W.Va. City Ranked as Unhealthiest, Fattest in U.S.

In the wake of a recent federal report on the health of U.S. communities, The Associated Press profiles Huntington as "America's fattest and unhealthiest city."

"Nearly half the adults in Huntington's five-county metropolitan area are obese - an astounding percentage, far bigger than the national average in a country with a well-known weight problem," the article said. "Huntington leads in a half-dozen other illness measures, too, including heart disease and diabetes. It's even tops in the percentage of elderly people who have lost all their teeth (half of them have)."

The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and WSAZ-TV (with video) are among those with follow-up coverage, including local reaction and questions raised about the findings and report.

The Charleston Gazette reports separately on childhood obesity in the Mountain State.

West Virginia as a Blue State

The Associated Press explores the phenomenon that has seen West Virginia go red in three consecutive presidential elections, but deep blue when it comes to statewide, legislative and county races.

The review included an analysis that found West Virginia among just a handful of states that have seen one party _ the Democrats, in each case _ hold majorities in both chambers of their legislatures consistently since the days for FDR.

For most of those states _ Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana _ Democratic dominance dates back to the end of Reconstruction.

AP also reports separately on the few shortcoming state Democrats encountered on Election Day, including the presidential race, while assessing possible future challenges. To state Chairman Nick Casey, they include a better way to respond to massive spending against its candidates, as seen with the last-minute TV ad buys by pro-business groups.

"I want to see the state party have enough resources so the next time one of these interests come in and try to take a swipe at a Democratic candidate, we can push back,'' Casey told AP. "We didn't feel powerless, but it is a very distinct disadvantage.''

2009 Means Pay Raises for Manchin et. al.

MetroNews notes that winning a second term has also earned Gov. Joe Manchin a $55,000 salary boost, thanks to legislation passed in 2006.

The hike is among an array for elected officials from that bill scheduled for 2009 . Lawmakers also raised the pay of numerous appointed officeholders, at Manchin's request.

Manchin's annual salary will rise from $95,000 to $150,000. "The governor still lags behind several other state workers in salaries including university football coaches, college presidents and state School Superintendent Steve Paine," MetroNews notes.

The 2006 legislation raised the yearly pay of the rest of the Board of Public Works to $95,000.

U.S. Supreme Court Accepts Caperton v. Massey for Appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court voted Friday "to review the actions of a West Virginia Supreme Court justice whose vote overturned a $50 million verdict against a company that is run by the most generous backer of his election," The Associated Press reports.

AP explains that "Don Blankenship, the chief executive of Massey Energy Co., spent more than $3 million to help elect Justice Brent Benjamin to the West Virginia high court. Benjamin twice was part of 3-2 majorities that threw out a verdict in favor of Harman Mining Co. in its coal contract dispute with Massey."

The nation's highest court agreed to take the case after such groups as the American Bar Association filed briefs supporting the appeal. It also attracted an editorial from The New York Times.

Update: The justices voted as a Logan County civil trial continues in the lawsuit filed by survivors of two miners killed in a 2006 fire at a Massey subsidiary. AP and The Charleston Gazette are among those covering the wrongful death case, which includes Blankenship as a co-defendant.

W.Va. Weighing Another County School Takeover

A "laundry list of problems" revealed by a 151-page audit report of Randolph County schools has state education officials eyeing a takeover, the Charleston Daily Mail reports.

"The cited problems include the county's decision to keep several hundred thousand dollars in an uninsured account, its persistently low test scores, its non-compliant hiring practices and a school board president attempting to micromanage the system," the article said.

County officials are resisting the possible move, and questioning some of the audit's findings.

Quote of the Day

"I understand why people pay attention to me on this issue, and that's why I want to be a spokesman about it."

-- former state Sen. Herb Snyder, D-Jefferson, to The Associated Press' Tom Breen about how his 2003 DUI arrest and underlying alcohol problem has prompted him to pursue "legislation aimed at helping addicts overcome their dependencies."

Voters returned Snyder to the Senate on Nov. 4, according to unofficial results. "As of Thursday, Snyder had a lead of 228 out of more than 53,000 cast, and the number of late absentee and provisional ballots left make it likely he'll be the eventual winner," the AP article notes.

Post-Election Brings Hint of GOP Statehouse Power Struggle

MetroNews reports that "Republican House of Delegates member Craig Blair (Berkeley) says he intends to challenge Delegate Tim Armstead of Kanawha County for the position of House Minority Leader."

The House's 28 Republicans (they will gain a seat in 2009) will caucus on Dec. 7. "Blair and Armstead have talked, and Armstead has come away hopeful Blair's issues can be addressed without an actual challenge," the MetroNews item said.

The Associated Press reported earlier on the largely tough results suffered by West Virginia's GOP for the second consecutive general election. Both Public Broadcasting (with audio) and the Charleston Daily Mail have also explored the topic. Update: so has The Intelligencer of Wheeling.

One other potential power play may also arise before the 79th Legislature convenes next year. Stay tuned.

Greenbrier Ballot Canvass Leaves Results Unchanged

The Register-Herald of Beckley updates on the ballot miscount in Greenbrier County and puts the number of untallied votes at 411.

But adding those ballots to the total did not change the winners in three close races.

Republican Jim Childers increased his lead from 280 to 299 votes over Democrat Bruce Hosey in the contest for sheriff. "A special casino vote also saw slight increase in 'yes' votes, while the $40 million school bond issue saw an increase of 101 'yes' votes," the article said. "The school bond passed by only 88 votes on election night."

"By mid-afternoon, school officials calculated that it was mathematically impossible for the bond to be defeated due to the remaining number of challenged ballots left to be counted," the article also said.

Ballot Miscount Could Upend Greenbrier Results

Greenbrier County officials left 340 ballots uncounted on Election Day, and when combined with 167 provisional ballots throw several races into uncertainty, The Associated Press reports.

The more than 500 votes that could still be counted "could be the difference in the sheriff's race, a $40 million school bond levy and a referendum on gambling at The Greenbrier resort," the article said.

The Register-Herald of Beckley was the first with the story, and also reports that the canvass is proceeding much more smoothly in Raleigh County.

Crime and Punishment in West Virginia

The Associated Press previews this week's summit to tackle an over-capacity West Virginia prison system beset by escalating costs.

