Comments on: Will Democrats ever again set foot west of Radford?

By: Sandi Saunders

Sandi Saunders — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:21:45 +0000

I don’t think that SW Virginia as a whole can be convinced that they matter to Democrats. It is not reality, but it is the reality they bought.

By: Shawn B.

Shawn B. — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:53:20 +0000

Some of what has been said about SW Virginia is indeed true, but please dont categorize us all slack-jaw yokels. There are many energetic progressives down here, and not everyone is a one issue voter. Don’t forget, Anthony Flaccavento did far better than expected, averaging 10 percentage points higher than President Obama in the district. To me, those are promising numbers for 2014 if he decides to run again. However, if we dont get any support from the more bluer parts of the state, (we had to travel 3 hours to obtain Obama yard signs), then yes, all is hope is lost.

By: KevinL

KevinL — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:08:02 +0000

More persons are likely employed directly and indirectly by higher education (Virginia Tech, Radford University, Roanoke College, UVa-Wise, etc.) than by coal mining now in SWVA. Unfortunately, though, the voters of the 9th district chose to cling to the past embodied by Morgan Griffith instead of the future possiblities vigorously promoted by Rick Boucher.

By: p vogel

p vogel — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:35:32 +0000

I nominate sw virginia to join either Ky,Or WV They would seem to like the politics of those places better. ( a voter in Bath county)

By: crooked road

crooked road — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:35:23 +0000

There were other options both installed & being developed, especially under the influence of Rick Boucher. That was tossed out the window because Griffith’s Tea Party daddies ran enough commercials about coal that everything else was tossed out the window, except clinging to the past. Now, it’s back to the past.

By: badger_hoo

badger_hoo — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:17:03 +0000

Maybe SWVA bitterly clings to their coal because they have nothing else. If Obama magically decreed that a large government unicorn-and-rainbow-manufacturing facility be built there, bringing jobs and some revitalization, they would probably swing back Dem. Until that happens, all they have is coal and maybe trout fishing.

By: crooked road

crooked road — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:46:46 +0000

I don’t think it will swing back, just as I don’t expect the Solid South to ever swing back Democratic. The only exception for the South would be much heavier Hispanic population, which is possible, but not likely.

The ironic thing is that if Clean Coal were embraced, it would further the mining industry in the region. The problem is if you say ‘clean coal’ to anybody in coal country, you’re practically taking your life in your hands. They absolutely refuse to even listen to the possibility, much less learn the reality.

I think the Southside textile/furniture analogy is a very apt one. Those guys still wish the plants would open back up, as opposed to alternative manufacturing.

By: Keith F

Keith F — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:24:08 +0000

I agree with Dave on his analysis. Coal country VA is at a crossroad in the same way south side was with textile in the late 80′s. Until this Cycle even the GOP was pushing for Natural Gas, other fuels, and that we need clean coal etc., but when they saw votes they changed tune. Like all other Wars on (Insert your political issue) the GOP will forget coal country just as fast as they embraced it. Well until 2016 if VA is in play.

To the question… Yes, at some point it will swing back, but how long will it take?

By: crooked road

crooked road — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:29:06 +0000

Dave is correct in his assessment. There seems to be a real desire for the residents to embrace the failed industry of the past, like Mississippi clinging to cotton. It’s a self destructive nature, and the fear of change from that doomed industry.

The most ironic thing is that the residents in far SW Va cling to support of politicians like Griffith that do everything possible to make life worse for their constituents. Other than sit in Big Coal executive offices and collect donor checks, what has Morgan Griffith done since being elected? I know he’s tight with the RT, but seriously, he’s done nothing except work to worsen conditions for his district.

By: Warren

Warren — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:01:17 +0000

Jason @#2: There can’t be inner city decay until years after there has been an inner city created. Do you really see that happening anywhere in SWVA?