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The Pundit - By Scott Saxton
Fees Please! - 4 Comments Posted
The latest twist in the Capito/Barth campaign battle reminds of an old joke for those who cover the West Virginia legislature. (Read Blog)
The Origin of a News Slant - 7 Comments Posted
Word that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was in spitting distance of West Virginia set the wheels in motion for some to claim desperation. But it turns out, from what I understand, it was never in the plans. (Read Blog)
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It is possible that John McCain and Barack Obama could both end up with 269 electoral votes -- one shy of a clinch. That means West Virginia would get one vote for president and guess who makes it? (Read Blog)
A "Diverse" Advisory Committee Picked for Obama in W.Va. - 3 Comments Posted
It's so diverse, it includes two of Hillary Clinton's former superdelegates and one person who told Obama not to even bother campaigning here. (Read Blog)
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One Poll Shows Obama Up 8 Points in WVa Save Email Print
Posted: 10:15 PM Oct 9, 2008
Last Updated: 10:15 PM Oct 9, 2008
Reporter: Scott Saxton
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com

A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A poll out Thursday from American Research Group shows Barack Obama with an 8% lead over John McCain in West Virginia. It's the first poll to show a lead for Obama in the Mountain State.

The poll of 600 likely voters took place from 10/4 to 10/8 and has a margin of error of 4%. Previous polls taken last month showed the Republican McCain with a 4 to 5% lead over Obama in West Virginia.

One political website, fivethirtyeight.com, showed skepticism to this new poll because it varies widely from the other polls and Obama has not been campaigning in West Virginia. The political reporter for that site suggested Obama may be seeing some spillover support from his campaigning in neighboring Pennsylvania.

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Posted by: GOPOHIO on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:48 PM
YOU TELL EM MAMAW SHARON.. THE DEMON CRATS NEED TO BE BROUGHT DOWN.. THEY ARE PATHETIC!

Posted by: mamawSha on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:47 AM
To Kelly and all the other airhead demo rats. Would some of you please wake up. WV as a state has consistently voted demo throughout most of it's history. Our state has been on the bottom of the list for most of it's history. The fact that senators like Byrd carry the vote, even when he is obviously over the hill and almost under the hill, is a huge testimony to that fact. O yes, Barth makes me want to barf when I think of all the low lifes she has endorsed and campaigned for. She is not for us, she is not for coal, clean or not. She is not for much of anything that WV is for. Why don't West Virginians consider doing something different. You know if something is broke you fix it. Also, the demos have control of the hill, all the blame for the bottom falling out of the economy should be placed on them; Pa LouseyLoser! She could not lead a horse to water or Congress to do the right thing, only the left thing I guess! McCain's the man, he is not Bush or Barrack,thank God!

Posted by: To Lori on Oct 13, 2008 at 03:10 PM
What lies? His $800K donation to ACORN? His support from Khalid Al-Mansour, who is the top advisor to Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal, who is a mentor to the Black Panther Party, a Muslim, and an outspoken enemy of Israel? He started raising $ for his campaign several months before he announced he was running for Illinois State Senate. Or how he asked Malcom X's att'y to write a letter of recommendation for him to get into Harvard? Or how Obama was ACORN's lawyer? How about how Obama trained ACORN's members on strong arm tactics to force banks to make loans to those who had no income or job or way of paying for the loans? Or the true definition of the community organizer he was "training for radical overthrow of gov't". The foundation he worked for as a CO: Gamaliel, a radical socialist group? How he told ACORN he wants them to help write his policies? Please, Lori, inform yourself of the FACTS. This is not hate speech to state FACTS. It's also called FREE SPEECH, until Obama gets in.

Posted by: Welcoming on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Now is Senator Obama coming to the state?

Posted by: Pogi on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:36 PM
The stars are lining up, the messiah is approaching, these people crack me up. I thought it was bad when women (and some weird men) got wobbly kneed at Bill Clinton.

Posted by: hick on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:34 PM
did someone say an eight point in WV? Oh, just election stuff. Vote democrat, I need that cheese block program to start back up.

Posted by: kentucky lady on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:25 AM
McCain has Kentucky in the bag baby! McCain/Palin 2008-2012! Better times are coming! from a man you can trust and believe in...MCCAIN!