"This year, the state is expected to spend nearly $156 million to house, feed and provide health care to about 6,000 inmates in work release centers, regional jails and correctional centers across the state," the article said. "The system is already over capacity as about 1,000 additional state inmates are being housed in one of 10 regional jails."

Sifting Through Election Results

The Associated Press reviews the series of narrow losses that helped mark another tough election for the West Virginian Republican Party, with its state party chairman offering a mixed assessment of money's impact on the GOP fortunes.

AP also reports on the debate within the state Democratic Party over such environmental issues as mountaintop removal mining and the viability of "clean" coal technology.

The Charleston Gazette relays an earlier Politico profile of Charleston native Sarah Feinberg, an aide to President-Elect Barack Obama's chief of staff.

Russ Weeks tells The Register-Herald of Beckley that after his drubbing at the hands of Gov. Joe Manchin, the Republican is "through with politics after being dealt his latest setback, and there is nothing anyone can say or do that is going to change his mind."

Eustace Frederick, 1930-2008

Delegate Eustace Frederick, a retired Consol Coal engineer who represented Mercer County for 15 years in the House, died last week, the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports.

Marc Meachum, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, credited Frederick for the region's biennial Coal Symposium while calling him "a passionate supporter of the coal mining industry."

As The Associated Press reports, the 78-year-old Democrat "had been in declining health when he announced this year that he would not seek a ninth term."

The Charleston Gazette has his obituary.

Byrd Agrees to Step down as Appropriations Chair

After renewed questions about his ability to continue in the post, Sen. Robert C. Byrd announced plans Friday to relinquish the reins of the powerful Appropriations Committee in January, The Associated Press reports.

The Charleston Gazette was first with the story, while Politico also has coverage. AP reports separately on the reaction by state political leaders.

Update: Byrd's planned departure as chairman has set off a chain reaction of Senate committee changes, and could likely land Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., atop the influential Commerce Committee, AP reports.

Election 2008: Gambling

AP's Tom Breen follows up on his coverage of the ballot issue that would allow gambling at The Greenbrier, reporting that the resort "will hire a consultant to evaluate the prospect."

The Register-Herald of Beckley also has a story.

AP reported earlier that Maryland voted to legalize slot machines Tuesday, "paving the way for up to 15,000 machines in five locations."

"For slots, the sites approved by voters are in Anne Arundel, Cecil and Worcester counties, the city of Baltimore and on state property in Rocky Gap State Park in western Maryland," the article continues.

At least one of those locations could compete with Charles Town Races & Slots for gamblers, as the West Virginia track draws most of its customers from out-of-state and was denied casino table games by voters last year.

But Ohio voters rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed a casino in that border state, AP reports.

Election 2008: Republicans

The Charleston Daily Mail says that "in 2012, West Virginia could elect either its first-ever female governor or United States senator. It all depends on which office Republican Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito decides to run for."

The Daily Mail also hears from state GOP Chairman Doug McKinney about the Tuesday victories of the seven House Republicans targeted by last-minute attack ads from state Democrats.

With only 200 votes separating him from Tuesday's apparent winner in their state Senate race, Republican Bob Adams tells The Journal of Martinsburg that he's waiting for the canvass.

MetroNews quizzes GOP operatives and Charleston Mayor Danny Jones about a string of close Republican losses Tuesday, and what their party should do going forward. With audio.

Election 2008: President

Public Broadcasting sifts through the election results to identify what kept West Virginia "red" in the Obama-McCain race. With audio, and a map showing how the counties voted.

Public Broadcasting also spoke to residents of Huntington (with audio) and Morgantown (ditto) about Obama's win, and covered a speech at West Virginia University by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts on the topic (audio here).

Others field local reaction include The Intelligencer of Wheeling, the Charleston Daily Mail and the Parkersburg News.

Election 2008: Governor

The Associated Press reports that "Buoyed by the largest victory margin ever won by someone seeking his office, Gov. Joe Manchin vowed Thursday to extend health coverage to every uninsured working West Virginian," possibly by expanding PEIA and Medicaid.

"The governor also pledged to continue the gradual tax cuts that helped define his first term — but he offered no specific tax-related proposal for next year’s session," the article said. "He instead cautioned that a national recession could at least hamper that goal."

The Charleston Gazette reported earlier on Manchin's possible agenda and the factors behind his landslide win Tuesday.

Toll Hike for Turnpike on the Horizon

Both The Register-Herald of Beckley and The Charleston Gazette report that state officials see little choice but to raise tolls on the 88-mile West Virginia Turnpike "at some point, in the near future," as one official put it.

The Beckley paper focuses as well on the factors that have made a rate hike an issue: reduced traffic from both passenger and commercial vehicles, thanks to high gas prices and the economic woes.

It also reports separately on possible future options for Tamarack, the arts and crafts showcase destined to be removed from the agency that oversees the Turnpike.

Election 2008: Turnout

Despite hitting a record number registered voters, and after the most successful round of early voting yet, West Virginia's turnout Tuesday bucked a national trend that saw ballots cast reach an all-time high.

The Associated Press reports that "a national expert on voter turnout says the signs of an overwhelming Obama win nationally, and a lack of enthusiasm for his alternative, tell the story."

Others examining turnout include The Charleston Gazette, the Charleston Daily Mail, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington and MetroNews.

Election 2008: The Results

The Associated Press has a a roundup of both the federal contests in West Virginia, from the McCain-Obama battle on down, and the statewide and legislative races.

AP also conducted extensive exit polling, and reports the results, and also has an item on passage of the bid to add casino gambling to The Greenbrier.

As for the headlines and coverage across the state:

The Register-Herald (Beckley): Sumner lone Republican to win 27th House seat; Senate leader defeats challenger; Incumbents take House 28th; Louisos, Staggers, Perry to claim 29th House seats; Greenbrier gambling gets nod.

The Charleston Gazette: ; House sweeps: Dems in 30th, GOP in 32nd; Putnam legislators win re-election.

The Charleston Daily Mail (updated): Voter turnout in W.Va. down, breaks from nationwide trend; A newcomer claims a seat in the 30th District, and Hunt returns after 2-year absence; Incumbents hold onto House seats representing Putnam, Mason and Jackson.

