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EARL RAY ToMBLIN . Constituents, a great many of whom have watched him grow up Ill the small down-river community of Logan County's MAKING HIS MARK Guyandotte Valley, just call him "EarlRay," meshing the double by Raamie Barker moniker into a single, friendly word. It is the result of his genuine down-to-earth personality that has marked an astonishing legislative career. . "Whe~ I am out in the public, even to do the routine things hke marketmg, or going to the store to pick up a few items, I quite often hea~ someone yell down the isle, 'Hey, Earlray.' It's usually en a newspaper uses only the first name of an individual an old fnend, former classmate, or a constituent I have worked n the headline of a story, it's because that name is with extensively," Senator Tomblin said. "It is part of the personal W nstantly recognized and, usually, respected. The reader nature of p~l.itics i? southwestern . You just can't get understands who the person is, what the person represents, and, very far poht.Ically If you really don't like the people you are serving. more often than not, knows him personally. They know If someone truly cares about them and their problems Some might contend it and usually they are looking for an open ear and just want to be heard." is poor journalism, but it "There's really no actually is the highest form In order to ensure his Senate office is always open to those he difference in the Earl Ray of a compliment-to be serves, eithe_r district-wide or state-wide, or within the Capitol's burea~cra~y It~elf, ~enator Tomblin has barred the use of answering his daddy and I raised instantly recognized by one's given name. machmes m his office-machines which seem to proliferate across than the man who runs In The Logan Banner, state government. the West Virginia for instance, a headline might . "When you call my Charleston office you will get a human bemg, not a recording. I think the voters, citizens and taxpayers Senate." say, "Earl Ray Wins Senate Leader's Post Fifth Time." deserve that and want that special personal attention," Senator Everyone would know the Tomblin emphasized. article concerns Chapmanville native and resident and West Virginia Former State Senator Lloyd Jackson, a Lincoln County State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin. Democrat, served a decade and a half in the upper chamber of the Around the marbled halls of the Capitol in Charleston, Earl Legislature with Tomblin. Jackson, who always was the junior Ray is referred to as Mr. President. Even his closest friends and senator from the Seventh District in terms of longevity of service, associates in the legislative cadre of members, lobbyists and staffers once served as Governor 's Chief of Staff and is would never consider addressing him otherwise. now a member of the West Virginia Board of Education. He says While the office commands respect, there's more to it than Senato~ Tomblin's formula for success as a legislator and legislative the perfunctory necessity of title. Earl Ray Tomblin is genuinely leader IS not a secret. In fact, he attributes Tomblin's success to his respected by his peers, his constituents, and those he has worked "personal style, leading by sheer personality ... and his committee with across the state as a fair person, one who has the best interests experience in both the House of Delegates and State Senate." of the State of West Virginia in his heart. 104 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE 105

"He takes time, even during the busiest part of his schedule, In those early days, Tomblin's parents owned and managed a during sessions of the Legislature, to meet with constituents, hear popular restaurant in Chapmanville called Kitty's Play House, while their complaints and do what he can, with a phone call or a visit to Earl operated his Justice of the Peace office out of the lower section of help them with their problems. He and his staff are very focused the building. Earl Ray would witness as his dad administered justice on the needs of those who reside in the Seventh District. to offenders of misdemeanors or even those accused of more "It was my great pleasure to serve with him in the Senate and serious crimes. He was getting a political and legal education by now in other capacities of state government. Even though I am no watching and listening to many of the attorneys practicing in the longer on the floor or in a Senate office, he is responsive to the area, as well as other county officials and law enforcement officers needs of the people of my home county of Lincoln and especially who routinely called on the Justice of the Peace. to the educational community at large." He also was learning a great deal about the struggles facing Without question, Tomblin's early life experiences helped small businesses and their owners and how tough it was to make a mold his leadership style, befitting the culture of the region he living on a small profit margin. "My parents struggled in business, represents. His personality, coupled with the longevity and variety but they kept working hard no matter the adversity," Senator of his public service, has combined to develop one of the state's Tomblin said. "They knew they were in a competitive world and foremost political leaders who possesses a great ability to face and success would be determined by the effort they put into everything overcome the state's continuing financial and economic struggles. they did. He is fiscally conservative by nature, yet willing to do all he can to "That hard work paid off for them and, I believe, helped instill in advance local as well as state causes with the controlled strings of me a great respect for what businessmen and businesswomen have to the state's purse. face each and every day. They invest their time, effort, and money in a Practically no one in Chapmanville ever doubted Earl Ray venture to provide goods or services to the public, with the expectation Tomblin one day would enter politics. His proclivity to it is as natural that profits will be returned in order for them to continue to provide a as the color green is to grass. living and a future for their family and especially their children. His dad, Earl, was very active in politics, having held a number "Every time I vote on a measure