An editorial from The Journal
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Very few of those who will cast ballots in the Nov. 4 election were even born the last time the West Virginia Legislature was not controlled by the Democrat Party.
Dominance by that party in Mountain State politics has become virtually a way of life here. And what has it brought us?
In virtually every category of quality of life, West Virginia ranks last or near it among the 50 states. Our economy is awful, with good jobs simply not available to many of our residents. Our schools do not stack up well. Thousands of miles of our highways are in deplorable condition. Many Mountain State residents lack access to good health care.
The depressing list goes on and on.
Innovation and responsiveness in government suffer under one-party rule. That is a fact of life. For the first time in decades, there is a realistic chance that could change in West Virginia. Knowledgeable analysts say Republicans could win a majority in the House of Delegates. Democrats will lose at least some of their power over the state Senate.
That will not happen if voters settle for the status quo – for more one-party control.
Normally we view straight-ticket voting for either Republicans or Democrats as a mistake.
But if there ever was a time to cast ballots intended to put more Republicans in the Legislature, it is this year. That is something to consider on Election Day.