Just as warm weather returned to the Mountain State, the issue of redistricting in the House of Delegates has turned the heat up in the West Virginia gubernatorial race as well.
Democratic candidate Earl Ray Tomblin said he supports single-member districts to a degree but would leave the issue of how to realign the political landscapes of the two chambers up to lawmakers.
Republican rival Bill Maloney took a more definitive stance Wednesday, saying he would veto any bill that fails to provide single-member districts for the entire 100 members of the House.
Tomblin, serving as acting governor since Joe Manchin departed to become a U.S. senator, said legislators are tasked to redistrict both the House and Senate, “and I respect that process.”
“But, I certainly would sign legislation that includes more single-member districts.”
Maloney vowed to kill any legislation that fails to eliminate all multi-member districts and said Tomblin is failing to lead by not taking a similar stance.
“I challenge Sen. Tomblin to join me in moving West Virginia forward instead of continuing with the same old failed policies of the past,” the Morgantown businessman said.
“Going along to get along isn’t leadership. The people want single-member districts. I’d veto any bill that doesn’t provide fair representation to all West Virginians. How will you lead, Earl Ray?”
Maloney charged that the governor’s position demonstrates his “historic failure” to lead on redistricting, saying Tomblin has defended the status quo in his 36-year tenure as a lawmaker, in which he has been the longest-serving president of the Senate.
“Citizens are coming to public hearings in droves to demand single-member districts,” Maloney said.
“Our state desperately needs leadership on this issue, which Earl Ray Tomblin has failed to provide time and again. West Virginians need fairness and accountability in their Legislature. We need to take our state back from the career politicians in Charleston.”
The House has named a 30-member committee to study redistricting, while a similar one was appointed earlier by the Senate.
— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com
Local News
June 2, 2011
House redistricting a political issue
- Local News
-
-
Two rescued from New River after fast rise of water
Two victims were rescued Sunday night from a rock in the New River in the Cotton Hill area which parallels Route 16 near Chimney Corner, according to public information officer for Ansted and Fayetteville fire departments Meredith Gray.
-
Still together, triplets prepare for college move
When Robin and Dennis M. Daniel, of Fairdale, had an ultrasound at eight weeks, they were expecting twins.
-
Oceana man receives prison time for drug dealing role
An Oceana man is facing up to 90 years in prison for his role in drug distribution in Wyoming County, according to Prosecuting Attorney Rick Staton.
-
Wyoming board renews contracts of three officials
Wyoming County Board of Education members renewed contracts for the three superintendents during their May 16 meeting.
- National Park Service ranger releases name of boating victim
- Learning Tree school bus crashes into utility pole
- Black fly spraying planned
- Firefighters respond to fire at store
- Calendar — Monday, May 28, 2012
- New River to offer new degree in social services
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two rescued from New River after fast rise of water
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