Posted by: kentucky lady on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:22 AM
the only ones ever talking about "racism" is Obama and his supporters. Why is it okay for them to throw out the race card everytime? if a white person done that then it would be wrong, why is that? thats a load of crap, and Obama is sitting on top of the stack using that card to get people angry and to get votes, and it is working....you idiots!

Posted by: kentucky lady on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:18 AM
i wouldn`t vote for Obama if he was the only one running. maybe he should try being a used car salesman...he`d be a great one!

Posted by: OHGOP on Oct 13, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Ron, you and others liberals on here, need to learn how to spell. You have certainly displayed the ignorance of demoncrats, which explains why a Muslim terrorist is on the ticket..

Posted by: jen on Oct 13, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Who took this poll? LOL. Polls lie, as do demoncrats. The devil is a liar and the father of it. No one since Slick Willie has been able to spew the out as well as Osama.. oh I mean Obama. I work for a living and don't intend to pay Obama's outrageous taxes. I also don't wish to see Ayers blowing up more buildings in our nation. I don't care to see Rev. Wright preaching his hatred for American's, especially white ones.. And only since her Hubbie got nominated is Michelle proud of her country.. LOL.. why did it take her so long?? Wake up people.. and see these terrorists for exactly what they are..

Posted by: GOP on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Could some of you demoncrats tell me one thing that the liberals have ever done for you, but keep you poor, dumb, and blinded?

Posted by: News Flash 2 on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:53 PM
They have just found out that Obama paid ACORN money to register voters that turned out to be either dead or non-existent. Wow, this is great. It is all backfiring in the Osama/Biden campaign face. That dirty attorney. Well, he sure made a change...a change in the way Presidents are elected, voters are manipulated, and redefined and strengthened the class system. Way to bring the Nation together.

Posted by: Keith on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Obama for President!!!

Posted by: News FLASH!! on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:15 AM
For all of those who do not seem to know your facts, mostly McCain supporters, MCCAIN HIMSELF DENNOUNCED THE RHETORIC ABOUT OBAMA!!! This is great!!! Its all backfiring in the MCLAME/FAILIN campaign face.

Posted by: K on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:43 PM
The only time a politician tells the truth is when they call the other one a liar!

Posted by: charles carroll on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I think McCain is facing the truth about his numbers , in this election the very least they can do is act humble .

Posted by: Ron on Oct 11, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Landslide baby!!!!! It's a reckoning. A reckoning!!! The mistakes of Reagan and Bush will be corrected at last as their evil and corrupt ways have crashed down upon them. I am hosting a bye bye Bsh party at the Civic Center on January 20. Everyone write your congressman and demand Bush apoligize publicly during Obama's inaugural for all the Republic screw-ups and lies over the past 8 years. Bush got his election in 2000. Be careful what you wish for, Bush. Now you have gone down in hostory as the man who blew it all sky high. The ultimate Bozo. Landslide baby!!!!! Go park your Hummers, Pubs!

Posted by: Lori on Oct 11, 2008 at 04:56 PM
I am a Obama/Biden supporter and was very disappointed in the McCain/Palin antagonistic remarks stoking violence toward Obama from the crouds. But yesterday, John McCain told one of his supporters that Obama was a good family man, not and Arab. He said Obama and I just disagree and I think I would make a better president. I have regained some of my respect for McCain now. I hope the rest of you McCain/Palin supporters do the same and will be more respectful to him. You may disagree on the issues, but to spread lies and incite hate is obsurd.

Posted by: Emily on Oct 11, 2008 at 01:09 PM
We have been under republican control for the last eight years and things have not been great. I am a West Virginian for Obama all the way!!! McCain is out of touch with the middle class and his policies will only hurt West Virginians more! Please do the right thing for our state and vote for Obama!!!!

Posted by: ky lady on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:33 AM
the only ones who talk about racism is Obama and his supporters. he is stirring the fires and you people are buying into it. how gullable are you? so whats it like to go around saying you`re white, you`re white, and maybe blacks are prejudice? whites don`t do that, cause then it would be considered wrong. why is that? i think the whole race thing is stupid and will not detemine my vote. i will vote for a man or woman i trust and believe in period. and Obama you are not that man.

