W.Va. GOP nominates for Congress ex-judge at heart of scandal with Massey CEO Don Blankenship

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That's former WV Supreme Court chief Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard on the left, vacationing in Monaco with his buddy, the Don.

Maynard lost his spot on the court when these photos came out in 2008. Massey had business in front of the court at the time and voters didn't like the frolicking on the French Riviera. Maynard, a rightwing "Democrat" who openly idolized the judicial philosophy of Antonin Scalia, was sent home in a landslide primary defeat.

Here an ABC News report on the scandal. Blankenship was not pleased and assaulted the camera crew, telling them they were "liable to get shot" for filming him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Ym8qqR5vU

Maynard also shares Blankenship's opposition to mine safety, as the Gazette's Ken Ward reported here:
http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2010/02/02/reminder-spike-maynard-on-the-aracoma-mine-fire/

Once Maynard's whoring himself out to corporations became evident, it was only natural for the GOP to scoop him up. WV Republican leaders urged him to run for Congress against longtime Democratic Representative Nick Rahall. Tonight Maynard won the GOP nod.

As has been the case in the past, Massey will spend millions on this effort to buy an office. As will the Chamber of Commerce.

Rep. Rahall is a solid progressive and a reliable vote for the Democratic agenda. His ties to grassroots efforts in the district are legendary. I've had the pleasure working with him on a few issues.

Here's his campaign website, if you want to lend him a hand:

http://www.nickrahall.com/
Your help is appreciated by West Virginia's progressive community.