LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS® OF WEST VIRGINIA

Voters Guide US Senate

Voters’ Guide May 13, 2014 West Virginia Primary Election

This candidate information is brought to you by the League of Women Voters of West Virginia as a public service. Candidate responses are printed exactly as received, including spelling, grammar and content. Candidates’ responses were limited to 50 words.

Republican Candidates for United States Senate

CANDIDATE Larry Eugene Butcher

County of residence Wood

Party Republican

Biography

Single, male, 62, father, one son, USAF veteran…….$.50 hr. 66-68; $1.00/hr. 69-71

skilled craftsman till 2000, after helper to my parents they passed away..

I am free to fight the good fight. Honest hard working fools make all the rest of this world possible. Only honest hard work can save us.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: Mother nature gave us water, minerals and many compounds. Mankind learned chemistry and now we have many new compounds. Money in politics pays nothing for true science or simple truth. Father time will bring reason to the many, no matter the wishes of the few. We vote now for only one US Senator, let not the money choose for us.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Tax capital wealth! Trickle down never happened. Money managers formerly took 10% now taking 40% of profits. Wages are buying less, traders are taking more. Corporate raiders are greed incarnate. Job bosses follow, with stock prices up. We, the working class, put all our wages back in the economy. Reduce taxes on incomes below 10X poverty level, raise taxes above 10X.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Selective service registration should be automatic voter registration. Congress should declare Citizens United as unconstitutional. Corporations never feel the pain of parenthood when a child is lost in an unlawful war. To think that war profits could then be used to control politics is unamerican double down.

CANDIDATE Shelley Moore Capito

County of residence Kanawha

Party Republican

Candidate did not reply

CANDIDATE Matthew Dodrill

County of residence Wood

Party Republican

Biography

Matthew has resided in Parkersburg, WV for his entire life. He graduated from PHS in 1997 and from WVUP in 2002 with studies in business. He joined his family’s real estate business in 2003. Given Matthew’s knowledge of the business world, he would be an excellent candidate for bringing a thriving job market to WV.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: Ultimately, putting the power of regulations back into the hands of the state. The people living and working in WV know best how to regulate the industries. This should be a matter the state and local governments handle, not the federal. The federal can guide states, but the real power of decision should lie with the people.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Better structured programs that do not enable people to continue to live in poverty but rather are the hand up to a brighter future. Eased restrictions on businesses, allowing them to hire more people for longer hours. Push hands on education for careers that are capable of supporting families.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Congress should unite and impeach the justices that do not uphold the constitution. The power to write laws was never meant to be in the hands of Supreme Court; that is the job of Congress. This misuse of the checks and balances system our government is meant to have puts us on a path to tyranny.

Democratic Candidates for Unites States Senate CANDIDATE Dennis Melton

County of residence Lewis

Party Democratic

Candidate did not reply

CANDIDATE Natalie Tennant

County of residence Kanawha

Party Democratic

Biography

Growing up as the youngest of seven on our family farm, I learned how to do more with less. I brought those West Virginia values to the Secretary of State’s office, where I cut the budget and gave $3 million back to taxpayers. I’m running to bring those values to the Senate and put West Virginia first – www.natalietennant.com.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: West Virginia deserves better. We have a responsibility to make sure this never happens again. I support the Chemical Safety and Drinking Water Protection Act, which sets standards, requires inspections and makes sure companies pay for cleanup. I fought for medical testing and loans for small businesses that had to shut down. I will keep fighting for answers and accountability.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Anyone who works hard for 40 hours a week should be able to feed their family and pay the mortgage. It’s time to raise the minimum wage. West Virginia has what it takes to lead the country in high-paying manufacturing, technology and energy jobs. Let’s end tax breaks for corporations that ship jobs overseas and invest in West Virginia jobs.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: The freedom of the people to elect their representatives is a cornerstone of Democracy. I support updating the Voting Rights Act to protect the rights of all eligible citizens to cast a ballot.

There is too much secret, special interest money influencing our elections. I support limits on out-of-state special interest money.

