wood County's canvass of the Democratic primary has resulted in a tie between Iris McCrady and Tim Fittro for the third slot in its 10th House District, The Parkersburg News reports.

McCrady was head by just three votes before the canvass. "Of the 190 (ballots) added in following the canvass, 183 were overruled provisional ballots and seven were absentee, which were received by the start of the canvass and so are eligible to be counted,” Wood County Clerk Jamie Six told the newspaper.

While the provisional ballots have been resolved, "the hand count is expected to continue into Wednesday," the article noted. "The board cannot declare canvass results until that hand count is completed. McCrady picked up 24 additional votes and Fittro gained 27 after the canvass count."

Either candidate can request a recount once the hand count is complete. "If neither candidate asks for a recount, the board certifies the results and the tie would go to the Democratic executive committee for a decision," the newspaper reported.

Lawmakers Get Turnpike Update

The Associated Press reports that "while cost-cutting and downsizing have freed up money, the agency that runs the West Virginia Turnpike still has barely more than one-third of what it needs for road improvements."

The audit presented to legislators during their interim meetings also found that the agency "has streamlined costs by eliminating perks such as free health insurance and annual 'recognition award' bonuses for its employees," The Charleston Gazette reports.

The Register-Herald of Beckley also details the report's findings.

EPA Targets Mollohan Group

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General "has questioned nearly half of the $6.7 million the Canaan Valley Institute spent from five federal grants over the last four years," The Charleston Gazette reports.

The institute is one of several championed by Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, whose federal earmarks for such efforts have come under scrutiny in recent years.

"Inspector General auditors found that the institute reported costs for services outside the scope of one agreement, did not comply with contract terms, and improperly used EPA funds to match another federal program," the article said.

Mollohan issued a statement through a spokesman to the The Gazette. "It is my understanding that this process is ongoing, and it is up to CVI and EPA to resolve their differences over these matters," it said.

Health Care in The Mountain State

Legislative leaders have enlisted a Emory University health policy professor to help them draft a "'road map’ within a year that they hope will provide basic coverage to all West Virginians," The Associated Press reports.

"To design the plan, they’re creating four working groups with members ranging from doctors to labor union officials," AP's Tom Breen explains. "The groups will tackle the costs associated with treating chronic health problems like diabetes or heart disease, wellness and prevention, cost cutting and technology."

As for the current terrain, "state and federal plans like Medicaid and Medicare already provide health insurance coverage for roughly half of West Virginia’s 1.8 million residents, with roughly 700,000 covered by private plans and the rest without insurance," the AP article said.

Lawmakers also promised that this approach "won’t result in the creation of a new agency or major program, or require the expenditure of huge sums," Breen reported.

The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and The Register-Herald of Beckley also covered Monday's announcement.

Byrd Endorses Obama

"Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support," West Virginia's senior senator said in a Monday statement.

Reports from The Associated Press, The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews, the Charleston Daily Mail and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington.

Election 2008: Legislature

The Associated Press looks at the primary election defeats of six incumbent House Democrats, including some in leadership, and sets the stage for November.

MetroNews talks to Mike Ross, one of several former lawmakers seeking to rejoin the Legislature this year. The Randolph County Democrat is heading toward a rematch with Sen. Clark Barnes, the Republican who beat him in 2004. With audio.

DaughterGate Update

Several students and faculty refused to shake the hand of President Mike Garrison at West Virginia University's weekend commencement ceremonies, according to reports by The Associated Press, MetroNews, The Charleston Gazette and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Charleston Daily Mail reports that Walker Machinery Co. President Steve Walker has resigned from WVU's College of Business and Economics' advisory board "because of the master's degree scandal involving the governor's daughter."

The Intelligencer of Wheeling interviewed Garrison, offering both a story and the complete Q-and-A.

Update: AP reports that WVU's Board of Governors "is holding an emergency meeting to discuss personnel issues" Monday afternoon. An agenda, such as it is, is here.

Update II: The board met for three-plus hours in executive session before deciding "they likely won’t take any action against embattled President Mike Garrison until next month,"AP reports. "Garrison is due to present a corrective action plan June 6 to the board, along with any other response from his administration to a master’s degree scandal involving the governor’s daughter."

Also... As AP notes, Gov. Joe Manchin issued a statement Monday that declares that "the WVU Board of Governors members are not under my control" and that "I consider this matter one that should be decided by the members of the Board of Governors based upon their own insights and beliefs and information." MetroNews, among others, has the release.

They Voted For You: Iraq Funding

U.S. Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, voted for a $163 billion measure that contains the Bush Administration's Iraq war funding request and other spending provisions.

But the effort failed, 141-149. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd, voted against the legislation, while "132 Republicans sat out the vote in protest," The Associated Press reports.

"The practical effect of the GOP protest is likely to be minimal," the article said. "While it kills the war funding component of the bill for now, the Senate is sure to revive it next week."

Election 2008: President

The Associated Press previews Friday's slated visit by presumptive GOP nominee John McCain to a St. Albans gun and archery store. WOWK-TV also has a setup, with video.

Update: AP, The Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail all offer coverage. WSAZ-TV has coverage and raw video of the visit, and The Journal of Martinsburg spoke to some of its local participants.

Public Broadcasting, meanwhile, sifts through the result of the Democrats' presidential primary.

"Barack Obama suffered his biggest defeat yet in West Virginia’s primary election Tuesday, and the state’s image is taking a hit," the report said. "The Democratic primary shined a spotlight onto West Virginia -- and what it revealed about race and religious prejudice in West Virginia isn’t pretty."

With audio. Update: Public Broadcasting also spoke to the state's Democratic and Republican Party chairmen about the role of race and religion in the primary.

The piece also touches on The Daily Show's take on the West Virginia primary. The Comedy Central program's video segment is here.

They Voted For You: Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller contributed to the 97-1 passage of an amendment that aims "to increase the supply and lower the cost of petroleum by temporarily suspending the acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve."

The U.S. House also passed the measure 385-25, with the help of Reps. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, did not vote.

