Published: August 20, 2008 08:28 pm         

Manchin to hit on ‘traditional values’ at convention

Traditional family values held dear by his fellow West Virginians plan to figure prominently in Gov. Joe Manchin’s brief address next Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Manchin has been allotted five minutes of national exposure between 7 and 8 p.m. (West Virginia time), making him the second West Virginia political leader to get air time.

Remarks in prime time are to follow the next night by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., an early supporter of the presidential nominee-in-waiting, Sen. Barack Obama.

Not only is Manchin representing his home turf but also will be speaking as chair of the Democratic Governor Association, communications director Lara Ramsburg said Wednesday.

“So he’ll be talking about the progress the Democratic governors have been making across the country and also talking about West Virginia and West Virginia values in what we’re looking for in a president,” Ramsburg said.

“They haven’t given us a specific time yet.”

Manchin is devoting part of this week’s duties to shaping up his speech.

“We’re certainly a state of hard work and patriotism and faith and love of our families and love of our community,” Ramsburg said when asked what specific values Manchin has in mind to address.

“We’re working to build our economy. We need to have leaders on the national level that restore everybody’s confidence in America as a whole. Those are just some of the things I’m sure he’ll touch on.”

Manchin is among West Virginia’s superdelegates who pledged his support to Obama after the May primary which Sen. Hillary Clinton won decisively with some 70 percent of the Democratic turnout.

Unlike delegates elected by voters committed to specific candidates, superdelegates may change their mind since a verbal endorsement isn’t binding, but Manchin is sticking with Obama.

Manchin is encouraging Obama to campaign in West Virginia “so the people can learn more about the senator and the campaign. We’re hopeful that will happen.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com