CANDIDATE David B. Wamsley

County of residence Wood

Party Democratic

Biography

Born to poverty, I received a full scholarship to Wesleyan, taught school, and received a graduate assistantship in School Psychology at Miami University, Ohio. I’ve been a self-employed School Psychologist for 33 years; conducted 19,000+ psycheducational evaluations and driven 2 million WV miles. I have invested in real estate, roofed houses, and I am a licensed Master plumber. Website: www.wamsleyforsenate.com.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: All chemical and industrial sites should have an automatic emergency action plan, scheduled inspections based on specific industry standards, and a self-funded bond/insurance for coverage of liability. I also propose automated continuous water testing sensors integrated to a central databank and strict criminal penalties for violations.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Vocational Education for 40 percent of 8th grade and above students would provide marketable job skills. Free healthcare would resolve a number of physical and mental health issues, providing a more eager and able workforce. Let’s stop wasting money in foreign countries. We need to incentivize companies to bring jobs back to America.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: The U.S. Congress must pass legislation to address the unbalanced impact of Citizens United and Speechnow Supreme Court decisions. In addition, no American should be at risk of losing the right to vote because they reside in a state using voter ID laws to interfere with select groups of citizens.

May 2014 Primary US Senate web.docx

Voters Guide US House of Representatives, Second District

Republican Candidates for US House of Representatives, Second District

CANDIDATE Robert Lawrence Fluharty

County of residence Jefferson

Party Republican

Biography

Robert Fluharty is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and WV Air National Guard. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Marshall University and a Graduate Certificate from American Military University. Lifetime resident of WV, he worked 12-years in the medical field and currently works as a licensed WV investigator corroborating the integrity of government employees.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: Because water is the resource of life, potable water must be protected. The federal government’s responsibility is to advise and support the states in their duty to safeguard all resources. The regulations should come from the individual states, according to the constitution. I would support federal legislation to require visibility/publication of all chemicals used or introduced into the environment.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Quick fixes to poverty like increasing minimum wage limits are overcome by inflation and create a cyclical effect where the poor will never get ahead. The real fix is through reversing inflation by limiting the currency dump by the Federal Reserve to a point of stagflation. Audit the Federal Reserve and protect the value of the dollar.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Chief Justice John Roberts said, “Our country has changed, and while any racial discrimination in voting is too much, Congress must ensure that the legislation it passes to remedy that problem speaks to current conditions.” If elected I would support a new coverage formula that advances America further towards the point where the VRA in not needed.

CANDIDATE Steve Harrison

County of residence Kanawha

Party Republican

Biography

Steve is a native West Virginian and a graduate of Sissonville High School and Brown University, where he was a District 1 Academic All-American in football. He served in the West Virginia House and Senate for a total of 14 years. Steve has been married to Kristen for 21 years and they have twins, Benjamin and Maggie. www.ElectSteveHarrison.com

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: Different levels of government should help ensure certain protections. While the federal government over regulates in many areas, there should be oversight to ensure the safety of our water supply and other essential needs. The state is taking steps to help prevent negligent chemical spills and the federal government should ensure our water is safe from intentional attacks.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: The best way out of poverty is a good job. I have a proven record of working for a better economy and was named one of the “Best for Jobs” when I was in the legislature. In Congress, I would work for policies that help the private sector create jobs.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Many have fought to protect the freedoms we have in our great nation, including the right to elect our leaders. We must not allow vote fraud to devalue the votes of American citizens. We should help ensure clean elections by requiring each of us to show identification when we vote.

CANDIDATE Charlotte Lane

County of residence Kanawha

Party Republican

Biography

Native West Virginian and proven Republican leader. Graduate of Marshal University & WVU School of Law. First female President of the West Virginia Bar Association. Former House of Delegates member, former Chairman of the WV Public Service Commission, and most recently served as International Trade Commissioner under President George W. Bush.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: I do not believe that changes in federal law would have prevented the chemical spill that took place in the Elk River, nor am I aware of any proposed changes in federal law that I could support. The state legislature just passed a new law that should prevent something like this from happening in the future.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Under President Obama, the massive expansion of the government over the last six years has dramatically widened the income gap between the rich and the poor. There is a direct correlation between the expansion of government and the retraction of economic prosperity. I believe we need to encourage job creators, not discourage them with overregulation and over taxation.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: State governments, normally the Secretary of State, have jurisdiction over the election process and have been tasked with maintaining the Constitutional right of citizens to vote. As with other processes of functional government, the judicial branch of government will intervene if rights are violated.