The Associated Press offers some details.

Teacher Pensions Prompt Lawsuit

While the state await results from the potential exodus from its 401(k)-style retirement plan for educators, a lawsuit seeking class-action status targets the program's handling.

As The Associated Press reports, the lawsuit alleges that members of the Teachers' Defined Contribution plan "were steered toward an investment that performed only slightly better than some savings accounts, and that some of them had wrongly been lured away from a traditional pension."

The case focuses on an investment option offered to TDC enrollees by VALIC.

"VALIC engaged in a systematic scheme of hiring agents, with whom the teachers, school service personnel and professional staff were familiar,'' AP quotes the plaintiffs' lawyers as saying. "We believe many of the representations made by these VALIC agents were not factually based and were clearly fraudulent in character.''

The Charleston Gazette and MetroNews also report on the lawsuit, with the latter offering audio from one of the suing lawyers.

They Voted For You: Farm Bill

U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-W.Va., helped pass the Food and Energy Security Act on an 81-15 vote.

The $290 billion farm bill "will increase food aid for the needy as well as subsidies for farmers enjoying record high incomes," The Associated Press reports.

"Rising food costs put political pressure on lawmakers to boost money for food stamps and other nutrition programs," the article said. "The bill's fate appeared bleak until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi intervened and forced farm-state negotiators to divert money from farm subsidies to food programs."

The state's House delegation, Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, had all helped pass the measure in that chamber Wednesday, 318-106.

President Bush has threatened to veto the measure, but AP notes it garnered enough support for an override in both the House and Senate.

Primay Turnout

The Associated Press reports that about 40 percent of West Virginia's registered voters turned out for the May 13 primary, citing unofficial figures from the secretary of state.

Those focusing on local turnout include the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and The Journal of Martinsburg.

Others looking to the upcoming canvassing of votes include The Times West Virginian of Fairmont and The Parkersburg News.

Election 2008: Supreme Court

The Associated Press examines the role Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship played in Tuesday's defeat of his longtime friend, Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard.

"I don't think that helped Justice Maynard a bit, to be associated with Don Blankenship, even if Don Blankenship was not actively involved in his campaign," state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey told AP.

In Maynard's (and Blankenship's) native Mingo County, the Williamson Daily News reports that Maynard captured the top spot in that county -- but no other.

The State Journal also focuses on the MonacoGate factor, while questioning as well whether "a bigger reason for Maynard's defeat is that West Virginia does not have a solid pro-business voting block within the Democratic Party."

MetroNews, meanwhile, talked to primary winner Menis Ketchum, who "believes outside groups will attack him in the months leading up to the November General Election."

"If attacked, I'll do just like this time," he told MetroNews. With audio.

Update: The Charleston Daily Mail also sifts through the results.

Election 2008: Governor

The Charleston Gazette attempts to analyze Gov. Joe Manchin's primary win over freshman lawmaker Mel Kessler with 75 percent of the vote.

The Register-Herald of Beckley reports that former local state senator Russ Weeks, the GOP nominee, "is insisting on a series of seven regional debates."

The Beckley paper also reports that the Democrat Kessler, like Weeks a Raleigh Countian, has endorsed the Republican, "even offering to let him have his car to meet voters"

DaughterGate Update

The resolution may be nonbinding, but 565 members of West Virginia University's faculty voted Wednesday to demand that "embattled President Mike Garrison quit over a master's degree scandal involving the governor's daughter," The Associated Press reports.

Just 39 faculty members opposed the measure while 11 abstained in "the second call for his resignation in 10 days," the article said.

"Professors hope the latest no-confidence vote on Garrison's leadership will be harder to ignore because more faculty members were involved," AP's Vicki Smith reported. " Garrison acknowledged the vote in a prepared statement, but reiterated he plans to stay in the job."

The Charleston Gazette also has a story. So does the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which also offers video.

MetroNews has a report and audio, while Talkline Host Hoppy Kercheval opines that the vote has effectively ended Garrison's presidency.

The Daily Athenaeum has coverage as well. Public Broadcasting has an audio report.

Election 2008: President

Those crunching the numbers to add West Virginia delegates to Clinton and Obama's tallies include The Charleston Gazette.

"Clinton's landslide victory Tuesday in West Virginia gave her 20 committed delegates to the Democratic National Convention, but did not prompt any more of the state's superdelegates to declare they'll vote for her," the Gazette reported.

The remaining eight would go to Obama.

The Register-Herald of Beckley focuses on the state's remaining uncommitted superdelegates, finding that "neither Gov. Joe Manchin nor Sen. Robert C. Byrd...would say how they intend to vote once Democrats gather to choose a presidential nominee."

MetroNews spoke to superdelegates Nick Casey (audio) and Alice Germond (audio)

As for the presumptive GOP nominee, The Gazette reports that "Sen. John McCain plans a visit to the Charleston area Friday, but it is apparently a private event and McCain officials said Wednesday they could not release the senator's itinerary."

"However, an employee of St. Albans Gun and Archery at 450 Walnut St., St. Albans, said the senator is expected to visit that store at 10:45 a.m. Friday," the article also said.

How W.Va. Voted

The Associated Press offers an overview of the statewide and legislative races.

AP also weighs the Obama factor in the primary win for U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.

Those reporting on Clinton's win over Obama include AP, CNN, Politico, MetroNews, Public Broadcasting and The Charleston Gazette.

Update: The Lehrer News Hour analyzes Clinton's romp, while also hearing from West Virginia's Robert Rupp othat "Obama didn’t necessarily need to give his pre-emptive Mountain State concession speech. The New York Times also has a story.

Congressional race coverage comes from CQ Politics, Public Broadcasting, MetroNews, The Gazette and The Charleston Daily Mail.

Those focusing on the state Supreme Court race and the primary defeat of Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard include Public Broadcasting, the Daily Mail, The Gazette, MetroNews and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington (updated).