which has an effect on business, of county offices and political posts, including the office of Logan I weigh the ramifications it has on all those who are attempting to County Sheriff. In fact, there probably was not a time when politics achieve the same success my parents obtained through the long, hard was not a part of the Tomblins' family life-both before Earl Ray years of serving the public. Frankly, I don't like to support tax increases. graduated from Chapmanville High School in 1970 and into his I will if it is necessary and appears to be the only remedy. But every collegiate years at and . time we increase a tax or put a new one into place, it affects the costs Even as a third grader at Chapmanville Grade School, Earl Ray the public has to pay and the competitive playing field of the business. knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. In an essay he wrote at Ultimately, it may even threaten the jobs of those supported by those that time, he said he wanted to be a lawyer, like his dad, who was affected businesses. serving then as Chapmanville District Justice ofthe Peace, or present­ "I know, firsthand, what a business has to do financially in order day Magistrate. Even at that early age, West Virginia's future Senate to meet payrolls and reward investment and to stay on top of things in President was meeting people who one day would support him in his order for that business to grow. I don't believe government ought to be entry into politics as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates the challenge to that success, but help in its cause. In the long run, a in 1975. strong economy will provide well-paying jobs and strengthen our 106 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE 107

families and provide a future for their children-that's what keeps longest serving State Senate President in the history of West Virginia, us working overtime in the Legislature, seeking new ways to make which is no easy task in a field of ambitious senators and their own living in West Virginia second to none when it comes to quality of political agendas. life." Earl Ray Tomblin's early forays into elective office came as a Humble beginnings marked the Senate President's early years as high school student-an indication of things to come. He was a popular his parents worked hard to operate the family business, raise two sons classmate who was willing to serve and his name could always be and maintain Earl's own career in politics and public service. Politics found in the personality polls in yearbooks. He served on several during that era of the 1950's and 1960's in Logan County were rough committees, worked with the Key Club and athletics, and served as a and tumble. Elections were fierce clashes of Democratic factions that class officer at Chapmanville High. His ability to bring a group together sometimes even split families and broke up longstanding and get the job done was evident in those high school days, and what's friendships. In that atmosphere, Senator Tomblin learned the more, everyone who worked with him had some fun in the process. sacrifices and rewards of a political career, and the commitment it That leads me to my own personal observations and experiences would take to make his own mark on the history of his county, with the state's top legislative leader. Throughout my own career, district and state. I have held a number of public trusts, one of them as a teacher at Those experiences also built within him a determination to Chapmanville High School. Having a love of government and practice the politics of compromise and consensus building, and to politics myself, I was pleased to learn that I would be teaching the strive to work in harmony with divergent points of view-a quality required-for-graduation senior U.S. government class-five that does not go unnoticed by those who make their way into his Capitol sections of highly opinionated, independently minded older office each day to discuss ideas or controversies, or to find ways to teenagers who couldn't wait to get out on their own. Politics was the meet the challenges of governing a small state with limited financial furthest thing from their minds and most of them didn't really care resources. how a bill becomes a law. In spite of the hard-core nature of elections and tough business While he was typical in many respects, the teenaged Earl Ray competition, the Tomblins not only survived both in politics and as Tomblin enjoyed the study of government and how it worked, and entrepreneurs but they became influential community leaders. Life in excelled as a student. Every teacher has that favorite class, made up of the family and extended family, which included scores of aunts, uncles, a group of students who seem to stand out from all the rest-the class cousins, and political allegiances, provided many valuable life and that was fun to teach because the students worked very hard and because political lessons for Earl Ray. It would result in his strong work ethic they all seemed to get along. They knew how to laugh and how to and his desire to be the best, yet retain the common touch with the have fun, and it combined to make you happy to be a part of their people, which is so important in winning elections and staying elected educational experience and to be a classroom teacher. That's the way I in Logan County. felt then and the way I feel now about that class of 1970, which provided These skills and abilities would lead to his historic first election West Virginia not only with political leadership, but doctors, lawyers, as top vote getter in the 1974 primary, but also would elect him to military leaders, and educators as well. Earl Ray could be found at the office in some very trying personal times, and keep re-electing him by center of every activity that class undertook. He collected friends the larger margins in subsequent ballots to this very day. The same skills way some collect things because at the center of his own personality is and traits identified by his colleagues in the State Senate who have the joy he takes in being around those he loves and who love him. chosen him president every two years since 1994 have made him the 108 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE 109

