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WV Elections 2024

#154-Interview with Kevin Christian-Republican Candidate for Governor of West Virginia

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Candidate website:  kc4wv.org

Summary
West Virginia’s Economic Struggles and Leadership
Richard and Kevin, a candidate for Governor of West Virginia, discussed the state’s economic troubles. Kevin highlighted that West Virginia has been 70 years behind in transitioning its economy, citing the decline since the automation of its coal fields in the 1950s as a significant factor. He pointed out the failure of leadership in the state as a major contributing factor to the current economic situation.
Conservatism, Government, and COVID-19 Pandemic
Richard and Kevin had a discussion about the definition and application of the term “conservative”. Kevin explained his view that conservatism, in the context of government, should mean being economically responsible with shared resources for future generations. They also discussed the government’s role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, with Kevin stating he did not support the excessive use of emergency powers by the executive branch. Richard raised a concern about government mandates, and Kevin responded that he does not support such mandates on private entities.
Discussing West Virginia Vaccine Mandates
Richard and Kevin discussed the vaccine mandates in West Virginia, particularly the requirement for children to receive 11 vaccinations to attend school. Kevin, a parent, believed that parents should have the final say on what happens to their children, and the decision to vaccinate should be based on the science and reason behind each vaccine. He also expressed skepticism about the efficacy and safety of some vaccines and mentioned that the science community lost credibility by overstating the risks of diseases like measles
Leadership, Communication, and Vaccine Mandates
Kevin and Richard discussed concerns regarding leadership and communication in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to vaccination mandates in various sectors. Kevin argued that private entities should have the freedom to decide their own rules, while also acknowledging that the government’s involvement was necessary, especially in the military. A point of contention arose around the dismissal of soldiers who refused the vaccine, with both expressing doubts about the necessity of dismissing soldiers who refused the COVID jabs.
Resource Ownership and West Virginia’s Revitalization
Kevin and Richard discussed the concept of resource ownership and distribution, with Kevin emphasizing the equal ownership of resources by all individuals. Kevin criticized the current system that allows a small percentage of the population to control a large amount of resources, exacerbating inequalities and poverty. He proposed a plan to address West Virginia’s economic issues by creating a state bank, with all citizens made shareholders, and funding it with the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing policy. The capital generated would be used to restart the state’s extraction industry, with the revenues invested in future West Virginia. Richard raised concerns about the impact of federal regulations on coal extraction, to which Kevin clarified that the EPA’s power is constitutionally limited.
Addressing Societal Issues and Empowering Families
Richard and Kevin discussed the underlying causes of societal issues such as drug use, teenage pregnancy, and suicide  Richard proposed that societal breakdown is primarily caused by the breakdown of two-parent, husband and wife families, with 47 percent of all births in West Virginia being outside of marriage.   Kevin agreed that this is a core issue that is related to the economic concerns that he is focusing on. Both agreed on the necessity of community involvement, promoting local solutions, and enabling people to pursue their dreams.
Improving Election Integrity and Transparency
Richard and Kevin discussed the issue of election integrity, focusing on concerns about voting machines and the role of corporate money in elections. Richard highlighted problems with machines in Arizona and Michigan, while Kevin stressed the need to address the deeper issue of corporate influence in the election process. Kevin emphasized the need for fully open primaries.
Addressing Fraud and Improving Education
Kevin said that he supports the Hope Scholarship Program and more choices in education. Kevin emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem, which is the poor performance of public schools, and suggested that the solution lies in making public schools more successful to reduce the demand for alternative education options. Richard agreed with Kevin’s support for the scholarship program as a choice for education.
West Virginia Election and Candidate Focus
Richard and Kevin discussed the upcoming election in West Virginia. Kevin emphasized his focus on improving the lives of West Virginians and differentiated himself from his opponents by stating his sole allegiance is to the people of West Virginia, not corporate interests. He also invited voters to learn more about him through his website.

Interview with Daphne Andrews-Republican Candidate for the House of Delegates-WV 99th Delegate District

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Summary

Daphne Andrews’ West Virginia House of Delegates Campaign
Richard introduced Daphne Andrews as a West Virginia primary candidate running for the House of Delegates in District 99. Daphne, a constitutional conservative and defender of the First and Second Amendments, highlighted her commitment to fiscal responsibility, opposition to solar farms and the climate change green agenda, and her desire to attract American businesses to the state. She also expressed concern about the state’s direction in green energy and the welfare of children, citing a recent case in Boone County where the skeletal remains of a child were found after the family was reported to child protective services. Daphne also criticized the use of puberty blockers for children with depression or dysphoria.

