Nov. 2, 2006
 
Editorial: Why More Rahall?
 
Congressman Nick Joe Rahall is an amiable fellow, warm even. He was probably born to be a politician with his gift for gab, good head of hair, and ready smile. His story and that of his family is a testimony to both them and America.
 
But what have we gotten for our constant re-election of Congressman Rahall? Besides a sure vote for the Democratic minority in Congress, that is.
 
West Virginians in the Third Congressional District have a chance to blaze a new path for our part of the state-- a Congressional District that needs some fresh thinking on taxes, private sector economic development, and a sensible foreign policy.
 
Cabell County Sheriff Kim Wolfe has demonstrated not only an exuberance for public life but a seriousness of purpose that is refreshing to see these days. Having done a yeoman job as sheriff, he understands our area like the back of his hand. He knows our real needs having been right here with us, not most of the year in Washington, D.C.
 
Does anyone really believe that Kim Wolfe will be called "out of touch" in a few years in Washington, with all of his local ties? But that is just the term used most often against his opponent.
 
The fact is that Nick Joe Rahall's smile has been seen more in D.C. than in the Third District for several terms now. Some of that can't be avoided -- it's his job to be in D.C. much of the year.
 
But no one doubts that Kim Wolfe, if elected, will be getting back home a lot more often than Nick Joe ever did. This is the pond where Kim Wolfe prefers to swim. All the more reason to catch and release him into Washington's fetid waters a few months out of the year.