CANDIDATE Alex X. Mooney

County Jefferson

Party Republican

Candidate did not reply

CANDIDATE Jim Moss

County of residence Putnam

Party Republican

Biography

Cost Management specialist with Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Buffalo, WV. Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University Institute of Technology and MBA from the University of South Carolina. Native of Dunbar and graduate of Dunbar High School. Born again Christian. Running for Congress in obedience to the Lord’s calling upon my life. Please visit: http://jimmossforcongress.weebly.com

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: I don’t believe that the federal government should have any role in protecting our water resources from chemical spills. First, WV lawmakers and WV DEP should assure state laws are in place to protect our water resources. Second, WVAW management should know what is going on above its sole water intake. Local responsibility was and is still needed!

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: None. States and communities should have responsibility for poverty! Relying on Federal government to take care of us allows us to make poor decisions as a state. If West Virginia politicians were held accountable for our poor then they would be forced to encourage job growth and work harder to ensure our young people complete their high school education. (fact: (Exceeded word limit)

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Repeal the 17th amendment, restore state legislators power in D.C. Today those who make, interpret, and enforce the law are not guided by the United States Constitution—the supreme law of the land—as it was originally written. Politicians in Washington today are only beholden to special interests groups not “states or voters”. Respect for our Constitution must be restored.

CANDIDATE Ken Reed

County of residence Morgan

Party Republican

Candidate did not reply

CANDIDATE Ron Walters Jr.

County of residence Kanawha

Party Republican

Candidate did not reply

Democratic Candidates for US House of Representatives, Second District CANDIDATE Nick Casey

County of residence Kanawha

Party Democratic

Biography

I’ve been a lawyer and an accountant for 37 years. My wife, Mary, and I were born and have lived worked in West Virginia all of our lives. We are blessed that our two children are living and working in WV. I’m active with my church’s charities and enjoy spending part of my summers working on homes in Clay County. nickcaseyforwv.com

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: I support a regular inspection process for chemical storage tanks. Our water utilities need to have better emergency planning. Our water infrastructure, and filters, needs repaired and upgraded. We have too many water main breaks, leaks, and service disruptions. We should have a secondary in-take and backup supplies. All basic things an advanced nation like America should have.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: We need more people to enter the workforce and get off government assistance. Raising the minimum wage, job training, and drug rehabilitation will help. Sound budgeting, a top-to-bottom review of the tax code, and a greater investment into our crumbling infrastructure will create jobs. I’m an accountant and know how to set financial priorities and fund them.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Citizens United must be overturned. The Supreme Court should have never allowed unlimited secret campaign donations to fund ads. Voters deserve to know the source of campaign ads to enable them to make an informed decision on their truthfulness. Our laws must make voting accessible to all voters. Efforts to restrict early voting, for example, are reprehensible.

CANDIDATE Meshea Poore

County of residence Kanawha

Party Democratic

Biography

I am a member of the WV Legislature with five years of service. I was born in Charleston and graduated from Capitol High School. As a first generation college graduate, I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: As a member of the WV Legislature, I championed amendments to the chemical spill bill to help prevent the next crisis from happening. The protection of America’s water supply can’t remain a back-burner issue in Congress. We have to change the way we register and monitor above-ground chemical tanks near water resources to ensure that we are protecting all Americans.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Poverty affects us all. When we continue to allow Americans to live in poverty we keep our country from being as strong as it can be both nationally and internationally. The first step that can be taken by the federal government is to increase the minimum wage.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Congress should take steps to make voting more efficient and less burdensome for every valid legal age citizen. The right to vote is the great equalizer. Every American voice matters regardless of their education, gender, race or social economic background. Congress’ actions should never disenfranchise a registered voter.