Update: In other election news, the Herald-Dispatch reports on Huntington Mayor Dave Felinton's tight win in the Democratic primary, while The Intelligencer of Wheeling has Republican Sen. Andy McKenzie's victory in Wheeling's mayoral race. The Register-Herald of Beckley, meanwhile, notes that former state Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw won the Democratic primary for Wyoming County's circuit court seat.

W.Va. Primary Election

As West Virginians head to the polls, The Associated Press reports that 76,519 voters have already cast early or absentee ballots - the second-highest number after the 2004 general election.

AP also offers overviews of the federal and state races.

Those expected to post statewide returns include:

• Secretary of State Betty Ireland
• MetroNews

Those posting local results include:

• Kanawha County
• Marion County
• Monongalia County

Clinton, Obama Wind Down W.Va. Push

The Associated Press talked to Obama supporters attending his Monday rally at the Charleston Civic Center.

Others with coverage of Obama include MetroNews.

MetroNews' Talkline snagged an interview with Hillary Clinton (audio here), with Obama slated to speak to host Hoppy Kercheval later in the day.

The Charleston Daily Mail reports that "Polls have shown Sen. Hillary Clinton stomping rival Barack Obama by 40-plus points in West Virginia, yet the former first lady isn't taking Tuesday's primary here lightly."

AP also reports that a string of VIPs have chimed in for Obama: Charleston native Jennifer Garner "was featured in automated calls urging voters across the state to support the Illinois senator for president; film star Kal Penn was stumping for him in Fairmont and Morgantown; and his supporters also include "former Mountaineer quarterback Major Harris and current quarterback Pat White."

Election 2008: Legislature

The Associated Press finds that "general election isn't for nearly six months, but dozens of West Virginia legislative candidates can relax after Tuesday."

"That's because nearly half the races for the House of Delegates won't have major party opposition, along with about a third of Senate races," the article continues, citing records from the secretary of state's office.

AP also reports on legislative candidate spending in advance of the primary: about $1.6 million spent after $3.2 million was contributed or loaned to House and Senate campaigns.

The top Senate spender: Mike Ross, who "had plowed more than $97,654 into his effort... Unopposed in his party's primary, the Randolph County Democrat seeks a rematch with Republican Sen. Clark Barnes, who unseated him in 2004."

As for the House races, "Sally Susman tops the list...at $72,563 as she and nine other Democrats compete for five seats in the 27th District. The veteran Raleigh County politico had left the House in 2006 for an unsuccessful state Senate run. She has also largely self-financed her current bid."

Suffolk: Clinton 60%, Obama 24% in W.Va.

Suffolk University polled 600 likely Democratic Primary voters over the weekend.

Asking voters to predict the next president, the survey found:

• 31% Clinton
• 27% Obama
• 26% McCain

More than two-thirds, or 67%, said that Clinton should not get out of the race "regardless of what happens on Tuesday," while 24% said she should exit.

An even larger margin, 72%, said that Clinton is not hurting the Democratic Party by running in the remaining parties, versus 20 percent who said she was.

Just over half, 51%, believed that Obama could beat McCain in November. Another 29% thought he could not. The remaining 20% were undecided.

Also, 23% said they would vote for McCain if their candidate did not win the nomination. Another 6% said they would vote for Ralph Nader.

Other highlights:

• 4% said they would vote for John Edwards
• Obama favorable/unfavorable - 44%/41%
• Clinton favorable/unfavorable - 70%/21%
• Top isse - the economy, at 56%, followed by Iraq war (21%) and health care (9%)
• 41% favored making President Bush's tax cuts permanent.
• Bush's unfavorable rating was 77%
• When asked about their family's situation, 62% said they were "holding steady"
• Just one-third of the surveyed houseolds contained veterans.
• Even fewer, 30%, had union members.

The margin of error was +/- 4 percentage points. Suffolk has also posted details.

Primary Election Eve in W.Va.

• The Associated Press' Tom Breen previews the Obama-Clinton matchup in West Virginia, and the role former President Bill Clinton has played, heading into Tuesday.

• AP also covered Hillary Clinton's Mother's Day stops in West Virginia, as did the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and Public Broadcasting (with audio).

• Obama is set to return to the Mountain State with a Monday appearance in Charleston, while Clinton hits southern counties. Those with reports include AP, MetroNews and The Gazette. Charleston's morning paper also sets the state separately for Obama's stop.

• AP also profiles the three Democrats seeking their party's nod to challenge U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd.

• The Register-Herald focuses on Delegate Mel Kessler, D-Raleigh, Gov. Joe Manchin's opponent in that party's gubernatorial primary.

• The Beckley newspaper also offers a rundown of where top Democrats fall along the Obama-Clinton divide.
  

• MetroNews highlights the two Republicans vying to take on Democratic Attorney General Darrell McGraw.

• With national attention turned to West Virginia, The Intelligencer of Wheeling reports that "Secretary of State Betty Ireland doesn’t want the state’s election process to be the focus."

Election 2008: President

• The Associated Press reports that nearly 50,000 West Virginians had cast early ballots in advance of Saturday's deadline, a record for a primary election. But while 71% of the early voters have been Democrats, and the presidential race has likely fueled some of the numbers, "officials in some counties said they had expected even higher turnouts."

• AP also reports on the planned Mother's Day visits to Grafton and Eleanor by Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea.

• The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington is among those with details of Barack Obama's slated Monday appearance at the Charleston Civic Center.

• Those recapping the Friday leg of former President Bill Clinton's tour of West Virginia include the Herald-Dispatch and The Charleston Gazette.

• MetroNews reports on Obama's comments that "We're still competing and (Clinton's) going to do very well in West Virginia and Kentucky. She will win those states in all likelihood."

• Those offering overviews of West Virginia's presidential primary as Tuesday approaches include The Intelligencer of Wheeling, The Gazette and CNN. The latter interviews WCHS-TV reporter Kennie Bass for its story.
  

ARG: Clinton 66%, Obama 23% in W.Va.

American Research Group surveyed 562 Democrats and 38 unaffiliated likely voters Wednesday and Thursday.