The Herald-Dispatch (Huntington): Wolfe elected mayor (AP also has an item); Adkins, Chiles, Stephens all re-elected.

The Times-West Virginian (Fairmont): Software glitch delays vote count; Mayor unseated in Fairmont council election; Tennant prevails in race for commission.

The Journal (Martinsburg);Voters don’t despair despite long lines; Snyder retakes seat in Senate; Barnes likely;Incumbents Blair and Cowles win re-election to seats; With a majority of precincts reporting, Yoder wins election (as circuit judge); Doyle, Lawrence take seats in W.Va. House.

The News and Sentinel (Parkersburg):Turnout hits 67 percent in Wood County; Ellem, Azinger, Poling win; Airport levy crashes.

The Intelligencer and News-Register (Wheeling): Voters Have Trouble At the Polls; Jack Yost elected to WV Senate;Kessler retains state Senate seat; Klempa, Hutchins retain seats.

Early Voting 2008: A Look at the Numbers

Besides reporting that a record 153,789 West Virginians cast early votes before Tuesday, the secretary of state's office released detailed (preliminary) figures that include voter party affiliation for 50 of the state's 55 counties.

The figures show that the percentage of both Republicans and Democrats who cast early ballots were in excess of their share of overall registered voters:

	Republicans	Democrats
Registered:	29.2%	55.7%
Early:	31.6%	58.5%
Difference:	+2.4%	+2.8%

During the 2004 election, The Associated Press received early voting figures by party affiliation for 15 counties:

2004 General	Republicans	Democrats
Registered:	29.8%	58.2%
Early:	41.1%	52.0%
Difference:	+11.3%	-6.2%

Update: As for the 2008 breakdown by congressional district:

	Republican early	vs. registered	Democrat early	vs. registered
1st District	34.6%	+2.1%	55.4%	+3.5%
2nd District	33.9%	+1.8%	55.4%	+4.3%
3rd District	24.4%	+1.7%	67.7%	+2.2%

A caveat: of the five counties without party breakdowns, one is in the 1st and the rest are split between the 2nd and 3rd. The 2nd is missing Calhoun as well as Berkeley, which ranks second statewide for both registered and early voters this year. Democrats, likely spearheaded by the Obama campaign, also registered more voters than Republicans in Berkeley County for the first time since the 2004 general election.

Update II: Some other tidbits:

• In terms of raw numbers, 37,430 more Democrats than Republicans cast early votes statewide.
• Republican early voters outnumbered Democrats in all eight counties in which they have a larger share of the registration rolls: Doddridge, Grant, Mineral, Morgan, Preston, Ritchie, Tyler and Upshur.
• In 21 counties, the percentage of Republicans voting early was below their portion of registered voters. Democrats were underrepresented by early voters in five counties.
• The counties without early voting breakdowns by party: Berkeley, Calhoun, Lincoln, McDowell and Taylor.
  

Election 2008: A Final Word from the Pundits & Polls

The final trendlines from Pollster.com show a widening in the McCain-Obama matchup in West Virginia.

As for the pundits, the leading national political analysts released a final round of race ratings within the last several days:

(click to enlarge)

Update: The Pollster.com trendlines reflect two final West Virginia Polls: a survey of 600 likely voters conducted Friday-Monday by American Research Group, which had McCain at 53% and Obama at 43%; and an online poll by YouGov/Polimetrix, which found McCain 52%, Obama 43%. The latter was conducted Oct. 18 through Nov. 1

Update II: Among its "Things to Watch on Election Day," Politico includes Capito among several GOP incumbents against whom "Democrats could have better luck against" under the heading of "BAD, BUT NOT A WORST-CASE HOUSE SCENARIO (20-30 GOP LOSSES)."

W.Va. Early Voters Hit Record 153k

The Associated Press reports that "preliminary totals have 153,789 early votes cast" by Saturday's deadline. "surpassing the old record by nearly 22 percent. In addition, 13,412 absentee votes have been cast."

"All told, about 13 percent of West Virginia's registered voters have already cast their ballots," the AP article said, "with clerks reporting long lines on the last two days of early voting that ended Saturday."

County clerks across the state are reporting individual records for early balloting, with many citing Saturday as their one-day best.

But MetroNews reports that "only six percent of registered voters in southern coalfield counties cast ballots in the early voting period," with "Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, McDowell, Wyoming and Raleigh counties all below 10 percent."

Secretary of State Betty Ireland also spoke to MetroNews (with audio) about the overall election turnout, which she has projected as 70%.

Election Eve 2008 (Updated)

• The Charleston Gazette reports that "The McCain campaign has unleashed a last-minute attack on Democrat Barack Obama, alleging -- by selectively quoting from a 10-month-old interview -- that Obama plans to 'bankrupt' the coal industry with his plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions."

• Update: The San Francisco Chronicle has the video and audio of the interview.
  

• MetroNews also reports on the February comments, and has an audio clip.

• Gov. Joe Manchin spoke to CNBC about the campaign battle in West Virginia, and was asked about the Obama comments. Video here. WTAP-TV also has an item on his morning appearance.

• The Charleston Daily Mail reports that U.S. Rep Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, balked at appearing alongside Democratic challenger Anne Barth on the cover of the latest issue of Metro Valley magazine. As a result, Barth appears alone on the cover - to the objection of some Capito supporters and her campaign.

• (Corrected) Warren R. McGraw II has bought almost $14,000 (updated figure) worth of radio advertising and robocalls on behalf of his uncle (corrected; see filings here), Attorney General Darrell McGraw. The Gazette had initially reported that Warren McGraw, the attorney general's brother, had made the independent expenditure.

The Early Word on Early Voting

The Associated Press reported before the Nov. 1 end of early in-person voting that "West Virginians are going to the polls in droves and election officials are now predicting an early voting record."

With the record set in 2004 at 126,503 early votes, "As of Friday morning, nearly 122,000 state residents had cast ballots in West Virginia’s 55 counties. That’s about 10 percent of the state’s eligible voters," AP reported.