May 2014 Primary US House of Representatives, Second District web.docx

Voters Guide US House of Representatives, Third District

Republican Candidate for US House of Representatives, Third District CANDIDATE Evan Jenkins

County of residence Cabell

Party Republican

Biography

I’ve had the privilege of representing the citizens of Cabell and Wayne counties in the legislature. Working together, in a bipartisan manner, we’ve cut taxes, balanced the state budget, reduced the state’s unfunded liabilities, attracted jobs, supported education and fought for quality health care. My wife and I have three children and live in Huntington. www.evanjenkins.com

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: President Obama and FEMA rejected our disaster declaration request, turning their back on 300,000 West Virginians. That’s unacceptable. Federal health and safety officials are also unable to provide needed reassurance that our water is safe. Federal laws and response must be changed. I sponsored the new law to regulate storage tanks and protect our water to ensure this never happens again.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty

Response: Over 46 million Americans live in poverty. While, investment in education and workforce training is critically important, we must stop Washington’s attack on our jobs and economic opportunity. The current administration’s war on our natural resource industry is devastating the livelihood of thousands of hardworking West Virginias. The war on poverty starts when Washington ends its attack on our jobs.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: I firmly believe every law-abiding American citizen has a constitutionally protected and guaranteed right to vote that must not be infringed upon or limited. I have help lead the effort at the state level to enact early voting laws to make voting more convenient. But we must also be proactive to rid our elections of voter fraud and corruption.

Democratic Candidates for US House of Representatives, Third District

CANDIDATE Richard Ojeda II

County of residence Logan

Party Democratic

Biography

Retired (US Army), BA in General Education from West Virginia State University, MA in Business and Organizational Security from Webster University. Graduate of the Basic and Advanced Officers courses as well as the US Army Command General Staff Course. Four Deployments to the Middle East in Support of the Global War on Terrorism. Two Bronze Star Medals, pending a Purple Heart. www.richardojeda.com

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: I believe that any operation that deals with chemicals should require mandatory inspections that also ensure secondary containment is present. Regardless of the fact that they may or may not be close to a water source, chemicals spilled anywhere will eventually seep into the water table which can cause significant impacts to the environment and the people that reside in the areas.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: Federal government should provide support to programs that are using evidence based guidelines to provide positive results in reducing poverty. Housing, employment, education, and healthcare must be continually monitored for success in reducing the effects of poverty and improving the lives of those impoverished. Leaders should also be responsible for coordinating new and improved opportunities throughout the region.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: Supreme Court decisions have recently affected families throughout the US by providing rulings on issues like DOMA and the Affordable Health Care Act. The role of Congress should include providing a common voice of those represented to create fair and equal balanced laws that do not require Supreme Court intervention, but fair and equal representation of the people served.

CANDIDATE Nick Joe Rahall, II

County of residence Raleigh

Party Democratic

Biography

A native West Virginian, Rahall, the top Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

democrat, uses seniority and expertise building successes like Pullman Square and the

Merritt’s Creek Connector. Bringing millions of dollars to WV, Rahall’s creating jobs

through transportation, tourism, technology, mine reclamation and water wastewater

services. Rahall fights for veterans, seniors, education, workers, coal miners, black

lung, mine health and safety.

Question 1. What changes in federal laws would you favor that would better protect people and our water resources from chemical spills?

Response: Our knowledge of chemicals, securing them and the response to spills must be

strengthened on all levels of government. Just as important, we must not retreat in

extending and maintaining safer, modern water and sewage systems. As the top

Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have and will continue

to serve our water needs with federal dollars.

Question 2. What steps should the federal government take to reduce the number of Americans living in poverty?

Response: I oppose cutting, privatizing and vouchering Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Government must honor its contract with the American people. I have consistently voted

to ensure children’s nutrition and healthcare are heavily invested in for the long range.

It is a wise investment for the taxpayer’s dollar with tremendous returns for our country’s

future security and economy.

Question 3. In view of recent Supreme Court decisions, what steps do you think Congress should take to protect the rights of all American voters?

Response: We must strengthen the Voting Rights Act and restore the safeguards against

discrimination that were nullified by recent court decisions. In addition, I am opposed to

the Citizens United decision. The voting public has a right to know who is behind the

campaign ads that are funded by out of state billionaires.

May 2014 Primary US House of Representatives Third District web.docx