Posted by: Buckeye on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:42 PM
To Jason: Vote Obama, vote higher taxes on the rich, vote for our improved welfare as a whole... It's actually the Republican economic agenda that keeps welfare flourishing.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:42 PM
MCCAIN IS A HONEST MAN PLUS HE DONT LIE OR HAS TO BUY HIS VOTES

Posted by: Mr. Magoo on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:38 PM
It's time for a total brake down of this unorganized society. The world economy is crashing too! It won't be that bad. Then we can make moon shine and grow what ever we want. We can make it like our forefathers did. No 9 to 5, this is WEST By God VIRGINIA! We aren't afraid of terroist? GO Obama/Bitum

Posted by: fergie on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I VOTE OBAMA ALL THE WAY ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE...THE LOW INCOME PEOPLE REALLY NEED HELP AND I THINK HE CAN DO IT...OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Robbie on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I'm from WV and I support Obama. Our campaign workers here have really been trying to get the word out. It would be great if WV would become a blue state! Not everyone I talk to is an Obama supporter...but most of them are. I guess it just depends on who you talk to. I tell everyone I know why they should vote for Obama. Election night is going to be a celebration at my house if WV turns blue!!

Posted by: Vorhees on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Vote McCain, Vote tax breaks for the rich, vote warfare

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Jason do something freaking research before making stupid statements. That's the problem with the republican base they either can't or won't take the time to do some research on their own. Don't take anyone's word for it look for yourself.

Posted by: Alan on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Sure...Obama's plan will equate to a tax increase if you make over 250k (you have prospered over the last 8 years, obviously)...and welfare, of course, for those who NEED it...poor and rural WV families could use some of you're "tax incentives" I would rather see hungry children on "WELFARE" than go hungry. The liberals have to go.

Posted by: TRISTATE on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:34 PM
GO OBAMA BIDIN 08,POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I KNEW YOU WOULDN'T PRINT A COMMENT PAINTING THIS UNPATRIOTIC, UNAMERICAN, FOR WHAT HE TRULLY IS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. YOU SAY HE'S UP 8 PERCENT. WEST VIRGINIA IS ONE OF THE MOST PATRIOTIC STATES IN THE COUNTRY. WHO ARE YOU MEDIA PEOLPE TRYING TO FULL. VOTING FOR THIS LIAR SHOULD BE UNAMERICAN. THIS MAN IS LOST. WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE. LETS NOT VOTE FOR SOMEBODY JUST BECAUSE HE'S BLACK OR A GREAT SPEAKER, TED BUNDY WAS ALSO A GREAT SPEAKER. WAKE UP. PRINT IT WSAZ. NOT ALL OF US ARE AS STUPID AS OBAMA SUPPRTERS ARE.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:46 AM
neither one are a good choice...we needed hillary!

Posted by: CharlieMac on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Its too bad it took a global economic crisis to get people to finally see that elections should be won based on real issues facing us and not by promulgating proganda and lies in so-called swift boat attacks. People think in WV people are shoeless and toothless, lets not give them a reason to think we're brainless enough to vote McCain.

Posted by: McCain all the way!!! on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:54 AM
McCain is much more qualified for this position. Period.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:36 AM
This morning realclearpolitics.com has placed WV from McCain to TOSS UP based on new POLLS with a S at the end.

Posted by: Steve on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:00 AM
When is everyone going to learn that these polls mena absolutely NOTHING. They are only as good as the motivation behind them, the questions that are asked, and the group of people polled. If I wanted a poll to show support for guns, I use a list of the people who bought hunting licenses last year, sprinkle in a few people out of the phone book, and Wah-Lah...a poll showing that nearly all Americans want to keep guns. When they poll, they ask "Who will you vote for?" If it is not the candidate they are trying to support, they will then ask you "How likely are you to vote for Candidate B?" If you say "Not Likely" then you are considered an Unlikely voter. If you will listen when they give the results, they will say "Among those polled who were 'Likely to vote', Candidate B is the clear winner." It's all an effort to get those who are on the fence to join the 'winning team.' The polls had George Bush down to Kerry all along, and NBC actually prematurely called Florida based on polls.

Posted by: Doug on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:38 AM
How could anyone in their right mind support a character that's friends with terrorist, claims a church with simular views, against your 2nd ammendent rights and backs the killing of late term innocent human life. America the beautiful has gotten real ugly! Now the world economy is on the edge of collapsing not just here. We have a democratic controlled congress and it's getting worse fast. No Hussein Obama now or brace your self! The great depression will look like a sunday morning pick nick! WV might be wild but it won't be wonderful. Just wait until the next big disaster, earth quakes like the one in China and storms it's comming!