Legislation, Green Energy, and Kabletown Project
Daphne and Richard talked about Wayne Clark, the founder of the Green Energy caucus for West Virginia, and his efforts to pass bills related to solar energy and zoning. Daphne brought up concerns about the Kabletown project and that environmental damage does not appear to be properly mitigated. Richard expressed his opposition to COVID-19 mandates and recalled a bill that was introduced in the 2021 legislative session that was passed by the House but destroyed by the Senate, with Senator Trump leading the charge in gutting the bill.

Covid-19 Impact and Medical Freedom Discussion
Richard and Daphne discussed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their lives and the healthcare system. Daphne shared her experience as a frontline worker during the first wave of Covid-19 and her frustration about the lack of preparation and understanding of the disease. She also highlighted the negative impact the pandemic had on children’s education and the health of senior citizens due to isolation. In addition, Daphne expressed her support for medical freedom and religious exemptions in vaccinations, being disappointed by Governor Justice’s veto of the recent bill to provide some religious exemptions.

Election System Integrity and Preferences
Richard and Daphne discussed the integrity of election systems in their state, specifically focused on the use of electronic voting machines and paper ballots. Richard expressed concerns about the potential for inaccuracies with electronic voting machines, referring to issues in other states. Daphne, who has experience working the polls, explained her preference for the Jefferson County’s system that uses a thumb drive inserted into the tabulator and paper ballots printed as a backup, but also emphasized the need for uniformity across the state to avoid confusion and doubt. Richard expressed his preference for hand-counted paper ballots.

Strengthening Families, Reducing Abortions
Richard and Daphne discussed ways to strengthen families and reduce the rates of abortion. They agreed on the need to focus more on the education of youth to avoid the root cause of abortions, which is sex outside of marriage.

Promoting Education and Opportunities Beyond High School
Daphne discussed the importance of promoting education and opportunities beyond high school for students in West Virginia. She emphasized that her husband, formerly a coach at Washington High School, taught all of his student athletes the values of God first, then family, then studies, and finally sports. Daphne observed that most of his students went on to college or joined the military with success.

Property Tax Assessment and Voter Registration
Richard and Daphne discussed the issue of property tax assessment increases, with Daphne expressing support for capping or eliminating this tax. They also discussed the automatic voter registration at the DMV, with Daphne expressing dislike for this practice, citing a personal experience where her voter status was incorrectly changed. They both agreed that voter registration should be done through a form filled out deliberately, and not through an automatic system that could potentially lead to voter fraud.

Second Exit Road for Shannondale Community
Richard and Daphne discussed the need for a second exit road from the Shannondale community, which they both agreed could be a lifesaving measure in case of emergencies like forest fires. Daphne shared her personal experience of surviving a house fire and her opinion that the community needs a second exit. Richard suggested that the funding for such a project would likely require state support. They both agreed that the potential benefits of the second exit far outweighed any potential costs.

Daphne’s Comparison of Opponents Mike and Wayne
Daphne discussed the differences between her and her opponent, Mike Allers Jr., highlighting his support for unions and the Liberal West Virginia AFL-CIO’s endorsement of both him and Biden. She also criticized Mike’s stance on the Hope Scholarship and his lack of understanding about West Virginia. Furthermore, she revealed that Wayne Clark is involved in the green energy caucus and talked about not giving subsides to unproven technologies, like the company Form Energy company, which is developing an iron air battery. Daphne also mentioned that Wayne, another opponent, had previously been backed by the West Virginia Tea Party but later disappointed them with his actions.

Addressing West Virginia Tourism Concerns
Daphne mentioned that Wayne Clark only talked about tourism in his current campaign cycle, noting that he has not done anything to promote tourism. Richard joked that the Blake Solar project is the current welcome sign for tourists entering Jefferson County. Daphne also expressed her concern about the direction of the state, stating that the current government was not listening to its people. She, along with like-minded individuals, planned to take action for the people of West Virginia by going to Charleston to implement an agenda that is not controlled by special interests.