Dec. 16, 2005
 
Democratic Chairman Howard Dean to Keynote WV Party Fundraiser
 
By HNN Staff
 
Charleston, WV (HNN) – Former Vermont Governor and current Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean will be the keynote speaker at a Democratic Party Unity fundraiser on Jan. 10, 2005 at the Charleston Marriott Pavilion. The 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. event is sponsored by Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, Governor Joe Manchin, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin and Speaker of the House Bob Kiss as well as Democratic members of the Board of Public Works.
 
“Chairman Dean’s appearance demonstrates in no uncertain terms that the National Democratic Committee is enthusiastic about making gains in the Mountain State,” said Nick Casey, West Virginia Democratic Party chairman. The state went for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. “Five years of skyrocketing deficits, out of control health care costs, and record gas prices have tried the patience and the pocket books of the American voter,” said Casey.
 
“People are hungry for change — and that change begins with the off-year Congressional elections in ’06,” said Casey. “Shelley Moore Capito [the state’s sole GOP U.S. representative] has too often voted for the interests of her out-of-state contributors like the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry over those of her constituents back home,” said Casey. “She’ll have to answer for those votes in November of next year.”
 
“Unlike Shelley Moore Capito, Senator Byrd, Congressman Mollohan and Congressman Rahall don’t believe that cutting taxes for the wealthiest one percent of Americans while cutting programs for the poor and the middle class is ‘sound fiscal policy,’” added Casey.
 
“We’re excited to have Chairman Dean in the Mountain State and we look forward to a successful event and to victory in November,” said Casey.