With a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points, 6% were undecided and 5% said the would vote for "someone else."

Primary 2008 Shorts

• Public Broadcasting highlights the Republican race for state attorney general. Among other items, it notes that candidate Hiram Lewis was fined during a recent hearing in which he defended a funeral home targeted by current AG Darrell McGraw. "Earlier in the proceedings, Lewis told the Judge that he had a dream, he believed it was a message from God, that the Judge would recuse himself from the case," the story said. With audio.

• MetroNews' Talkline interviewed Democratic secretary of state candidate Joe DeLong. With audio.

• The Journal of Martinsburg profiled GOP secretary of state candidate Charles Minimah.

• Current Secretary of State Betty Ireland "is cautioning voters not to be misled by a mailing sent to thousands of West Virginians asking them to register to vote," the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington reports. "These mailings could cause confusion because the deadline to register to vote in Tuesday’s May 13, primary has already passed.

• The Martinsburg newspaper also reports on the Republican's candidate for governor, former state Sen. Russ Weeks.

• MetroNews notes that the state GOP "is in the process of revising its platform, something that's done every four years. A step in the process will come Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center and other venues across the state as part of a meeting focused on the issues the Party supports," the report said.
  

Election 2008: President (Updated)

• Along with The Associated Press, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and The Charleston Gazette offer follow-up coverage from Hillary Clinton's rally Thursday at the state Capitol. The Gazette also offers video.

• The Intelligencer covered Thursday's appearance by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney in Wheeling to stump for Barack Obama.

• Bill Clinton continues to hit small towns throughout the state on behalf of his wife. Besides AP, the Herald-Dispatch, MetroNews and The Parkersburg News report.

• (Update) AP's Tom Breen files from the road as he continues to track the former president's multi-town sweep through West Virginia. "Hillary Rodham Clinton is counting on a victory in West Virginia, and it's her husband's job to run up the score," Breen writes.
  

• The Register-Herald and the Bluefield Daily-Telegraph were among those covering Bill Clinton's Thursday barnstorming. The Beckley paper also reports separately on his Fayette County visit, and on a site snafu at another stop.

• (Update) CBS News has posted video on YouTube of the former president's exchange with, as AP reported, "a heckler in Fayetteville who shouted that neither he nor Hillary had done anything to work toward universal health coverage during his presidency."

• Obama is also appealing to Mountain State voters via Max Kennedy, with the son of Robert F. Kennedy visiting Huntington, the Herald-Dispatch reports.

• As one of West Virginia's several holdout "superdelegates," Gov. Joe Manchin remains uncommitted to either campaign, his spokeswoman tells MetroNews (with audio.)

• The Gazette revisits its 1964 coverage of the maverick bid by U.S. Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, R-Maine, for the presidency.

• The Register-Herald and the Times-West Virginian of Fairmont examine West Virginia's time in the national media spotlight as Tuesday's primary nears.

• (Update) Public Broadcasting compares JFK's message from West Virginia's 1960 primary, the last one to attract such national attention, with that of Clinton and Obama. With video.

• (Update) the Charleston Daily Mail reports that "Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Rep. Nick Rahall, two of West Virginia's superdelegates backing Barack Obama, say they're sticking with him despite polls showing Hillary Clinton a heavy favorite in the state."

DaughterGate Update

• The Charleston Gazette reports that "Students, faculty and alumni at West Virginia University continue to apply pressure on President Mike Garrison to resign," and "a new faculty-led group, Mountaineers for Integrity and Responsibility, formed Wednesday with just such a goal."

• The Charleston Daily Mail focuses on protesting students, while also reporting that WVU policies "apparently would have permitted President Mike Garrison to fire two high-ranking academic officials for their part in awarding Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter a degree she hadn't earned."

• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that "Garrison, who has repeatedly said he washed his hands of Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch's disputed M.B.A. degree after her initial call, discussed the matter in a briefing with his chief of staff and other top aides late the following day."

• (Update) Former state higher education official John Hoblitzell tells MetroNews Talkline that "President Garrison should resign and Board of Governors Chair Steve Goodwin should step aside from the decision making in this instance." With audio.

• (Update) The Daily Mail also reports that "West Virginia University Police have confiscated fliers on campus that read 'Kill Joe Manchin' and 'Kill a WVU BOG member today in large, bold letters."

• (Update) Charleston's afternoon paper reports as well on how Morgantown publisher, industrialist and GOP figure John Raese "said he has contributed to WVU in the past and will in the future but 'won't give a nickel' as long as Mike Garrison is president."

They Voted For You: Foreclosures

U.S. Reps. Alan Mollohan, D-1st, Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Nick Rahall, D-3rd, all voted for the "Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008."

Passed 266-154, the measure reflects "a massive homeowner rescue plan to provide cheaper, government-backed mortgages to half a million debt-ridden borrowers and bolster an economy crippled by the housing crisis," The Associated Press reports.

"Supporters hope the package — which awaits action in the Senate — will serve as the basis for a broad bipartisan housing compromise that could satisfy both parties' keen appetite for delivering election-year aid to anxious constituents," the AP article said.

President Bush has threatened to veto the bill as-is, and Capito was among just 34 House Republicans who voted for it.

"Republicans argued the package reward lenders and irresponsible borrowers at the expense of homeowners and renters who made more prudent choices and are straining to cover their costs in a punishing economic climate," AP reported.

Update: Capito's office has issued a press release explaining her vote and her successful amendment to the legislation "to expand flexibility for service veterans participating in the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Programs."

Election 2008: Supreme Court

• The Associated Press reports that non-candidate spending on ads in the two-seat race has topped $617,000, a sum that exceeds or rivals what the candidates themselves had expended "in all other statewide primary contests."

• Public Broadcasting focuses on the court campaigns going negative in advance of Tuesday's vote.

Election 2008: President (Updated)

With Hillary Clinton and the former president each campaigning in West Virginia today, The Associated Press' Tom Breen sketches an overview of the primary election terrain.

