Clintons Preach Unity
Editor’s note: Robert Rupp, a political historian at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va., is providing a daily journal of analysis and happenings from the Democratic National Convention. --- DENVER — Democrats got a repeat performance Wednesday when former President Bill Clinton erased public doubts about his enthusiasm for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton did that Tuesday in a dramatic call for unity that U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller said was a home run. During that speech, one watched in the convention hall as a sea of white Hillary signs being waved turned into a sea of blue unity banners. The banners waved by the delegates had unity printed on one side and Obama or Hillary on the other side. Putting the names together might suggest the party ticket desired by a large number of delegates. As the delegates left the convention, many carried those banners — a sign of unity for many, and perhaps remembrance for some. Hillary’s enthusiasm reminds one of the times when conventions were actually used to select presidential candidates rather than just ratify them. In at least a third of the conventions from 1832-1952 (the last time there was more than one ballot), the party nominee had to struggle through several ballots. In the 19th century there was no opportunity for a losing candidate to address the convention. Such acts of reconciliation appeared later in staged visits.
» Full StoryCounty To Pay Fines
TRIADELPHIA — With plans for the Wild Escape theme park still on hold, Ohio County officials will pay more than $40,000 in fines to federal and state authorities for allegedly unauthorized earthwork at The Highlands.
Steelworkers Authorize Strike
WEIRTON — Members of United Steelworkers Local 2911 at ArcelorMittal Weirton joined thousands of their fellow USW members Wednesday in authorizing a strike against the world’s largest steelmaker if a contract is not reached by its midnig
Belmont County Belts To Tighten
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Auditor Joseph Pappano painted an ugly picture Wednesday as he told department heads that general fund receipts could fall more than $2 million short this year.
» Full StoryIsland Apartment House Considered a Nuisance
WHEELING — A group of Wheeling Island residents plan to ask City Council to shut down a South Penn Street apartment building they describe as a nuisance.
» Full StoryThe Water Returns to Main Street
WHEELING — Water started seeping from Main Street late Tuesday — in the same section of road where a water main break occurred Aug. 7.
This is apparently the third waterline break to occur in downtown Wheeling in almost three weeks.
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