Oliverio: A Hot Pepper for Mollohan's Mild Political Palate
By Stephen N. Reed
In addition to Joe Oliverio, master painter and erstwhile Governor's
candidate, two other famous Oliverios have made their mark on
West Virginia.
One is Oliverio Italian Style Peppers, one of West Virginia's best food exports to the world. Whether in the form of mild, medium, or hot peppers, useful in all manner of dishes, Oliverio Italian Style Peppers have carved out a niche all their own--right from Clarksburg, West Virginia.
But the hottest Oliverio pepper in the first half of 2010 has to be State
Senator Mike Oliverio (D-Monongalia), now completing his fourth term
in the upper chamber of the WV Legislature. If you look at his picture
and wonder how a guy this young has served almost 16 years in the
legislature already, you're not alone. Oliverio got in quite young,
not long after serving as WVU's Student Body President. His wife,
Melissa, is a significant asset out on the political trail, as well, with
many connections from her student days at the WVU College of Law.
As a result, Oliverio has emerged as a seasoned, serious State Senator, yet one with a youthful independent streak--and as a Democrat who is not afraid to buck his own party in order to serve his constituents. Oliverio has sought higher office before, losing to Joe Manchin and Natalie Tennant in Secretary of State races. However, he has always been re-elected back to the legislature by Mon and Marion Counties without difficulty.
And just who is Marion County's most famous Democratic son lately?
Well, it should still be incumbent Congressman Alan Mollohan, but
some folks are beginning to wonder. After nearly 30 years in
Washington, Mollohan seems decidedly out of touch.
For example, just this week has come word that Mollohan had joined join the new bipartisan Congressional Coal Caucus. This is welcome news for those employed by the coal industry in West Virginia. But why did it take Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito to spearhead the idea first, with Mollohan trailing along behind?
In the past year, Mollohan seems to miss a beat in other ways, too, voting with President Obama more often than not, despite representing a state who soundly voted against Obama twice in 2008. So who is Mollohan representing? Democrats and lobbyists in D.C. or the people of the First District? Does Mollohan prefer Obama's green supporters to West Virginia coal miners? Do tell, Alan.
Like Republicans vying for the chance to face Mollohan after their May primary, Senator Oliverio is nobody's fool. He has decided not to run for State Senate again, giving up quite a bit of seniority and influence in Charleston. He claims to have polling data that shows he can beat Mollohan this year.
He just may. But Oliverio will have to force Mollohan to debate him on the issues, so that the public can see the contrast between an Obama-style, old-line Democrat and the more independently-minded new wave Democrat that many purport Oliverio to be.
While Mollohan is a generally capable politician, his manner is formal, even stiff. The more exposure the people have to the incumbent, the greater the chances for Oliverio. However, if Mollohan camps out in D.C. most of this spring, refusing to make many appearances, Oliverio can make great hay out of that, too.
Should be an interesting primary, particularly when it comes down to Marion County. Someone call former State Treasurer Larrie Bailey. He'll know. He's seen the Manchins, the Mollohans, and now Mike Oliverio make a play for that distinction over the years.
But we all know it's really Bailey.