CHARLESTON -- A new poll released by the Tomblin for Governor campaign shows Governor Tomblin has pulled to a 14 point lead in the Democratic primary and has the highest favorable rating of any candidate at 62 percent.

The campaign attributes the showing to the belief among West Virginians that Tomblin is doing a good job already, with 77% approving of the job he's doing as Acting Governor. The Tomblin campaign pointed his lowering of the food tax, his veto of the DMV fee hikes, and the effort he has made to bring companies like Macy's to West Virginia to create jobs.

To see the entire poll memo, visit EarlRayTomblin.com.

CHARLESTON – The Friends of Coal and the West Virginia Coal Association join in urging everyone to exercise their rights and vote in the upcoming May 14 special gubernatorial primary election.

As much of the rest of the country struggles with multi-billion dollar deficits and unemployment rates approaching 10 percent, West Virginia has managed to balance its budget and keep its people working.  Strong, effective leadership on the part of the governor and the Legislature, combined with the state’s coal industry has made this possible.

However our coal industry is under threat from an out-of-control Washington bureaucracy, this makes it even more important that we choose leaders who will continue to put West Virginia first – who will step up to the plate and defend our state’s bedrock industry.

If you are registered to vote, please vote on May 14. If you aren’t registered, you must register before April 25th if you plan to vote. If you are registered check and may be out of town on May 14, check with your county clerk about their early voting options in accordance with the following schedule:

• Last day to register to vote is April 25, 2011. For information on registering to vote, please click here.
• Early voting period will take place April 29th through May 11th (including Saturdays)
• Absentee ballot request deadline is May 9th
• Primary Election is May 14th.

Check your registration status and polling location here.

If you need to register, please click on this LINK and follow the process. Please exercise your democratic right and vote. Let your voice be heard!

T’S YOUR FUTURE...REACH HIGHER

CHARLESTON -- The Friends of Coal and MetroNews are proud to announce the 4th Annual West Virginia Scholar Program. The West Virginia Scholar Program allows us the opportunity to help change the life of a West Virginia family forever. If you are currently a junior in high school in West Virginia, over the next six weeks you will have an opportunity to shape your own future. By participating in the The West Virginia Scholar program, you could receive four years of tuition and fees at West Virginia Wesleyan College, one of our state’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. If you are a current high school junior dreaming of making your future the very brightest it can be, We make you this promise: If you participate in the The West Virginia Scholar Program, we will give you the chance to win your dream. Please click on the Apply Now button and complete the application materials as directed. . You could be the 2011 Friends of Coal/MetroNews West Virginia Scholar!         APPLY NOW!

WASHINGTON -- A coal mine operator described today how the Office of Surface Mining of the U.S. Department of the Interior is pursuing policies that will “destroy tens of thousands of coal mining and related jobs” throughout the U.S. while usurping the authority of state agencies to regulate coal mining.  Gene Kitts, appearing on behalf of the National Mining Association (NMA) before the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, delineated the strategies used by OSM and other federal agencies to “eviscerate” coal mining production.

CHARLESTON – In a March 28 announcement, Governor Tomblin has declared the week of April 18 – April 22, 2011 (10th Regional Coal Fair to be held at the Harless Community Center) Coal Education week in West Virginia.

Coal is West Virginia’s primary industry. It provides 63,000 jobs and generates more than $26 billion in total economic impact each and every year. If you are an educator and would like to teach a section on coal, check out our website at www.wvcoal.com or at CEDAR at www.cedarswv.com.

Please Contact Georgene Robertson, CEDAR of Southern West Virginia, Inc. at 304/792-8433 for more information.