"Obama's strengths are among black voters and college-educated voters, but only 3.3 percent of West Virginians are black and only 16. 5 percent of residents have bachelor's degrees," the article said. "For Clinton, the state is nearly ideal: She has consistently outperformed Obama among white, older and blue-collar voters in competitive primaries."

Breen will be tracking Bill Clinton and his barnstorming tour through the state. AP will also be on hand for Hillary Clinton's rally at the state Capitol.

Others setting the stage for the day's events include The Charleston Gazette, The Intelligencer of Wheeling and WSAZ-TV (with video).

Update: AP reports from Hillary Clinton's Capitol rally. So does the Charleston Daily Mail, which also hosts photos. MetroNews has audio. WSAZ-TV has video.

Eyes Turn To W.Va. (Updated)

The Clinton and Obama camps have announced a flurry of personal and surrogate appearances in the wake of Tuesday's results in North Carolina and Indiana:

• Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus will stump for Barack Obama in Charleston and Parkersburg today, his campaign announced;

• Hillary Clinton headed to Shepherd University today for a “Solutions for the American Economy” event at noon. MetroNews has coverage and audio (updated);

• The New York senator also expects to lead a Thursday morning rally at the state Capitol, The Associated Press reports;

• AP also reports that former President Clinton plans to return to the state Thursday and visit "Philippi, Sutton, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, and Mercer County;"

• MetroNews and Public Broadcasting touch on recent polling that shows Clinton with a formidable lead over Obama among likely Democratic primary voters;

• The Parkersburg News sets the stage as the Democrats' presidential contest arrives in the Mountain State.
  

Weeks Readies Legislative Pay Lawsuit

The Charleston Gazette reports on a draft of the lawsuit that Russ Weeks, a former state senator and the's GOP candidate for governor, plans to file to challenge a retroactive increase to certain legislative per diem payments.

The lawsuit "will cite four main reasons why the hike should be overturned," the newspaper reports, and alleges that the retroactive hike "amounts to an abuse of office, an offense occurring too often in this state ..."

Election 2008: Supreme Court (Updated)

• The Associated Press delves into the combined 142 years of legal experience of the race's Democratic candidates, while asking each about the one case from their careers that sticks out in their minds;

• A poll by TSG Consulting shows Menis Ketchum and Margaret Workman ahead in the Democratic field, but with 40 percent undecided and an error of margin of +/- 5.1%, The Charleston Gazette reports;

• MetroNews also has the TSG poll;
  

• The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington profiles the race and reports that "recent scandals and perceived conflicts of interest are at the top of citizens' lists of things to correct when two justices are elected to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in November."

• AP highlights the money race to date: "Lawyers remain the most generous source of campaign cash for West Virginia's Supreme Court races, with the coal industry and physicians also contributing significant sums to this year's candidates."

One Week To Go (Updated)

As West Virginia wraps up early voting and approaches its May 13 primary:

• Besides the previously noted planned visits by Hillary Clinton and John McCain, The Charleston Gazette also suggests an imminent Barack Obama appearance.

• The Associated Press' Tom Breen previews the Democratic primary match-up between Gov. Joe Manchin and Delegate Mel Kessler of Raleigh County.

• The Mountain Party, the only third party with ballot status in the state, has announced endorsements and delegates to the national convention of its affiliated Green Party, The Gazette reports.

• (Update) The Charleston Daily Mail scrutinizes e-mails to and from Supreme Court candidate Bob Bastress, a West Virginia University law professor.

• (Update) WSAZ-TV reports on a poll showing Manchin with 63%, Kessler with 20% and 17% undecided among likely primary voters.
  

Faculty Senate Votes No Confidence in Garrison (Updated)

The tally was 77-19 with one abstention. As The Associated Press reports, the measure "demands that Garrison step down, or that the WVU Board of Governors require his resignation."

"The Faculty Senate’s action represents only a recommendation," MetroNews observes. "Neither Garrison nor the Board of Governors has to follow the vote. But it does represent a strong feeling by the faculty."

MetroNews also has audio.

Update: MetroNews also has video of the resolution motion, the final vote and Senate reaction. It also has the text of Garrison's responding statement.

Others with reports include The Charleston Gazette, The Daily Athenaeum, Public Broadcasting (with audio) and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Rasmussen: Clinton 56%, Obama 27% in W.Va. (Updated)

Rasmussen polled 840 Democratic primary voters over the weekend to find that Hillary Clinton continues to maintain the 2-to-1 edge over Barack Obama indicated by the firm's mid-March survey.

"Clinton is viewed favorably by 72% of West Virginia’s Primary Voters, Obama by 48%," Rasmussen said in a release. "Clinton’s numbers are unchanged while Obama’s ratings have dropped five percentage points."

The poll was released amid news that presumptive GOP nominee John McCain plans to visit West Virginia on May 16. The Associated Press has a story.

Rasmussen found that "72% say they’re at least somewhat likely to vote for Clinton over McCain in the general election. However, only 56% say they’re somewhat or very likely to vote for Obama."

Update: Hillary Clinton has announced a Thursday appearance in Charleston, AP reports.

Update II: The margin of error was +/- 3.5 percentage points. Among other findings:

• Clinton's favorability rating remains unchanged from March, at 72%, while Obama's has dropped from 53% to 48%.

• The economy and the war in Iraq remain the top two issues among the voters polled.

• President Bush's disapproval rating edged up by a point, to 85%.

• Gov. Joe Manchin's approval rating dipped from 57% to 53%.

ATVs in W.Va.

The Register-Herald offers a series examining the popularity of all-terrain vehicles in the Mountain State, the record high fatality rate and the long-running legislative debate over safety regulations.

The Beckley newspaper reports that the state's ATV laws are "more lax than surrounding states," and notes the lack of successful legislation this year in the face of "a comprehensive 64-page study of West Virginia ATV deaths and injuries compiled by the state Bureau for Public Health and the Criminal Justice Statistical Center."

WVU Faculty to Weigh In on DaughterGate (Updated)

The Associated Press sets the stage for today's meeting of WVU's Faculty Senate and its consideration of resolutions responding to the DaughterGate scandal.