Since early voted ended Saturday, several have updated on the turnout:

• Nearly 11 percent of the Northern Panhandle's registered voters cast early ballots, The Intelligencer of Wheeling reports. "there are 113,950 registered voters registered through the six counties in the Northern Panhandle. As of the close of early voting on Saturday afternoon, 12,471 had already voted in the region," its article said.

• The Charleston Gazette reports that Kanawha County had a record 15,925 early voters.

• WSAZ-TV has the Kanawha County figure and also reports that "in Putnam County, more than 6,800 voted early," while "in Huntington, 7,000 people have already made their voice heard."

• WOWK-TV has Putnam County's final figure at 7,500, a record.

The Journal of Martinsburg noted that early voting in the Eastern Panhandle had topped 15,000 in advance of the final day.

Election 2008: Weekend Roundup

Governor

• WSAZ-TV hosted a forum for GOP gubernatorial nominee Russ Weeks and Mountain Party candidate Jesse Johnson, after "Democrat Joe Manchin declined WSAZ's offer to take part in the forum." A number of video clips accompany the online article.

• The Journal of Martinsburg focuses on Johnson.
  

Congress

• WSAZ-TV also held debates between congressional candidates in two races: Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Democratic challenger Anne Barth (with full video and clips); and Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd, with GOP nominee Marty Gearheart (also with full video and clips).

• The Charleston Gazette set the stage for Sunday's Capito-Barth debate.
  

• The Associated Press profiles the Rahall-Gearheart matchup.

Supreme Court

• AP offers an overview of the contest among two Democrats and one Republican for two seats on West Virginia's Supreme Court.

• Both AP and Public Broadcasting (with audio) offer coverage from the Supreme Court candidates' forum held at West Virginia University's College of Law. The host has a webcast.
  

• Public Broadcasting earlier profiled the court candidates, and offers audio as well as video of Democrats Margaret Workman and Menis Ketchum, and Republican Beth Walker.

Legislature

• AP previews this year's legislative races: all 100 seats in the House of Delegate are up for election, as are 17 of the 34 state Senate seats. AP hears from officials from both major parties on their prospects, and also analyzes the latest campaign finance filings.

• The Journal fields GOP reaction to a campaign by a labor PAC, the West Virginia Building & Construction Trades, targeting several of their legislative incumbents and hopefuls.

• The Martinsburg paper also profiles a series of Republican legislative candidates, including Delegates Craig Blair, Jonathan Miller, Daryl Cowles, John Overington.

• The Journal profiles Democrat Mike Roberts and the Mountain Party's Robin Mills among the legislative challengers as well.

Other

• AP profiles the close battle between incumbent Democratic Attorney General Darrell McGraw and GOP challenger Dan Greear.

• AP takes an advance look at the ballot issue in Greenbrier County that would allow casino gambling at its world-famous resort. As AP's Tom Breen reports, because of an impasse between The Greenbrier and its workers, "union officials are appealing to voters in this southeastern West Virginia county to help the resort increase its revenues by adding gambling to its list of amenities."

• The Journal previews an Eastern Panhandle Democratic rally headlined by national party official and local resident Alice Germond.
  

Palin Returns (Briefly) to W.Va.

Republican running mate Sarah Palin made another Sunday landing at a West Virginia airport, en route to an Ohio campaign appearance.

MetroNews marks the brief visit.

Bill Clinton in W.Va.

Former President Bill Clinton sought to rally voters to support fellow Democrat Barack Obama during a Saturday visit to Beckley.

The Register-Herald pegged the crowd at "approximately 200," while The Charleston Gazette estimated it at "around 800."

Public Broadcasting, which settled on the latter figure, covered the event and also has audio.

WSAZ-TV, which went with the former, has coverage and video.

Upate: The Associated Press has coverage.

RNC in W.Va.

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan headlined a Friday visit in Charleston with "about 150 enthusiastic supporters of the GOP presidential ticket," The Charleston Gazette reports.

MetroNews also has an item.

Feds Probing W.Va. Liquor Agency?

The West Virginia agency that regulates the sale of all alcoholic beverages within the state has been subpoenaed by federal investigators, The Charleston Gazette reports.

Citing unnamed sources, The Gazette reports that "the investigation might involve allegations of (Alcohol Beverage Control Administration) employees receiving gifts from liquor distributors. They indicated that as many as five ABCA officials might have been subpoenaed."

WSAZ-TV also has an item, as does MetroNews.

Polling Points to Dem Wins in Statewide Races...Except McGraw's

This week's Public Policy Polling survey also included several statewide races. The biggest news there: "It looks like West Virginia is going to have a new Attorney General. Republican challenger Dan Greear leads incumbent Darrell McGraw now by a margin of 50-42."

The other Democrats in the races polled fared much better:

• Joe Manchin is "cruising to reelection with a 69-27 advantage."
• Jay Rockefeller "should be headed back to the US Senate, as he leads 58-40."
• Natalie Tennant is up 58-31 for secretary of state.
• Gus Douglass leads 50-41 for agriculture commissioner.

PPP polled 2,128 voters Wednesday and Thursday. The margin of error is +/-2.1%. The probability is virtually 100%.

The polling memo breaks down the results by whether or not the voter has already cast an absentee or early ballot. It also offers detailed results by gender, party affiliation, race and age.

PPP: McCain 55%, Obama 42% in West Virginia

Public Policy Polling surveyed 2,128 voters Wednesday and Thursday. The margin of error is +/-2.1%. The probability is virtually 100%.

McCain has picked up 5% from undecideds since PPP polled in the state earlier this month, Thursday's memo notes.

"Obama was never going to be able to win the state without exceeding 70% of the Democratic vote, and in this survey he leads just 65-31 among folks within his own party," it said.

“West Virginia was always going to be an uphill battle for Barack Obama,” adds the firm's president, Dean Debnam. “He’ll certainly be more competitive here in the general election than he was during the primary but it would be quite a shock if he’s able to take the state or even get it within five points.”

Election 2008: President

• The Cook Political Report has downgraded the competitiveness of the race in West Virginia from "Toss Up to Lean Republican."

• Larry Sabato includes West Virginia in Republican John McCain's column in his latest projection, titled "The Last Word -- Almost," which projects McCain winning 174 electoral votes to Democrat Barack Obama's 364.

• MetroNews' Talkline hears from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean about Obama's chances in West Virginia and the overall state of the campaign. With audio.
  

