Republican Delegate Candidates Debate in Bluefield
By Craig Hammond
Bluefield, WV (BNN) -- Four Republican candidates vying for the open seat in West Virginia's 24th Delegate District debated the top issues at Gary Bowling's House of Art Friday night, May 2, 2008.
The candidates (left to right) are attorney Steve Mancini, attorney John Shott, community organizer Blaine Braithewaite, and businessman and saw mill operator Doug Quesenberry.
Issues discussed included commercial air service for Mercer County, the King Coal Highway, the West Virginia Turnpike, taxes, tourism, legislation banning cell phone use while driving, and business development.
All four candidates agreed that the nature of decision making in West Virginia must be changed. A member of the audience reminded the candidates that West Virginia, Iran, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Sudan are the only governments that still have "a soviet style, one-size-fits-all command and control approach."
The moderators for the one hour debate were Greg Carter, anchor man for WVVA-TV and William Paine, news director for Adventure Radio. The West Virginia Primary Election is Tuesday May 13, 2008.