Posted by: Pablo on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:38 AM
So you say everyone you talk to is for McCain, "Anonymous?" I'd say either you don't talk to anyone or the ones you do talk to are lying. We are on the verge of a economic depression. Why would anyone vote for the republicans this time around? Capito must be put to pasture also. She's voted in step with Bush/Cheney and we all now see where we are. They will all go on, living their millionaire lives while the rest of us suffers. Capito out, Barth in.

Posted by: Jason on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Vote Obama, Vote tax increase, vote welfare

Posted by: Joe on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Everyone is crying uncle. Maybe the press will let the economy get back to normal and the world will quit hating us if we vote for Obama. Give up your lunch money and the bulley will leave you alone.

Posted by: JESUS COMING POLL on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:45 AM
AS AMERICA REMAINS DRUNK AND ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR IS FIXING TO SPLIT THE EASTERN SKY AND TELL HIS CHILDREN COME UP HITHER. FOR ALL YOU ARE PLANNING ON GETTING DRUNK AND PARTYING WHEN OBAMA WINS ARE BEING DECIEVED. THE BIGGEST SIGN TO WATCH IS THE WORLD ECONOMY IS CRUMBLING EVERYDAY. AND THE ANTI CHRIST IS RIPE TO PUT IN HIS ONE WORLD BANK, ONE WORLD LEADER, AND HIS ONE WORLD RELIGION. PLEASE AMERICA REPENT, TURN TO JESUS AND NOT TOCHRIST WHILE YOU STILL HAVE AIR TO BREATHE. I ALMOST DIED 2 YEARS AGO IN A FORD MUSTAND HEAD ON COLLISION 2 YEARS AGO. I BEG YOU DONT BE DECIEVED NY THIS OBAMA FELLAR, HE SOUNDS LIKE JFK AND MLK, BUT HE IS LIKE STALIN AND HITLER ON THE INSIDE. LOOKS CAN BE DECIEVING, FOR THE BIBLE SAYS GOD LOOKED AT DAVIDS HEART NOT HIS SIZE. PLEASE READ MATTHEW CHPTR. 24 AND SEE THE AMAZING TIME LINE AND END TIMES TIME LINE. DONT PUT YOUR FAITH IN CROOKED POLITICANS PUT YOUR FAITH IN THE SAVING POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

Posted by: Kevin on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Obama all the way!!

Posted by: joe on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:50 AM
im from wva pablo not mexico, everyone in central wva is for mccain. arg is as worse as gallup another hack for the demoncats. its ashame when you can raise gobs of money from freddie mac and fannie, people lose there jobs and pensions, ob,a is not for the common man that he thinks, he takes money from big oil and the drug companies, wise up mccain didnt take a dime from anyone.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:19 AM
get on the Obamam bandwagon now WV! Landslide!

Posted by: Brian on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:15 AM
Why would you want to put a manin the whitehouse that has absolutely no experience at running anything? You want to trust our Country to that? I can't believe the Coal miners are falling for his spiel either. He's against clean coal, his voting record shows he is anti-2nd amendment. He has voted to raise taxes numerous times, and this is what you want to run things? I thought people in this state were smarter than that.

Posted by: shawn on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Walmart is the number one employer for WV....freaking walmart thats pathetic and there are people who think a third term for cheney or I mean palin will help you get out of retail...WAKE UP

Posted by: dS on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:30 AM
I drove to Portsmouth to see Barack speak tonight and there was a big number of West Virginians there. He does have a lot of supporters here in WV and I'm proud to say that I am one of them. I usually take polls with a grain of salt, but this one was really surprising. We will all see how this turns out on Nov. 4th. With or without the win here, he seems to be doing pretty well around the country.

Posted by: Kelly on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:11 PM
NOT EVERYONE IS FOR McCAIN!! Voting for OBAMA!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:49 PM
dont think this number is right every one i talk to is for MCCAIN GUESS WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE

Posted by: Pablo on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I'm not crazy about Obama (Hillary would have been an excellent choice) but we cannont take another 4 years of Republican rule. Lets put Obama in the White House. Its also time to put Capito out to pasture. She has voted in step with Bush/Cheney and we now see what that got us. Anne Barth will be the best choice.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I don't believe this one just yet but then again it wouldn't surprise me since others have been showing it getting closer. I really hope this is true. He was down 20 plus in Ky and it is now down to 10.

Posted by: jim on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Sound good to me. VOTE OBAMA

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