Quote of the Day

"Me winning West Virginia would just be the same as putting a cherry on top of a beautiful cake."

-- quote attributed to presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., by Gov. Joe Manchin, as reported by the Charleston Daily Mail.

Election 2008: Congress

• U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, and Democratic challenger Anne Barth squared off Wednesday at an Eastern Panhandle forum. Those with coverage include The Journal of Martinsburg, The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown (Md.), and MetroNews (with audio).

• Larry Sabato has downgraded the competitiveness of the 2nd District match-up to "Republican Hold" in an analysis that predicts the GOP will otherwise lose 26 to 35 seats in the U.S. House.
  

Voting in West Virginia (Updated)

A California-based group has posted a video that shows Jackson County's clerk demonstrating the sort of touch-screen voting machine that has prompted complaints of vote switching.

The video appears to show the device switching votes even after the clerk re-calibrates it, as election officials recommend be done in such situations. But the secretary of state's office tells both The Charleston Gazette and Public Broadcasting that the video "is false and defamatory, and is threatening to file a complaint against Video the Vote with the U.S. Department of Justice."

County Clerk Jeff Waybright agrees. "The part they are showing is a total misrepresentation and a fraud," he told The Gazette. "I misspoke during a part of that video. But the machine actually voted properly."

As Public Broadcasting explains, Waybright thought the machine was still mis-calibrated during the demonstration "but it’s not. It turns out the machine is doing what it’s supposed to do. It allowed him to override his straight Republican ticket because he selected (Ralph) Nader for president."

But an official with Video the Vote told Public Broadcasting that “If this is the guy who’s instructed with making sure the machines are calibrated and making sure voters know how to cast their ballots, and he can’t even get it right, how are they expecting voters to get it right on election day?”

The group has since posted the full half-hour interview with Waybright. Public Broadcasting also has audio of its report.

Update: The Associated Press has a story, as does the Charleston Daily Mail.

W.Va. Races Hit with Large, Last-Minute Ad Buys (Updated)

The Associated Press reports that the state Chamber of Commerce, with help from its national counterpart and allied groups, have spent nearly $700,000 on ads attacking Attorney General Darrell McGraw, a Democrat.

AP also reports that this chamber-led coalition has plunked down another $403,000 "on ads promoting Beth Walker, the sole Republican candidate in the two-seat state Supreme Court race."

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, meanwhile, has reserved $775,000 worth of ad airtime to support party nominee Anne Barth in her race against Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, The Charleston Gazette reports.

But Capito is not without surrogates: the National Association of Realtors Political Action Committee "has spent nearly $700,000 on TV ads and direct mail advertising promoting Capito's re-election," that article said.

Update: W.Va. Chamber President Steve Roberts talks to MetroNews' Talkline about the ad buys (with audio), and an official from McGraw's office responds (also with audio).

Update II: The chamber has hired Mentzer Media Services, the chief producer of the Swift Boat ad campaign credited with assisting in the defeat of John Kerry in 2004.

W.Va. and the Road to the White House

The electoral projectors at FiveThirtyEight.com crunch an array of West Virginia statistics to weigh the presidential race in the state.

The analysis concludes that "In the context of a national landslide, West Virginia -- a state that gave its vote to Michael Dukakis in 1988 -- could go blue once again," but that "beyond the high Democratic partisan identification, Obama has few statistical factors working in his favor. "

The Financial Meltdown in W.Va.

The Charleston Daily Mail lists billions of dollars worth of projects slated for West Virginia that have been delayed or otherwise threatened by the financial turmoil affecting bond and credit markets.

It earlier reported that five banks operating in the state "announced they have either accepted or have been approved for federal cash infusions as part of the $700 billion rescue plan approved by Congress on Oct. 3." The paper updates that story today.

Election 2008: Mid-Week Roundup

• Former President Bill Clinton's scheduled visit to Beckley has been postponed to Saturday, MetroNews and others report.

• The Associated Press details the latest campaign finance reports in the races for Supreme Court, attorney general and secretary of state. So does The Charleston Gazette.

• Republican candidate for governor Russ Weeks tells The Register-Herald of Beckley and the Charleston Daily Mail that he is launching a TV ad statewide in the final days of that contest. The latter notes that Weeks had a campaign balance of $12,903 as of Oct. 19.

Election 2008: One Week To Go

• The Associated Press' Vicki Smith tours West Virginia's southern counties and while "racial slurs have hardly disappeared here," finds that "many voters in this 95 percent white, decidedly working-class state -- and presumably, elsewhere in America -- are fed up with a lousy economy and current leaders, and Democrats hope they will re-embrace their blue-collar and party roots, swallow any misgivings about race and support a black man for president."

• (Update) Public Broadcasting has also elicited opinions from around the state regarding the presidential race. With audio.
  

• MetroNews reports that the West Virginia Coal Association isn't endorsing a presidential candidate, while a group of veterans has formed to support Democrat Barack Obama.

• The state Democratic Party has filed electioneering communication reports showing it's spent nearly $41,000 on flyers attacking Republican incumbents in seven House of Delegates districts, The Charleston Gazette said.

• The Gazette also reports that The League of Conservation Voters has flunked U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, in its latest National Environmental Scorecard.

• The GOP's candidate challenging state Attorney General Darrell McGraw tells the Charleston Daily Mail that "at least $43,000 donated to McGraw's campaign this election comes either directly or indirectly from lawyers who've benefited from state lawsuits."

• Public Broadcasting has an item on the AG race as well, with audio and citing a recent poll that found McGraw ahead of Republican Dan Greear by just 2%.

• (Update) Politico reports that "The Republican National Committee buys TV time in deep-red MONTANA and WEST VIRGINIA, a sign the party is scrambling to stave off a historic landslide a week from today." 'Tough environment,' one Republican official "says sardonically" in the item.
  

Voting in West Virginia

• Secretary of State Betty Ireland tells The Associated Press and others that additional testing has cleared touch-screen voting machines that have been dogged by a handful of complaints since early voting began Oct. 15. County clerks tell AP they're issuing stylus pointers to voters to help them tap the screens in the correct places. Others with coverage include The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and The Register-Herald of Beckley.

