By Greg Jordan
For The Register-Herald
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. —
People seeking information and offering support converged on Bluefield for a debate Tuesday evening between an incumbent and a challenger vying for a seat in Congress.
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. and Republican challenger Elliott “Spike” Maynard faced one another at the Bluefield High School Performing Arts Center for the first of two televised debates sponsored by the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, The Register-Herald and WVVA-TV.
When arriving at the auditorium, Maynard and Rahall supporters tended to sit with each other. Before the debate started, the people who came to listen said they hoped the candidates would address the economy, the coal industry and other issues affecting local people directly.
“I would like to see the candidates come out and support the middle class people and the safety of middle class people,” said retired coal miner Mart Lane, 63, of Wyoming County. “The country was basically built by the middle class people, and now the intent seems to be to do away with it. They (candidates ) need to support the working class people and the middle class people.”
Most of the audience had already chosen a candidate."I’m in Congressman Rahall’s corner. The congressman has been real good to me and my family,” said Al Hancock of Bluefield. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything. We need more debates so people will know where they (candidates) stand.”
While the debate was televised live, Hancock said he preferred seeing a debate in person.
When you can see them face to face, then that’s a different story,” he said.
In another section of the auditorium, Carol P. Wilson, 74, of Bluefield was wearing a button comparing President Obama with Curly, Larry and Moe of The Three Stooges.
“I hope to learn that we’re going to clean house in (Washington) D.C., and I will do anything to see that happen,” Wilson said. “And the American people had better educate themselves as to what’s taking place in D.C. and we Americans are fed up.”
Members of the audience also hoped to learn more about the candidates’ stand on the issues and the candidates themselves.
“I guess we’re here so we can learn about the issues the candidates stand for,” said a Bluefield man who declined to give his name. “We really don’t know who Spike Maynard is and what he stands for. But in the same breath, we’re supporters of Nick Rahall.”
Maynard supporters were hoping their candidate would ask Rahall some tough questions.
“I just want to hear him force Rahall to defend his positions,” said Barry Blizzard, 59, of Princeton. “I’d like to hear how Rahall explains the last four years, and how he can justify us re-electing him with what’s going on in Washington,” added Russell Gaither, 64, of Bluewell.
Supporters of Rahall and those supporting Maynard backed their candidates’ remarks and their answers to questions concerning the coal industry, the economy, and the mountain top removal controversy with cheers, applause and shouted comments. As they left the auditorium after the debate’s conclusion, most thought their candidate had come out on top.
“Spike Maynard mopped the floor with Nicky Joe,” said Bill Lester, 59, of Mullens.
Some people had advice, too.
“I think Spike’s got to get more aggressive,” remarked Jim Hopkins of Williamson.
At least one member of the audience came away with a favorable impression of the debate format.
“I think it was very good, but I think they (Rahall and Maynard) need to get their facts straight, but they had good points,” said Jessica Kegley, 20, of Bluefield.
Another local person said it was good to see the candidates answering questions in person.
“I thought it was outstanding, and it’s really nice to see the candidates up close and personal. I was very interested in their responses to the Colonial Intermodal in Bluefield, which is very important,” said Bonnie Patterson, who works with CASE in Bluefield.
“I’m certainly hoping, and it’s critically important, that Nick (Rahall) stay in there.”
The next debate will be conducted Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Carter Hall on the campus of Mountain State University in Beckley.
— Greg Jordan is a member of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph editorial staff.
