EDITORIAL: McKinley's the One for First District Congress Seat
For our readers in the northern part of the Mountain State, we are heartened to see a candidate
of the caliber of David McKinley run for Congress in the First Congressional District. McKinley
is seasoned, but always youthful in outlook, and we enthusiastically endorse him in the
2010 GOP Primary.
McKinley has experience that is both broad and deep -- and not just in politics, which gives him a much-needed outsider's look at the problems facing West Virginia and America. A successful small business entrepreneur, the Wheeling native has steadily built his firm, McKinley & Associates, into a regional leader for architectural engineering, serving clients in several states.
But of all the many unique projects he and his partners have had a chance to develop, McKinley says that what he's most proud of is managing his business well enough to never lay a single employee off in thirty years. In a state as tough to do business with as West Virginia can be, that is nothing short of amazing.
This kind of compassionate business sense is what is needed in D.C. these days. We need someone who understands the importance of effective budgeting, so that more people aren't hurt later by both unrealistic promises and runaway spending.
When a man has spent thirty years shepherding a growing business, keeping his employees uppermost in mind by running a tight ship, that speaks to the kind of Congressman he would be.
West Virginia's taxpayers deserve an advocate, someone who knows how to track spending, ask the intelligent questions, and challenge those who abuse the system. David McKinley is that man.
McKinley's community service in Ohio County is legendary, as is his commitment to his family and church. For all this, he remains humble when introduced to speak on the campaign trail, another trait we need in D.C. these days.
Finally, no one has given more time and personal resources for the sake of the two-party system in West Virginia than McKinley has. As a 14-year veteran of the House of Delegates, McKinley was known as a fighter for conservative economic and social causes. As Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, he was a tireless organizer who encouraged the youth and promoted the Party of Lincoln proudly in every county of the state.
Republicans and Independents in the First Congressional District have a real chance to unseat incumbent Democratic Congressman Alan Mollohan this year. But only a top shelf candidate can kick in the door.
Get to know more about this citizen-statesman at his campaign website at: www.mckinley2010.com.