• The Charleston Daily Mail highlights new U.S. citizens allowed to take their oaths earlier than scheduled, so they can vote Nov. 4.

• AP also reports that nearly 67,300 West Virginians cast in-personal early votes by Saturday, citing figures from Ireland's office. Democrats have outnumbered Republican among early voters by approximately 2-to-1, reflecting their shares of the overall voter rolls. Early voting ends on Nov. 1, a Saturday.
  

Byrd Again in the Bulls-Eye? (Updated)

Citing "Democratic insiders," Politico reports today that "Majority Leader Harry Reid is quietly preparing to ease 90-year-old Sen. Robert C. Byrd from his perch as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee."

Byrd, who turns 91 next month, "has been hospitalized several times in the past year, and Democratic senators and leadership aides say he is no longer capable of running the powerful Appropriations Committee," the article said.

Politico noted that such ouster speculation has dogged Byrd previously this year, adding that Reid, D-Nev., has previously supported his desire to remain chairman.

Now, the article said, Reid proposes that history's longest-serving U.S. senator "would become chairman emeritus, likely retaining coveted office space in the Capitol near the Senate floor," under Reid's alleged plan.

Fellow long-timer Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, would take over as chair, while Byrd "would also remain Senate president pro tempore, which leaves him third in line to the presidency even though his health now makes even routine public appearances both arduous and awkward," the article said.

Politico also observed that "Byrd traveled to Charleston last week to introduce Delaware Sen. Joe Biden at a morning rally, and he struggled to get through his written remarks — though his partisan spirit was still obvious, as was the home crowd’s affection for him."

Update: Byrd has responded, The Associated Press reports. "I am disappointed that, according to press accounts, the Majority Leader is talking to others about the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee," Byrd told AP in a statement. "This is the sort of Washington back-room gossip which ill serves the Democratic Party in a year when Democratic unity should be paramount."

Reuters/Zogby: McCain 50%, Obama 40% in W.Va.

Conducted Oct. 23-26, the Zogby survey of 600 likely voters found 9% undecided.

The margin of error was +/- 4.1%, while its probability was close to 100%.

MSNBC speculates on the Democrat's chances in twice-red West Virginia, recapping Friday's visit by running mate Joe Biden.

Bill Clinton Coming to W.Va. (Updated)

Former President Bill Clinton plans to stump for fellow Democrat Barack Obama in Beckley on Saturday (updated; the visit was pushed back from Thursday), The Associated Press reports.

The morning appearance at Word Memorial Park is free to the public and does not require a ticket, the Obama campaign announced.

Daily Kos: McCain 49%, Obama 43% in W.Va.

The leading liberal political blog enlisted Research 2000 to survey 600 likely voters Oct. 22-24.

The margin of error is +/- 4%, and the probability is 93.76%.

West Virginia and the Road to the White House

Bloomberg is the latest to report from West Virginia on the Obama campaign's stepped-up efforts to wrest the state's five electoral votes from McCain's win column.

"West Virginia is still likely to end up in the Republican column on Election Day, and until recently, the state wasn't even on Obama's radar screen," the article said. But citing recent polling and interviews, it adds that "To close the gap, the Obama campaign is counting on the economy trumping cultural and social questions."

Election 2008: Monday Roundup

• The Associated Press details the pre-general finance reports from West Virginia's congressional candidates. Highlights include Democrat Anne Barth outraising Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd, during the filing period, and Sen. Jay Rockefeller collecting a total of $6.7 million toward his re-election bid.

• AP also talks to Democrat Natalie Tennant and Republican Charles Minimah about their race for secretary of state.

• The Charleston Gazette relays additional complaints alleging electronic voting machines have switched early votes from Democratic to Republican candidates. The Gazette also reported earlier on the machines' manufacturer, Election Systems & Software.

• The Journal of Martinsburg offers separate coverage of Republican and Democratic rallies in the Eastern Panhandle. The latter featured former Govs. Bob Wise and Gaston Caperton, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., and Barth. The GOP event featured a prediction by the Berkeley County part chairman that "in the not too distant future, Republicans will hold all of the major offices, including governor, senators and house members."

• The Gazette reports on a weekend pro-Obama rally in Charleston.

• AP sets the stage for a Monday rally in support of Capito at Madison Coal & Supply in Charleston.

• GOP gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks responds to The Register-Herald of Beckley after polling shows him well behind incumbent Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin.

• The Gazette reports on negative ad salvos between Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph, and the Democrat seeking a rematch after his 2004 defeat, Mike Ross.
  

• The Bluefield Daily Telegraph talks to a Mercer County school bus driver whom friends say resembles Sarah Palin.
  

Biden in W.Va. (Updated)

Update: The Associated Press, MetroNews, WSAZ-TV and The Charleston Gazette are among those who covered Sen. Joe Biden's downtown rally Friday.

Charleston Police Lt. Jerry Hill told AP that he estimated the crowd's size at between 2,500 and 3,000.

Preceded by a roster that included Gov. Joe Manchin and a wheelchair-reliant Sen. Robert C. Byrd, Biden spoke for about a half-hour and then spent about 20 minutes greeting those in the crowd and shaking hands.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller told those at the rally that his longtime pollster has Obama a percentage point behind McCain in West Virginia. AP has cited recent polling in the state by national firms suggesting a gap of between 6% and 12%.

MetroNews and The Gazette also have photos. The former has audio as well, and a response from the McCain-Palin campaign.

WSAZ-TV has several video clips, as does WOWK-TV, while WCHS-TV has a report.

Update II: The Logan Banner reports that when he arrived late Thursday at Yeager Airport, "Biden chatted with coal miners, but snubbed newspaper, TV and radio reporters."

Original Post: MetroNews, The Charleston Gazette and The Associated Press are among those setting the stage for Friday's visit by Democratic running mate Joe Biden to Charleston for a morning rally downtown. The former two have photos.

The appearance marks the first one open to the general public by any of the figures on the two major tickets.

"The McCain-Palin campaign plans a counter-rally earlier Friday at its nearby Charleston office," AP notes.

Election 2008: Governor

"Gov. Joe Manchin's re-election campaign has plowed more than $1.1 million into the race's closing weeks, while his Republican challenger has borrowed $10,000 to stay in the contest," The Associated Press reports.

