Published: November 20, 2009 05:19 pm      

W.Va. patriot; election buzz

Patriots fan Chris Diehl took his son to see the Patriots play the Miami Dolphins. According to the account published in the Miami Herald, Diehl told his young son to watch to see which of the Patriot players would approach the veterans that were being honored on that day. To his disappointment the Veterans Day ceremony nearly ended without a single player from either team approaching the veterans being honored to thank them for their service — with one exception. Pat White, former West Virginia University football standout and now Dolphins rookie quarterback, went over and shook each veteran’s hand, thanking each of them. Need I say more. And for the “Patriots,” perhaps they need to find another name.

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Another rumor overheard in Mercer County Republican circles is that West Virginia state Senator Donald T. “Don” Caruth may be contemplating the possibility of running in the primary for the party’s nomination as a candidate for West Virginia’s Third U.S. Congressional District.

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Shirley Vinciguerra, wife of city board member Mike Vinciguerra, escorted several lady senior citizens to the state capitol this week. The group, sponsored by CASE, toured the Cultural Center and afterwards was invited to have tea and cookies at the Governor’s Mansion with First Lady Gayle Manchin. The ladies had a wonderful visit and now have a lot to talk about.

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A rumor circling near the courthouse is that Richard Bullins, Depot Center Manager for the Coal Heritage Highway Area located in the train depot in Bramwell, has indicated that he is interested in running in the next primary as a candidate for the 24th District seat in the House of Delegates on the Democrat ticket. Bullins makes his home in Bluefield with his wife, Mary Pat, and daughter Abigail. The seat is now held by Republican John Shott.

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Several local Democrats are sponsoring a fund-raising event to benefit the campaign war chest for West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh at Sisters Coffee House in Princeton on Dec. 8 from 4-6 p.m. McHugh will be seeking nomination to fill the unexpired term for the seat he now holds. McHugh was elected to the Supreme Court in 1980 and was re-elected to a second 12-year term in 1992 and retired from that post on Dec. 31, 1997. Chief Justice Brent Benjamin appointed McHugh to serve on the state’s highest bench during the illness of Justice Joseph Albright. After the untimely death of Justice Albright on March 20, Benjamin again appointed him to serve in Justice Albright’s position until Gov. Joe Manchin could name a replacement. Manchin then appointed Justice McHugh to the Supreme Court to serve until the 2010 general election.

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Several years ago I had the opportunity of having lunch with Justice Joseph P. Albright at the cafeteria under the Capitol Rotunda in Charleston. I was sitting at a table when a tall man dressed in slacks and a sports shirt with no tie asked if he could join me for lunch. Albright extended his hand and said “Hi, I’m Joe Albright.” I had no idea who he was or what he did but during that short time we both learned a lot about each other. I did manage to find out that he was a justice on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, but had I not asked, I would never have come to that conclusion during lunch. He had no pretenses, was very cordial, and fun to be with.

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The work on the track for the Ridge Runner is moving along at the Bluefield City Park. Estimates indicate that approximately 75 percent of the old track and ties have been removed. The grade will be improved and new ties will replace all of the old ones. T-shirts in all sizes from toddler to adult are available at various locations around town. Proceeds are to help the Ridge Runner project.

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There you have it, a few comments on items of interest to the area. I hope that the skies are blue for you today. No football player is greater than a U.S. Veteran of Foreign Wars. There is a major difference between a football field and a battlefield.



Wilson Butt, a resident of Bluefield, is a retired Department of Highways official.