But AP also reports that even if faculty vote no confidence in President Mike Garrison, "it's unclear whether it will be anything more than symbolic. Garrison has repeatedly said he won't resign, and he has powerful backers in his corner, including Gov. Joe Manchin and WVU Board of Governors members he appointed."

MetroNews also previews the day's possible actions, as does The Daily Athenaeum. WVU's student-run newspaper also reports that "four West Virginia University head athletics coaches spoke out in support" of Garrison over the weekend.
(Update: the Charleston Daily Mail is among those focusing on the timing and handling of the endorsements.)

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette took a step back in a Sunday story that offers the recent report on DaughterGate as "a detailed, inside look at how far officials were willing to go for the governor's daughter, inventing explanations, falsifying her records and repeatedly misleading the public."

AP also earlier reported on the scandal's potential impact on WVU donors.

Update: West Virginia Media interviewed Garrison, and offers video in six parts along with commentary. The Charleston Gazette, meanwhile, reported that W.Va. Media "originally planned to feature Garrison critic Peter J. Kalis and others, but the station canceled Kalis after it secured an interview with Garrison."

"Selection Day" for Teacher Pension Transfers

As The Associated Press reports, Monday marks the day for Teachers' Defined Contribution plan enrollees to hand in the paperwork necessary to allow them to transfer into a different retirement program.

"Officials expect heavy turnout for 'Selection Day.,'" AP reports. "Supporters certainly hope that's the case: just 2,251 (TDC) participants had requested transfers as of Friday, according the latest figure posted by the state's Consolidated Public Retirement Board."

"Transfers will occur only if at least 65 percent, or 12,343 enrollees, make that choice," the article said. "Those who don't would still keep their individual TDC accounts."

AP also details some of the hurdles facing the transfer process, including a tight time window, while also hearing from TDC enrollees who want to keep their individual investment accounts.

MetroNews also reports on "Selection Day."

Election 2008 Shorts (Updated)

• The Intelligencer of Wheeling compares Gov. Joe Manchin with his Democratic primary rival, Delegate Mel Kessler of Raleigh County, on the topic of coal liquefaction.

• The Associated Press finds that Barack Obama's campaign is focusing on the coal issue Monday: "Illinois State Rep. Dan Reitz, a former coal miner, is scheduled to visit with miners in Beckley and take a tour of coal extraction technology at West Virginia University Tech," AP reports. (Update) Reitz talked to MetroNews, as did a New York farmer stumping for Hillary Clinton in the Eastern Panhandle. Audio from both here.)
  

• A National Rifle Association official and U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, helped headline a Berkeley County event where GOP officials predicted that "discontent Americans, upset with problems common to most people — including the rising cost of gasoline — will provide the momentum behind Republican victories in upcoming 2008 elections," The Journal of Martinsburg reports.

• The Charleston Gazette notes that at least 15 former lawmakers seek to re-enter the Legislature this year.

• The Journal also focuses on the Obama campaigns efforts in the Eastern Panhandle in advance of next Tuesday's primary.

• The Gazette also crunches some campaign finance numbers in the state Supreme Court race.

• (Update) The AP's Tom Breen talks to some of the 2008 candidates considered longshots, including Kessler and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller's two Democratic primary challengers.

• (Update) The Charleston Daily Mail focuses on a TV ad from the Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation targeting Supreme Court Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard.
  

The Pros and Cons of Downsizing Government

Figures tracked down by The Charleston Gazette appear to flesh out the Manchin administration's pledge to reduce the size of state government.

"Currently, state government is budgeted to operate with a total of 38,460 full-time equivalent positions," the article said. "However, as of Friday, according to figures from the Budget Office, there were a total of 3,419 vacant full-time positions - or nearly one job in 10."

The Gazette further found that Health and Human Resources topped that tally, with 640 vacant positions out of 6,250 budgeted. The Division of Highways followed with 598 out of 4,498.

The review had been prompted by a recent Capitol rally of environmentalists and union workers, who believe vacancies at the Department of Environmental Protection impair DEP's "ability to enforce the Clean Water Act," the article said (while finding 94 unfilled positions out of 911).

The article also cites a public employees' union official, who said that "while cutting the size of state government sounds good in theory, it appears to be coming at the expense of agencies being able to perform vital services."

Election 2008: Gas Prices

As The Associated Press reports, "soaring gasoline prices are suddenly the nation's No. 1 crisis, and all the presidential candidates are offering cures." And with its May 13 approaching, West Virginia is seeing at least two of the candidates bringing up that issue in the state.

AP reports that on the campaign trail, "The slew of proposals includes: a summertime suspension of federal gas taxes, backed by John McCain and Hillary Clinton; a windfall-profits tax on oil companies, supported by Clinton, Obama and many other Democrats; a cry for new refineries, nuclear power plants and drilling in the Alaskan wilderness, sounded by President Bush and his GOP allies; calls by those in both parties to stop buying oil at $117 a barrel - only to pump it back into the ground for strategic reserves."

The Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail both touch on the gas price issue in their coverage. The latter observes that Barack Obama has "aired a statewide commercial attacking the oil industry for sky-high gas prices and pushing for alternative energy solutions and 'green' jobs creation."

Obama supporter and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., meanwhile, has proposed what The Register-Herald of Beckley calls "monthly handouts of $100 to $165 for low-income motorists strapped to buy gas in a time of soaring prices." MetroNews also reports on Rockefeller's "low-Income Gas Assistance Act."

Clinton vs. Obama in W.Va.

Public Broadcasting and the Charleston Daily Mail are among the latest with takes as the primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama takes shape in the Mountain State.

The Daily Mail reports that the Obama camp is "hitting on all cylinders in the state with TV spots and automated telephone messages," with the latter narrated by U.S. Rep Nick Rahall, D-3rd.

As for the Clinton camp, "former President Bill Clinton stopped in Morgantown and Clarksburg in support of his wife while touting her desire to provide immediate relief at the gas pumps," the article said. It adds that "both campaigns have opened up a slew of offices around the state."

