On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about we could expect from Tuesday’s election, how the coronavirus impacted the election, and whether the state should promote school choice. In segment one, Professor Robert Rupp, professor of political science at West Virginia Wesleyan College, explains what he believes we can expect from Tuesday’s General Election, why he thinks Republicans will do very well in the Mountain State, and the impact the coronavirus had on this election cycle. ...
Nov 25, 2020•23 min•Ep. 92
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we dig deep into the race for West Virginia Governor, learn how the candidates differ on key issues, and discover what each candidate plans to do if elected. In segment one, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, Democratic candidate for West Virginia Governor, explains why he decided to run for the office, what she would do differently for the state in terms of economic development, and what he has already done to help West Virginia small business...
Nov 25, 2020•23 min•Ep. 91
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get inside the race for U.S. Senate, explain how the candidates differ on key issues, and show what each candidate wants to accomplish for the Mountain State. In segment one, Paula Jean Swearengin, democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, explains why she decided to run for Senate, why she doesn’t believe Congress should even consider the current Supreme Court nominee during the pandemic, and why she thinks her opponent is out of touch with her const...
Oct 18, 2020•22 min•Ep. 90
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get into the race for West Virginia Attorney General, learn how the candidates differ on the major issues, and discover what the candidates hope to accomplish if elected. In segment one, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey explains how he plans to help those searching for work in the Mountain State find a job, how he plans to continue the fight against the opioid crisis, and how he differs from his opponent. In segment two, Sam Brown P...
Oct 15, 2020•22 min•Ep. 89
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we delve into the race for West Virginia Secretary of State, discuss if the state is ready for automatic voter registration, and discuss how best to help Mountain State small businesses. In segment one, Natalie Tennant, Democratic candidate of West Virginia Secretary of State, explains why much work still needs to be completed for automatic voter registration, why she believes this race comes down to “dignity and decency,” and why she takes issue wit...
Oct 09, 2020•23 min•Ep. 88
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the West Virginia Treasurer’s race, how the candidates stand on issues impacting the Mountain State, and how they hope to help West Virginia in the future. In segment one, Riley Moore, Republican candidate for West Virginia Treasurer, explains what he hopes to accomplish if elected to the office, what experience he would bring, and how he differs from his opponent. In segment two, West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue explains what he bel...
Oct 09, 2020•22 min•Ep. 88
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two big Mountain State races, how candidates differ on big issues facing the state, and what the candidates are hoping to change. In segment one, Rep. Carol Miller (R-Dist. 3), Republican candidate for U.S. Congress Dist. 3, explains what she thinks her greatest accomplishments have been while in office, why she thinks Congress needs to find a balance between helping the unemployed and encouraging everyone to return to work, and what her m...
Oct 09, 2020•23 min•Ep. 87
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the two big races in the state for Congress, how healthcare should be made available to all residents, and what should happen with the newest CARES Act legislation. In segment one, Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV), the Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 2, explains why he thinks he represents West Virginia values, how he thinks healthcare can be made more affordable for all, and how he thinks government sh...
Oct 07, 2020•23 min•Ep. 86
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how the state prepared to reopen West Virginia schools, procedures schools will follow, and how schools will feed school children attending school remotely. In segment one, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch explains how the state prepared to reopen schools, his advice for Mountain State parents and students, and how the schools will handle lunch service during the pandemic. In segment two, West Virginia Public Health Officer Dr...
Sep 10, 2020•24 min•Ep. 85
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two of the big races for West Virginia State Senate, how to improve education in the state, and economic recovery throughout the Mountain State. In segment one, Del. Andrew Robinson (D-Kanawha), the Democratic candidate for West Virginia State Senate, District 12, explains why he chose to run for State Senate, what he considers his greatest accomplishments while in the House of Representatives, and how he would attract economic development...
Sep 09, 2020•22 min•Ep. 84
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about how best to provide educational opportunities during the pandemic, easing the burden on healthcare professionals, and why some firefighters are currently fighting for lost pay in the Mountain State. In segment one, Del. Daniel Linville (R-Cabell County) talks about what still needs to be done to increase broadband in West Virginia, why he believes the state will be ready to implement the new program that will provide internet to school ...