Buoyed by a hefty balance and a continuing series of fundraising events, "Manchin had more than $901,700 on hand as of Sunday, a little more than two weeks ahead of the Nov. 4 election," the article said, while the GOP's Russ Weeks' balance "was just below $13,000."

Quote of the Week

"(N)early one in five of the survey participants continue to believe that Obama is a Muslim. Only 46.3 percent, almost the same percentage as the September survey, believe he is a Christian."

-- Memo from latest West Virginia Wesleyan poll of 600 state voters, as noted by Political Wire.

Election 2008: President

Amid a flurry of recent polling (here, here and here), Barack Obama's national campaign manager spoke to West Virginia reporters Wednesday about the Democratic presidential hopeful's chances in the Mountain State.

“I would term ourselves the underdog in West Virginia,” David Plouffe said. “But our view of it is that it’s a dead heat right now.”

The Associated Press, The Intelligencer of Wheeling, the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, The Charleston Gazette and MetroNews (with audio) were among those in on the conference call.

AP also reports that the Obama campaign's optimism rises after West Virginians gave a record $130,300 to his campaign last month. The September haul raised his in-state total "above $483,500. That’s twice what McCain had raised from West Virginians before switching to public financing," AP reports.

AP, The Gazette and others also cite Friday's scheduled visit by running mate Joe Biden. The free 10:30 a.m. event "will be on Summers Street between Lee and Quarrier streets, and the public entrance will be from Capitol Street via Fife Street/Brawley Walkway, beginning at 8:30 a.m.," the latter reports.

Early Voting Update

Secretary of State Betty Ireland told The Associated Press and others Wednesday that touch-screen voting machines have been re-checked and will be checked again each morning as early balloting continues.

Ireland was responding to complaints, mainly from Putnam and Jackson counties, of the devices switching votes.

But The Charleston Gazette has fielded additional complaints from Berkeley County.

The Charleston Daily Mail, meanwhile, quizzes state Republican and Democratic party leaders over the concept of same-day voter registration.

AP and MetroNews report that more than 35,000 West Virginians have already voted. The latter also has audio. AP reported earlier on the state hitting a record 1.2 million registered voters, and offers details behind that number.

Update: Public Broadcasting also covered Ireland's press conference, and has audio. The Parkersburg News focuses on early voting in Wood County.

Pair of Local Polls Show Differing Results

A pair of polls released this week from in-state interests suggest tight races on several levels in West Virginia.

Rainmaker Media surveyed 600 likely voters and found 41.67% supported John McCain for president while 41.33% supported Barack Obama, a "dead heat" as MetroNews reports.

Orion Strategies polled 600 voters for West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia Media registered 49.2% for McCain, and 43.5% for Obama.

The Orion polling also checked the race for state attorney general, and found incumbent Democrat Darrell McGraw with 47.2% and Republican challenger Dan Greear with 45%.

MetroNews has items on both polls as well, and also reports on Rainmaker polling in the state Supreme Court race. It showed 25.5% for Margaret Workman, 21.17% for fellow Democrat Menis Ketchum, 21% for Republican Beth Walker and nearly 30% undecided.

The presidential results coincide with recent results from national firms (here and here).

CNN/ORC: McCain 53%, Obama 41% in W.Va.

The Opinion Research Corp. survey had asked the 674 likely voters about third-party candidates Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader. When those polled were only asked about McCain v. Obama, McCain kept his 53% while Obama's support rose to 44%.

Conducted Sunday through Tuesday, the poll has a margin of error of +/- 4% and a probability of 99% for both sets of numbers (though the 53% to 41% finding is closer to 100%).

Election 2008: Roundup

Governor

• Polling by Rasmussen Reports suggests "Governor Joe Manchin appears headed for a crushing reelection win in West Virginia." This week's survey of 500 likely voters found 71% supported the Democratic incumbent, compared to 21% for Republican challenger Russ Weeks. Manchin "leads by nearly 40 percentage points among unaffiliated voters and even picks up 38% support from GOP voters," Rasmussen reported. He also had a 74% favorability rating, compared to 37% for Weeks. Nearly a fourth of those polled had no opinion of the Republican nominee.

Supreme Court

• The Register-Herald of Beckley profiles Democrats Margaret Workman and Menis Ketchum and Republican Beth Walker.

Congress

• Democrat Anne Barth talks to The Associated Press' Tom Breen about her challenge of Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-2nd.

Legislature

• The Journal of Martinsburg hears from state Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph, and his Democratic foe, former Sen. Mike Ross.

Other

• A Democratic candidate for Cabell County magistrate faces charges alleging she sold crack cocaine and "tried to bribe a Huntington police officer," the Herald-Dispatch reports.
  

Quote of the Day

"Hello, I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the US Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home, and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democrat allies lack the judgment to lead our country."

-- Alleged robo-call script that McCain-Palin and the RNC paid a Weston call center to read to voters, prompting one employee to quit and talk to The Charleston Gazette. The Associated Press and others have questioned the GOP's allegations regarding Obama's ties to Ayers.

Update: Factcheck.org reviewed the robo-call and concluded, in part, that "to say that they 'worked closely' is an exaggeration." Its analysis also found other problems with the attack.

Here's what AP has reported on the topic:

In 1995, Ayers hosted a meet-the-candidate session at his home for Obama as he prepared to run for the state Senate. Later, the two worked with the same charity and social-service organizations in Chicago.

Obama has tried to minimize his link to Ayers, at one point saying he was just a guy who lived in the same neighborhood. But while there was more to the relationship than that, there is no evidence they were ever close friends or that Ayers advised Obama on policy. Obama has denounced Ayers' violent activities, which occurred when Obama was a child.

Race, West Virginia and the Road to the White House

The Washington Post traveled to Wheeling and offers an online multimedia report about how "local Democratic leaders in this old steel town have struggled to deal with their views on race and integrate their operations with the many minorities flooding the party in support of Barack Obama."

State Auditor Glen Gainer, meanwhile, is denying comments attributed to him by The Politico during the recent pro-Obama bus tour through southern West Virginia. The Charleston Daily Mail reports that Gainer suggests the remarks about racism in Logan County were uttered by someone else, while Politico stands by its story.