Offering both audio and a transcript, Public Broadcasting interviews voters in Man, Logan County. Its conclusions: "Hillary Clinton has nothing to worry about this primary season," and "(John) McCain can expect to poach more than a few local Democratic votes come November, particularly if Obama is the nominee."

Public Broadcasting also has a report and audio from the former president's West Virginia visits.

The Charleston Gazette, meanwhile, focuses on Obama's endorsement from state Auditor Glen Gainer.

DaughterGate Update (Updated)

• The Daily Athenaeum reports that "'concerned students' are scattering posters throughout the campus and demanding that President Michael Garrison and BOG Chairman Steve Goodwin step down from their positions."

• The WVU student-run newspaper also finds that "calls from faculty for the censure or resignation of West Virginia University President Michael S. Garrison continued on Wednesday."

• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that "the university can provide no records of phone calls Mr. Garrison made during the critical five-day period when WVU decided to award the governor's daughter a degree she did not earn." While "no long-distance calls were made using the identification number assigned to Mr. Garrison by the university," WVU's "cell phone provider has been unable to produce a copy of Mr. Garrison's cellular records," the article said, quoting a WVU lawyer.

• Garrison tells The Associated Press that "while still insisting he did not pressure anyone to award the governor's daughter a master's degree she didn't deserve," he "does wish he'd handled the matter differently."

• Gov. Joe Manchin tells AP, MetroNews and The Charleston Gazette that "he does not believe Garrison should be pressured to step down," adding to AP that "You cannot go on a witch hunt."

• (Update): Public Broadcasting compares and contrasts statements from Manchin and Garrison. With audio.
  

• (Update) AP has posted the various scandal-related resolutions pending before WVU's Faculty Senate.

• (Update) The Charleston Daily Mail inquires with former Gov. Bob Wise on the topic.
  

Election 2008 Roundup (Updated)

• The Intelligencer profiles the Democratic side of the race to succeed state Sen. Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio.

• The Wheeling newspaper also looks at the four Democratic candidates for state Supreme Court.

• Public Broadcasting backgrounds the four Democrats running in West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. With audio.

• (Update): The Associated Press reports from former President Clinton's campaign stops in Morgantown and Clarksburg. MetroNews has a story and audio.
  

• (Update): The Charleston Daily Mail highlights a much-decorated Iraq war veteran now running for the House of Delegates out of Mason County.

• (Update): The Daily Mail also focuses on Delegate Mel Kessler of Raleigh County, Gov. Joe Manchin's opponent in the Democratic primary.
  

Mountaineers Buckling Up

Though West Virginia doesn't ticket motorists solely for failing to wear their seat belts, the Mountain State's compliance rate is such that it qualifies for $5 million in federal safety grants, MetroNews reports.

"West Virginia's seat belt usage rate is near 90-percent for the past two years," MetroNews explains. "The other states meeting the qualifications for buckling up are Georgia, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Nevada."

MetroNews also has audio from a deputy U.S. Transportation secretary, while The Charleston Gazette has an article as well.

Supporters Worried About TDC-TRS Transfers

The Charleston Gazette reports that "heads of two state teacher and school employee groups sent a letter to Gov. Joe Manchin Wednesday asking him to extend the deadline for about 19,000 teachers in one retirement plan to decide whether to switch to another plan."

The West Virginia Federation of Teachers and the allied state School Service Personnel Association argue they "need additional time to counter confusion and misinformation about the transfer election," the article said.

A Manchin spokeswoman told The Gazette that "changing the deadline could only be done through a special session of the Legislature."

The more than 19,000 enrollees in the Teachers' Defined Contribution plan have until May 12 to decide whether to transfer. But for any transfers to take effect, at least 12,343 must make that choice.

As of Friday, 1,530 had elected to transfer, according to the program's Web site. The transfer plan envisions May 5 as a major event, with enrollees able to drop off their transfer forms at their schools.

Early Voting In W.Va.

West Virginia completed its opening week of early voting with nearly 18,400 ballots cast, The Associated Press reports.

About 72 percent of the voters have been Democrats, according to the figures culled by the secretary of state's office from 51 of 55 counties.

The 2008 primary marks the first time that unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either the Democratic or Republican Party. But to avoid swaying these voters over which ballot to choose, poll workers aren't allowed to remind them of that option. They must instead request a partisan ballot, or with otherwise be given a nonpartisan one.

As a result, Public Broadcasting reports, "At least two Barack Obama supporters found out too late they can’t vote in the Democratic primary however – because they didn’t ask for the right type of ballot." (Audio here.)

The Charleston Gazette is also reminding independent and nonpartisan voters that they must request Democratic, Republican or Mountain Party ballots.

AP found that by Wednesday, "only 5.8 percent of all early ballots cast have been from unaffiliated or independent voters." As for unaffiliated voters casting the "wrong" ballot, AP reports that "clerks in the state's five largest counties - Kanawha, Berkeley, Cabell, Wood and Raleigh - report no or very few such complaints."

"These counties are also reporting just a handful of nonpartisan ballots," the article said. "Berkeley County has collected two out of more than 600 votes cast, for instance, while Raleigh County has had 10 out of nearly 500 early ballots."

AP Sues W.Va. Supreme Court Over FOIA

The Associated Press reports that it has filed its previously announced legal challenge over the state Supreme Court's denial of Freedom of Information Act requests.

"The AP alleges the court erred when it concluded earlier this year that records maintained by Chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard were not subject to FOIA," the article said. "The AP filed FOIA requests in January seeking any communication between Maynard and Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship."

The Supreme Court administrator, named in the Kanawha Circuit Court action, responded with a press release.

Among other grounds, the AP's challenge focuses on language in FOIA that says that "'Public body' means every state officer, agency, department, including the executive, legislative and judicial departments, division, bureau, board and commission."