Sep 02, 2020•24 min•Ep. 81
On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about concerns over reopening West Virginia schools, if extracurricular activities and sports can be held this fall, and if all students and teachers should be tested before they go back to school. In segment one, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice explains why the Sept. 8th reopening date for Mountain State schools is still a fluid situation, why the state must still “stay on their toes” and be ready to pivot in the case of a COVID-19 spike, and...
Aug 18, 2020•23 min•Ep. 80
On this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the absentee ballot request procedure for West Virginia's Primary Election, if the process should be changed, and the many ways to vacation in the Mountain State. In segment one, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner explains how the "new and improved" absentee ballot request form goes directly to the county clerk and removes any issues with the United States Postal Service, how the changes will make the process faster and less ex...
Aug 09, 2020•22 min•Ep. 79
In this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about what should be included in the COVID-aid package currently before Congress, why one state House employee is being hailed as a hero and how a Legislative Scorecard helps make government more transparent to voters. In segment one, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) explains how the Senate Republican's COVID-aid package will differ from what was offered in the House, how the Senate package offers "targeted relief" to help the country reopen ...
Aug 02, 2020•24 min•Ep. 78
In this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about how Mountain State officials continue to battle against the coronavirus, the CARES Two package currently being discussed in Congress and how it could benefit the state. In segment one, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) explains why he continues to want answers on how the VA Medical Center murders were able to take place, how he hopes to help those who lost their jobs to the COVID-19 pandemic and how the “hot spots” provision will help those throu...
Jul 30, 2020•23 min•Ep. 77
In this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the recent guilty plea of Reta Mays for the VA Clarksburg Medical Center murders and what steps the state continues to take to combat the coronavirus. In segment one, Tony O'Dell, the attorney for many of the VA Clarksburg Medical Center victims' families, explains how the recent guilty plea of Reta Mays is a great start, but the medical center must also be held accountable for system failures that allowed it to happen. In segment two, Sen...
Jul 19, 2020•23 min•Ep. 76
In this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how stopping the Atlanta Coast Pipeline's construction will directly impact the state, why one local business decided to convert to solar energy and why some believe solar energy makes sense for Mountain State businesses. In segment one, Charlie Burd, the executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, explains why he believes the halting of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is disappointing, why all may not be lo...
Jul 14, 2020•23 min•Ep. 75
On this week’s episode, we talk about West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's plan to spend the state's CARES Act funding, how to prepare for the second wave of the coronavirus and what still needs to be done to help those in need throughout the Mountain State. In segment 1, West Virginia Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) explains why he disagrees with some of Justices' decisions on how the state should spend the CARES Act funds, why he encourages all West Virginia municipalities to apply for their share o...
Jul 05, 2020•22 min•Ep. 74
On this week’s episode, we talk with two men running for West Virginia Attorney General, discuss one of the Supreme Court’s recent rulings with the executive director of Fairness West Virginia and look into the future of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital at their recent topping-out ceremony. In segment 1, Andrew Snyder, executive director of Fairness West Virginia explains why he believes the Supreme Court recent decision ruling against discrimination of the LGBTQ community in the workplace the “...
Jun 30, 2020•23 min•Ep. 73
On this week’s episode, we talk with Amy Grady and Bruce Ashworth, two of the candidates for West Virginia State Senate, District 4, Independent candidate for Governor Marshall Wilson, and Mark Curtis presents a portion of "My Lost Moment: The Class of 2020," which salutes high school and college graduates from throughout the Mountain State. In segment 1, Amy Grady, the Republican candidate for the West Virginia State Senate, District 4 seat explains how she believes she pulled out the victory i...
Jun 21, 2020•23 min•Ep. 72
On this week’s episode, we talk with Professor Robert Rupp with West Virginia Wesleyan and those running for West Virginia Secretary of State including incumbent Mac Warner and Natalie Tennant about how they each believe the current pandemic impacted last week’s Primary election. We also begin the discussion of November’s General Election by talking about the Secretary of State race. In segment 1, Professor Robert Rupp with West Virginia Wesleyan explains how this year’s primary was a “campaign ...
