I got an e-mail reminding me that Democrat Spike Maynard has received other, glowing endorsements.
For instance, Doug McKinney — the chairman of the state Republican Party — said:
“History will prove him to be the best Supreme Court justice West Virginia has ever had.”
McKinney also said last September that he would vote for Maynard — a Democrat — if only one Republican runs when two seats are up for grabs on the court. What a remarkable coincidence that only one Republican is running this year.
But I think the most impressive endorsement of Spike’s leadership skills comes from the master of the English language, the decider himself: George W. Bush:
Thanks for inviting me to this beautiful capitol. I appreciate the planning committee for this independence weekend celebration. You know, it takes a lot of effort to put one of these deals together, and a lot of people have been working hard to do so, starting with Spike Maynard, who is the co-chairman and the Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. (Applause.) I told the judge I liked being in the presence with somebody who doesn’t try to re-write the Constitution. (Applause.)
Spike can’t sit still on the bench for five minutes without leaving to make a phone call to Don Blankenship, or leave early for lunch or dinner. But he had time in 2004 to be the chairman of a committee to bring Bush to town to speak? In an election year?
I guess its fair to say that Spike’s got the Republican vote pretty well locked up . . . I’m just not sure how that’ll play in the upcoming Democratic primary.