While Earl Ray is a bit heavier, and the hair is a bit thinner increases and austerity moves, which resulted in the state receiving and graying on the sides, the same personality is there after nearly the highest credit rating possible. It was a case of something he three full decades of political leadership in the Legislature. He didn't want to do, but he saw no other recourse as he worked to basically has not changed even though he is 33 years out of high build protections within the state finances to protect West Virginia's school, a graduate of West Virginia University, and the holder of credit rating, insure the fiscal soundness of medical and pension an M.B.A. from Marshall University. He takes time for people, funds and to guarantee that the state would pay its bills on time, whether it is the governor, a fellow senator or an old friend, or including refunds to citizens for overpayment of state income taxes. even someone who's about to become a friend. He always takes West Virginia literally went from the financial basement to time to find out about the person, and he's ready to help wherever the top. "Things were so bad the gas company had threatened to and whenever he's called upon. cut off the gas to the governor's mansion, if the bill was not Even though I serve today as his administrative assistant immediately paid," Senator Tomblin said. "We had people who (something so completely far from my mind in 1970), what is unique did not get their tax refunds, our credit rating was in ruins, and the and wonderful in its own way, at least to me, is how we often talk medical community was refusing to take public employees' about the years we were in the classroom together. The only difference insurance because they had to wait sometimes four to six months is the student now teaches the teacher the lessons of successful politics to get their reimbursement. It had a very strong adverse effect on and government. the entire economy of the state." From the experiences in the classroom and those we've had in Even though taxes were raised in 1989 to bail out the state and the Senate President's office, I have learned not to "fix something that set it on a firm financial standing, no major tax increases have been ain't broken," which addresses one of the President's basic political passed by the Legislature since he became president in 1995. And, for views of government and how it should operate. most of those years, the state has enjoyed enough surplus revenues A Democrat, his political philosophy is moderately that a portion has been set aside in a "Rainy Day Fund" created by the conservative, especially when it comes to making huge and Legislature in 1989 with Senator Tomblin's guidance. It is a fund that unnecessary changes in government. He always moves cautiously, has served the state well through a series of disasters and financial understanding that the Legislature must be successful if the rest of shortfalls over the past 14 years, providing up to $100 million in state West Virginia and her citizens are to be. During his career he has funds to match federal contributions in time of flood and other natural demonstrated a willingness, though, to make tough decisions, even if calamities. a political cost is required. He considers the work he did as Senate Finance Chairman during His knowledge of state finances-revenues and expenditures­ those tough times as some of his best work as a legislator. "I am very may be equaled by a few but it is not surpassed. In 1989, while serving proud of how we came out of that period and the years of growth as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Tomblin which followed," Senator Tomblin said. "In many ways those worked closely with his counterpart in the House of Delegates, now challenging years were among the best times for public service because speaker, Del. Bob Kiss, to address a financial crisis unparalleled in the we had to move and move quickly to address our monetary problems state's history to that time. Faced with hundreds of millions of or we could have, quite literally, lost our state to bankruptcy. dollars of debt, unpaid tax refunds, inability to meet health and "I am reminded of what Franklin Roosevelt said at the height of retirement requirements of state employees and an educational the great depression when asked if his reforms would work and pull system in disrepair and financial need, he signed on early for tax the country out ofthe financial crisis it was in. Roosevelt said, 'I don't 110 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE Ill know if it will work or not, but I have to try something.' It was a "Even though no one in my mom's or dad's family had ever time when political differences were laid aside and we went to gone to college, much less graduated from high school, there was work without partisanship and with the single purpose to put West a great emphasis placed on formal education for both me and my Virginia and West Virginians first, pulling us out of the financial brother Carl by our parents," Senator Tomblin said. "Earning the quagmire." M.B.A. from Marshall has broadened my business knowledge and The long-ranging agenda Senator Tomblin had on his mind, experience and has provided me with great tools not only in my though, produced one of the greatest educational advances in the private business affairs, but in the conduct of the affairs of state United States. Among the greatest accomplishments he talks about, government as well. one of which he may be most proud, is the creation of the School "I cannot stress enough how important the M.B.A. program Building Authority and development of high technology and at Marshall University was to me at that time. It not only enabled computerization of the state's classrooms. Working with Lloyd me to earn the graduate degree and establish my credentials, but I Jackson, then Senate Education Chairman, and other Senate leaders, was able to complete the program without having to give up any he led the enactment of legislation in this arena, placing West aspect of my private or public life to do it. No doubt it was a factor Virginia at the forefront of educational change and progress in the in being named Senate Finance Chairman, a post I held for eight nation. years. "It really began an educational revolution in this state and West "Once John Kennedy was addressing a graduating class at Yale