Oct. 16, 2006
 
BLANKENSHIP FACTOR: Candidate Philip Stevens Responds to Mahan Criticism of Blankenship Mailing
 
By David M. Kinchen
Editor, Huntington News Network
 
Hinton, WV (HNN) – Philip Stevens, running for a seat in the 27th House of Delegates district, on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, responded to criticism by Del. Virginia Mahan, D-Summers, of a mailing by Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, urging the defeat of Mahan and incumbent Del. Ron Thompson, D-Raleigh. Stevens lives in Summers County; one member of the 27th District must reside in Summers County. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006.
 
Stevens: “Here are the major points dealing with Delegate Mahan's response to your questions regarding Mr. Blankenship's mailing.
 
* Her concern for the money spent on the mailing raises questions concerning our states spending:
 
“ Where was Del. Mahan when the state squandered taxpayer's money with Bob Graham and Jerry Mezzatesta? That money was stolen from the children.
 
“Where was Del. Mahan when Gov. Joe Manchin cabinet members received a pay raise? That money was stolen from the children.
 
“Where has Del. Mahan been during her tenure in office? According to the West Virginians Against Government Waste, she has voted AGAINST the taxpayer 66 out of 75 times. THIS AFFECTS ALL OUR CHILDREN.
 
* Mr. Blankenship is simply informing the citizens of their Delegates voting records.
 
Del. Mahan has consistently voted against the children and against the taxpayer. I can understand why she's upset. If I had a voting record like that I would be upset too.
 
* Ironically you interviewed Del Mahan on Oct. 12. The day the West Virginia FAMILY Foundation sponsored a Meet the Candidates / Questions and Answers Forum held at Tamarack. Del Mahan chose not to attend this event. Del Mahan does not want to be held accountable for her voting record, not to Mr. Blankenship, and more importantly not to the citizens of the 27th District. This fact alone suggests we need new representation.”
 
Link to Oct. 13, 2006, HNN story:
 
http://www.huntingtonnews.net/state/061013-kinchen-blakenship.html