Update: MetroNews spoke to bus tour participants and offers audio from one, UMWA President Cecil Roberts. MetroNews also heard from a deputy director of the RNC who predicts a John McCain win in West Virginia. With audio.

Voting Concerns Persist in W.Va.

The Intelligencer of Wheeling talks to an Ohio County voter who reports trouble casting her ballot on a touch-screen machine there.

The Charleston Gazette, meanwhile, follows up with state election officials regarding their efforts to ensure the machines count votes correctly. Public Broadcasting also reports on the recent allegations of machines switching votes. With audio.

Rasmussen: McCain 52%, Obama 43% in W.Va.

Rasmussen Reports surveyed 500 likely voters on Monday. Another 4% were undecided.

The margin of error was +/- 4.5%. The probability was 98.09%.

Among the highlights:

• "McCain holds a dominant lead among unaffiliated voters in West Virginia, 57% to 36%."
• "He also leads 55% to 42% among men and 49% to 43% among women."
• "McCain is viewed favorably by 60% of West Virginia voters and unfavorably by 38%."
• "Obama’s numbers are 47% favorable, 51% unfavorable"
• President Bush's disapproval rating was 70%.
  

Election 2008: Shorts

• The Associated Press' Tom Breen talks to U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., about his campaign for a fifth term.

• The Register-Herald of Beckley hears from Jay Wolfe, Rockefeller's Republican challenger.

• The GOP candidate for agriculture commissioner, Mike Teets, plans to visit all 55 counties between Tuesday and Nov. 4 in his bid to unseat Democrat Gus Douglass, AP reports.

• The Charleston Gazette hears from Putnam County voters who say touch-screen machines switched their votes from Democrat to Republican. But Secretary of State Betty Ireland tells AP and MetroNews that this type of voting machine has been repeatedly tested, and that its maker is checking out the complaints.
  

Election 2008: Governor

• Gov. Joe Manchin outlined his energy policy to The Register-Herald of Beckley.
  

• The libertarian Cato Institute ranks Manchin among only three governors, and the only Democrat, deserving of an "A" for fiscal policy. As The Associated Press reports, Cato says Manchin "has enacted probably the most pro-growth tax reforms of any governor." The Charleston Gazette also has an item.

• Public Broadcasting has coverage and complete audio from Sunday's debate between Manchin, Republican Russ Weeks and the Mountain Party's Jesse Johnson.

• Weeks talks to The Register-Herald about his bid.

• The Beckley paper also hears from gubernatorial write-in candidate Butch Paugh of the Constitution Party.
  

Registered Voters in W.Va. at All-Time High

A record 1.2 million West Virginians are registered to vote in the general election, the secretary of state reports.

As The Associated Press notes, the last high was 1.17 million voters in 1952, when the state's population peaked at about 2 million. It now has about 1.8 million people.

Both AP and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington note the influx of unaffiliated voters. "Other" voters now account for 15 percent of the state's total.

"Democrats remain the majority, with more than 675,300. They outnumber Republicans by just under two-to-one," AP notes.

Mason-Dixon: McCain 47%, Obama 41% in W.Va.

Mason-Dixon conducted the poll for NBC, and surveyed 625 likely state voters Oct. 16-17.

The numbers suggest 12% were undecided or chose other candidates. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4%, and a probability of 94.55%.

Update: "Well, scratch West Virginia from the swing state list for the time being," opines FiveThirtyEight.com upon assessing this and the coincidental PPP poll.

"By no means is the state totally unwinnable for Obama," the statistical analysis site offers, "but in all probability, it is pretty far from the tipping point."

Election 2008: Governor

Gov. Joe Manchin, Republican Russ Weeks and Mountain Party nominee Jesse Johnson square off Sunday for the latest debate in the gubernatorial race, this one hosted by The Associated Press and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

The latter will air the debate at 7 p.m. Sunday, and again at 9 p.m. Monday.

Update: AP has a report from the half-hour exchange.

AP recently profiled the three candidates, finding they have "several views in common, but are miles apart on others - including mountaintop removal, abortion, the death penalty and the leadership of the current administration."

Manchin also spoke to the editorial board of the Bluefield Daily-Telegraph about his record and his bid for a second term.

PPP: McCain 50%, Obama 42% in W.Va.

Public Policy Polling surveyed 1,223 likely voters Thursday and Friday, yielding a margin of error of +/- 2.8%. Undecideds were 8%. The probability is 99.83%.

Among the highlights:

• "Right now in almost every battleground state more than 60% of the electorate lists the economy as its top issue, something that very much plays to the Democrats’ advantage. But only 54% do in West Virginia, with moral and family values placing second at 15%, a much higher share than it is pulling anywhere else.
  

• "McCain’s advantage with those values voters? 87-7."

• Obama "leads McCain with voters in his own party just 62-29, at the same time that McCain is nailing down 85% of the Republican vote. McCain also has a strong advantage with independents, 53-36."

• Obama "is actually faring worse with older voters in the state than John Kerry did in 2004. Among those surveyed, 45% said they supported Kerry but only 41% say they support Obama."

The firm concluded that "Contrary to other recent polls that have found West Virginia too close to call," McCain "is likely to repeat the success George W. Bush had in the state in 2000 and 2004.”

The firm relies on automatic phone calls. "Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify," the polling memo notes.

The memo includes each question as asked and response rates.

Biden Coming to W.Va.

Barack Obama's campaign tells The Associated Press that running mate Joe Biden will campaign Friday in Charleston "to talk about the economy."

AP notes that Biden's planned appearance offers "the latest sign of Obama stepping up efforts in the Mountain State since polling suggested a close race with Republican John McCain."

The belief that West Virginia is in play likely prompted The Politico to accompany state Democratic leaders Saturday "on a winding, eight-county bus tour through the south of the state, " where "in one small mining town after another, they sold Barack Obama to small crowds of Democrats with remarkable directness."

The Charleston Gazette also covered the weekend coalfields trek. MetroNews, meanwhile, reports that "the NRA began advertising statewide against Democrat Barack Obama Saturday."

Update: A new poll puts McCain 8 percentage points ahead of Obama in West Virginia.

Update II: National Public Radio was also in Logan County.