GOP candidate for 1st District

Background alone places McKinley ahead of others contending for the nomination. None possesses the combination of effective service and achievement that are his foundation.

From 1981-94, McKinley served Ohio County in the West Virginia House of Delegates-steadfastly representing residents of the area and doing much good for the entire state. He has been recognized for his bipartisan approach to government-while holding to conservative principles. McKinley also has served as chairman of the state Republican Party Executive Committee.

McKinley is a professional engineer who has used his skills, along with his vision, to improve his hometown. His work to renovate and preserve valuable old buildings has been economic development at its best.

His platform addresses issues of concern not just to West Virginians but to all Americans. His belief is shared increasingly by those who have seen government’s cost and power grow far beyond its ability to help. The basis of his political philosophy is that Congress should be working to decrease the size and intrusiveness of government-along with the tax and regulatory burdens Washington has placed on us all.

Specifically, McKinley is a strong advocate for the coal industry. He firmly opposes “cap and trade” legislation, pointing out the United States already relies on coal for about half its electric power.

As McKinley has noted, he doesn’t just talk about economic development-he does it. But he also understands the very best way for government to create jobs is to get out of the way of the private sector. Unnecessarily high taxes inhibit job creation-and are detrimental to Mountain State families struggling to make ends meet.

Tax relief will require cutting back on the cost of government. In that, McKinley is a breath of fresh air. For example, he opposes use of earmarks by lawmakers and has pledged not to use them, as he rejected the practice while in the state Legislature.

McKinley agrees, in his own words, “all Americans deserve health care coverage”-but he objects to the just-enacted federal takeover of health care. Giving politicians control over health care is no path to reform, he insists.

On a variety of other issues, ranging from the right to keep and bear arms to the sanctity of life, McKinley’s views are in tune with most of his fellow West Virginians. He shares their anger at the government’s failure to control illegal immigration, its failure to support veterans properly and its lapses in ensuring the Social Security program remains solvent.

In short, McKinley believes in representing Mountain State residents-not bowing to the demands of liberals in Washington.

West Virginians of all political persuasions should be pleased at the field of GOP candidates for Congress. Leading Republicans in the race include:

Andrew “Mac” Warner of Morgantown is a political newcomer with good positions on critical issues. His dedication to our country is demonstrated by his long, distinguished career in the military. One of Warner’s sons is serving in the Army in Afghanistan. One daughter is a West Point cadet.

Thomas Stark of Parkersburg is a veteran and small business owner who has made it clear West Virginia is not getting the representation it needs and deserves in Washington.

Patty Levenson of Wheeling is in her first race for any political office. She offers provocative, challenging ideas for progress.

Cindy Hall of Wheeling also is a campaign newcomer. She has demonstrated excellent ability as a campaigner for true conservative values.

Sarah Minear of Tucker County has served in the state Legislature, where she compiled a good record as a conservative.

While any one of the people listed above might have been strong candidates in previous election years, McKinley simply has more experience, more backing and a better track record than the others.

This newspaper endorses McKinley and urges voters to cast their ballots for him in the Republican primary election for Congress, representing the 1st District of West Virginia.

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