Update: The Bluefield Daily-Telegraph quizzed Maynard and the other Supreme Court hopefuls on the topic. "The overall consensus by the candidates: Yes, the e-mails do fall under the state’s Freedom of Information Act, except for those that would fall within the realm of normal statutory exceptions," the newspaper reported.

More Fallout From DaughterGate

• The Charleston Daily Mail reports that "several donors have either reneged on pledges or vowed not to contribute to West Virginia University because of the debacle over Heather Bresch's degree," with one foundation "revoking an offer to donate $1 million worth of art and another $1 million contribution to the university's Creative Arts Center."

• Public Broadcasting interviews reporter Paul Fain of The Chronicle for Higher Education on some of the larger trends afoot. With audio.

• Gov. Joe Manchin continues to face questions about the scandal, as MetroNews reports (audio here).

• The Daily Athenaeum tracks the continuing drumbeat among faculty for Garrison's ouster, while gauging student opinion.

• The Daily Mail also reports that "Rich Rodriguez's lawyer believes the ongoing degree flap at West Virginia University has given the coach ammunition to attack the credibility of WVU President Mike Garrison."

Election 2008 Shorts

• The Intelligencer of Wheeling profiles the three Democratic candidates for secretary of state.

• The Associated Press talks to Sheirl Fletcher, the Democratic primary challenger to U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller.

• The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and The Intelligencer are among those following up on AP's earlier analysis of the latest voter registration figures and initial early voting tallies.

• The Register-Herald of Beckley seeks local partisan reaction to a Democratic National Committee ad targeting presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain. FactCheck.org, meanwhile, has faulted the Iraq-related TV spot for lacking context.

• The Charleston Gazette hears from a former U.S. intelligence officer who plans to tell local audiences this evening and Thursday that "President Bush and his administration have no intention of leaving Iraq and are preparing to attack Iran in the next few months."

DaughterGate Update

The Associated Press reports on Monday's statement by WVU's Board of Governors in support of embattled President Mike Garrison, while also covering the afternoon's Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting.

MetroNews also has an update, along with a copy of the board's statement and several video clips from the meeting and an afternoon press conference.

Others following up include Public Broadcasting (with audio), The Charleston Gazette, the Charleston Daily Mail and The Daily Athenaeum.

Update: MetroNews' Talkline hears from Peter Kalis, a former Rhodes Scholar, WVU alumnus and chairman of a global law firm, who "says WVU President Mike Garrison should be fired over the Heather Bresch degree controversy." With audio.

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, reports that "criminal charges could be on the table for any West Virginia University officials involved in altering records to show that Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter earned grades for classes she never completed."

Update II: AP, MetroNews, Public Broadcasting and The Gazette are among those reporting that Provost Gerald Lang and business school Dean R. Stephen Sears will remain faculty with six-figure salaries though they are resigning their leadership posts.

Capito Talks Health Care At Forum

U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, was one of several members of Congress that debated health care policy at Cincinnati Children Hospital.

Covering the televised forum, WKRC-TV said that with four Democrats and four Republicans, the panel featured "huge partisan divides. Progress will likely have to be in small steps."

The station also offers video, and says C-SPAN will air the debate.

Bill Clinton Returning to W.Va.

With the Democratic candidates focused on Indiana and North Carolina, the former president has slated a Thursday visit to the Mountain State on behalf of his wife's campaign.

The Associated Press has an item, as does MetroNews.

As Obama and Clinton gear up their efforts in the state, U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., has told the two campaigns that "We don’t want negative campaigning or mudslinging to dominate the debate here," The Register-Herald of Beckley reports.

Election 2008 Shorts

• Gov. Joe Manchin told an Eastern Panhandle audience late last week that "he will not endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama to be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee before West Virginia's primary election, which is less than three weeks away," the Herald-Mail of Hagerstown (Md.) reports. With video.

• The Associated Press reports that a record number of voters have registered in advance of the May 13 primary, offering details from the numbers.

• AP also reports on Barack Obama winning the endorsement of West Virginia elder statesman Ken Hechler.

• I either missed this or have since forgotten about it, but Survey USA polled 617 West Virginians in February about potential presidential match-ups. The results, admittedly dated, had Clinton beating McCain, 47% to 42%, but not outside the margin of error. It also had McCain trouncing Obama, 53% to 35%. The survey breaks down responses by party, ideology, gender, age, region, race and income.

Lang, Sears Resigning Amid DaughterGate Scandal (Updated)

The Associated Press is among those reporting Sunday's announced resignation of WVU Provost Gerald Lang, while noting that "there could be more ahead."

"The Faculty Senate Executive Committee is scheduled to discuss the (Heather) Bresch affair Monday," the article said. "On May 12, some professors have said they'll bring a motion before the senate calling for a vote of no confidence in WVU President Mike Garrison, a friend of Bresch who has denied applying any pressure to get her degree awarded."

Update: AP has WVU College of Business and Economics Dean R. Stephen Sears also resigning. So does MetroNews and the Charleston Daily Mail.

The chairman of WVU's Faculty Senate, meanwhile, spoke both to AP and MetroNews' Talkline (the latter offering audio).

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on the Lang and Sear departures, while fielding calls for further resignations and echoing such in an editorial.

The Daily Athenaeum also collects resignation calls, while also noting comments responding to Garrison's post on the subject on his official blog.

Update II: WVU's Faculty Senate offers links to the report, appendices and "meeting notes from the independent interviews."

The Charleston Gazette earlier delved into the he-said, she-said that lies beneath last week's report.

Public Broadcasting reports on Lang's departure while offering its recent interview with him. With audio.

MetroNews has the resignation along with a report of the "no confidence" movement among faculty. Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval, meanwhile, opines that "Garrison is in deep trouble because of the Heather Bresch scandal, trouble his young administration may not be able to survive."

Remembering Willow Island

The Charleston Gazette marks the 30th anniversary of the Willow Island disaster, when 51 workers plunged to their deaths in what is "still considered the worst construction accident in U.S. history."

The series includes interviews with the kin of those killed, a photo slide show with audio and a list of the dead.