Topic: Chuck Landon: Gubernatorial candidates split on Coal Bowl future

[W0lfman]

Chuck Landon: Gubernatorial candidates split on Coal Bowl future

May 07, 2011 @ 10:20 PM


The Herald-Dispatch


 Enough already.
 
Enough campaigning. Enough promises. Enough political double-talk.
 
Let's cut to the chase and examine the most important issue in the West Virginia gubernatorial primary elections Saturday.
 
Which is?
 
The future of the Marshall-WVU football series, of course.
 
That's why The Herald-Dispatch editorial board asked each candidate, "Should the MU-WVU football games continue?"
 
Here are their answers and my analysis:
 
Arne Moltis: "Football games are good for business and maintains fun for all."
 
He's trying to say yes without saying yes and avoid being labeled.
 
Earl Ray Tomblin: "Yes, I support continuing the Coal Bowl. Friendly competition that showcases West Virginia's two largest institutions of higher learning is good for the schools, their local economies and the state."
 
That's a strong answer.
 
Jeff Kessler: "Personally I would like to see it continue. However, I believe that it is a decision to be made by the athletic directors and departments of the respective universities and not a gubernatorial decision."
 
That's a nice walk on the beach in flip-flops. Translation: I might be for it until I have to be against it to get elected.
 
John Purdue: "Yes, I believe Marshall and WVU should continue to play against each other, however the frequency of those games should be negotiated by the two universities."
 
That's like dating, but still seeing other people. It's not a rivalry if they don't play every year.
 
Natalie Tennant: "As the former Mountaineer mascot, I can tell you there is nothing quite like game day. When WVU plays Marshall, you get an incredible feeling of excitement throughout the state. West Virginians are dedicated fans and this game brings out the deep sense of pride and tradition from supporters of both universities.
 
"This rivalry pushes both of these schools to excellence, which happens not only on the football field, but also carries over to all the athletic programs, to the classroom and to our innovative research. The matchup represents the kind of healthy competition that moves West Virginia forward."
 
Is there an answer in there somewhere? I'm calling balderdash on this.
 
Rick Thompson: "I would like to see the game continue if it can produce revenue for both schools."
 
Another yes without saying yes.
 
Betty Ireland: "While I thoroughly enjoyed attending last year's game, I do not believe that this is an issue for the governor or Legislature. Both institutions have very capable athletic directors and presidents, and it clearly falls within their decision making responsibilities to decide what is in the best interest of their respective institutions concerning this issue."
 
Obviously, she's a cheerleader, not a head coach. Mark her down as a "no."
 
Bill Maloney: "I'd support whatever the fans and universities themselves think is best."
 
Sounds like a campaign button. I'm 4 U. I support what you support.
 
Cliff Ellis. "No."
 
Thanks for not wasting our time.
 
Larry Faircloth. "If it's in the interest of both schools."
 
Uh, Larry, you're running for governor of the state not university president.
 
Mark Sorsaia. "In my opinion, it is not the governor's role to get involved in those kinds of decision-making. State government should allow university officials to run their own programs and scheduling."
 
That's a no.
 
Mitch Carmichael. "Yes."
 
Gutsy answer, Mitch.
 
Ralph William Clark. "I do not believe that the governor should be involved in this decision. Personally, I have enjoyed going to MU-WVU games over the years. (I have not missed a single one!)"
 
Thanks for the memories, but with that answer there won't be anymore.
 
Educational, wasn't it?
 
Now, voters can make an informed choice.
 
Chuck Landon is a columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 304-526-2827. Email him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.