Jun 16, 2020•23 min•Ep. 71
On this week’s episode, we talk with three republican candidates for West Virginia governor, including incumbent Governor Jim Justice, about plans they have for the Mountain state and why they each believe they are the best choice for the position. We also continue the COVID-19 discussion, this time focusing on the minority population and systemic poverty’s impact on health. In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice explains why he believes West Virginia residents should re-elect him as g...
Jun 08, 2020•23 min•Ep. 70
On this week's episode, we spend the majority of the show talking with three West Virginia democratic gubernatorial candidates about their campaigns and how they would tackle issues they could be faced with if elected into office. In the last segment, we interview a democratic candidate for the United States Senate about his platform and the importance of bringing jobs to the Mountain state. In segment 1, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango tells us why he wants to be governor of West Virgin...
Jun 02, 2020•22 min•Ep. 69
On this week's episode, we talk with tourism officials about the latest developments in West Virginia's reopening, including new restrictions, employment opportunities, and how you can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Then, we talk with two republicans running for the United States Senate about their priorities and concerns. In segment 1, Haynes Mansfield, Marketing Director of ACE Adventure Resort reflects on the importance of tourism to the Mountain state, details some of the new restric...
May 25, 2020•23 min•Ep. 68
On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we share highlights from WOWK-TV's latest coronavirus special, "Opening West Virginia," with guests including Governor Jim Justice, Senator Joe Manchin, COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh, and WVU President Dr. E. Gordon Gee. Then, we switch gears to focus in on two democratic candidates for the United States Senate, Paula Jean Swearengin and Richard Ojeda. In segment 1, we share a portion of our latest COVID-19 special, "Opening West Virginia."...
May 18, 2020•23 min•Ep. 67
On this week's episode, our guests continue the discussion on COVID-19, this time focusing on West Virginia's financial status, including the state's projected budget deficit, reopening local economy, and how you can help those struggling amid the pandemic. In segment 1, Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw tells us about West Virginia's projected budget deficits -- with the local economy just starting to reopen, he details what the state will be able to do about revenue shortfalls, including ...
May 11, 2020•22 min•Ep. 66
On this weeks episode, we focus on "West Virginia Strong - The Comeback," Governor Jim Justice's plan to gradually reopen the economy. Guests discuss a variety of topics, including the "safer at home" order, elective procedures, drive-thru testing, broadband expansion, and outdoor dining at restaurants. In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice joins us via Skype to discuss elective surgeries, restaurants, and small businesses reopening, saying we have to take baby steps to ensure everyon...
May 04, 2020•23 min•Ep. 65
On this week's episode, guests discuss how West Virginia is faring amid COVID-19, including education being transitioned to online after the announcement that school buildings will remain closed, as well as the impact of the pandemic on minorities, nursing homes, and people in recovery. In segment 1, Dale Lee, President of the West Virginia Education Association, talks with us about the latest education news. He shares his opinion on the move to online learning, tells us about how teachers and o...
Apr 27, 2020•23 min•Ep. 64
On this week's episode, we talk about a variety of subjects relating to the impact of COVID-19 on West Virginia, including broadband and telehealth, the CARES Act, the business climate, and what our National Guard members are doing to help. In segment 1, United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Brendan Carr, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, join us for a conversation on broadband and telehealth. Senator Capito shares with us her concerns: do patients even have access ...
Apr 20, 2020•24 min•Ep. 63
On this week's show, we explore three different religions as they experience holidays and holy seasons, with special emphasis on how stay-at-home orders are affecting their congregations. We also talk about the latest efforts in Washington, as well as where you can go for some uplifting stories, if COVID-19 news has you down. In segment 1, United States Senator Joe Manchin tells us what is going on in Washington amid COVID-19, including how they're looking to provide more relief for hospitals, b...
Apr 14, 2020•23 min•Ep. 62