Virginia was a national model for technological change," says Jackson. University and was given an honorary doctorate. A Harvard grad, the "We worked on hundreds of issues together, and so far hundreds of president quipped that he now had the best of both worlds, a Yale millions of dollars have gone to the counties for new schools and degree and a Harvard education. I sort of feel that way ... But, in the technology which is making a difference in the quality of education in good-natured debate between the state's two great institutions of higher West Virginia. It's a gift to the future of the state and demonstrates learning, on a variety of competitive topics, I can take either side of an where Earl Ray Tomblin's heart is, when it comes to providing what issue with [degrees] from both West Virginia University and Marshall. the state really needs, and it begins with children. Both of us understand I do have the best of both worlds!" that the key to prosperity for West Virginia is our school system." Earl Ray Tomblin's commitment to public and higher education After studying business administration and earning a degree in goes far beyond his own experiences and accomplishments as a student. 1974 from West Virginia University, Senator Tomblin already had been It is surpassed only by his commitment to his family, in particular his nominated for his first term in the House of Delegates. He also was son Brent, who will soon be a teenager. As most good parents are actively engaged in developing his own investments in property and concerned about their children's education, Earl Ray and his wife real estate as well as other small business. He even taught in the public Joanne, President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical schools in Chapmanville for a while. College, are no different. Brent is their first and foremost priority. Not Time in the Legislature, his own business activities and other unlike a great many youngsters in public school in the Chapmanville interests would be enough to occupy all the time available to any young area, Brent attends Chapmanville Middle School, the first School legislator, but during this period he also recognized the need for an Building Authority project completed in Logan County in the mid advanced degree. He took advantage of Marshall's accelerated program 1990's. A multi-sport athlete, Brent's biggest fan is his dad. It is leading to a master's degree in business, and completed his degree in not uncommon to find West Virginia' s Lieutenant Governor fewer than two years. (Tomblin became the state's first lieutenant governor under the 112 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE 113 provisions of Chapter 169, Acts, Regular Session, 2000) at the Not unlike the eventual Senate President, Joanne was recognized Little League Field in spring and summer afternoons, cheering his as a person with a bright future of her own. son on like most other parents. "You only get one opportunity The attraction between the two was immediate and mutual, with your son's childhood and I take as many opportunities as I and a courtship ensued. No wedding plans had been made, but the can to be with him," Tomblin says. "Once it's gone and given up couple was an "item" under the glistening dome of the Capitol. to growth, maturity, and ultimately adulthood, it will be too late to That issue, though, came to the front when Joanne was offered a share in these great experiences. lucrative major market television news job that would have "I once heard a story about a man and his son who went to the catapulted her into a national news media role with one of the zoo to spend the day together. After visiting all the animals and eating three major television news organizations at the time. hot dogs, ice cream and cramming as much fun as they could in the "It was time for a decision and it was either me or the career time they had, the father asked his son what he most liked about the and thankfully she chose me and the rest is history," Senator Tomblin visit to the zoo. The dad thought his son would say it was the visit to said. "She made the commitment to stand by my side in Logan the giraffes, or maybe the lions or the monkeys, but his son came back County and not only I, but southern West Virginia have reaped the with this reply: "Dad, the best thing about today was just being with benefits of her life and that commitment ever since. It was a case you." of not letting her get away and we've been together now nearly "That's the way Joanne and I feel about him, the best thing is just three decades." being together. And, ifl have to make changes in my schedule and she Giving up a career in broadcast journalism to work alongside hers, it is worth it. Raising children is just something parents cannot a young legislator from a rural southern West Virginia area was afford to fail." something Joanne never looked back upon as an opportunity lost. Sometimes it can become a bit confusing at the Tomblins' home It was an opportunity gained. As Senator Tomblin did, she went when someone asks for "the president." Senator Tomblin and Joanne on to complete a master's degree program at Marshall University are not the only "presidents" in that household. For a while, Brent was and began a career in public service in her own right, accepting a president of his class at Justice Elementary School in Logan County. position with the anti-poverty program P.R.I.D.E. Inc. in Logan With Joanne's duties running a multi-county campus institution County. From there she entered professional education at Southern, and Earl Ray's business and political activities, one might expect Brent's eventually working her way into the school's presidency a few parents to have difficulty finding time to be full-time parents. "It's all years ago. Under her guidance the school continues to see increases a matter of priorities," Joanne says. "Some things can wait, but a in enrollment, expansion of curriculum offerings, and continued growing youngster with his interests in school and outside school growth into the technological area, all designed to create and sustain activities ... you only get those opportunities once in life. Everything an educated and employable workforce in southwestern West else gets done just as it's supposed to." Virginia. Earl Ray Tomblin first met Joanne Jaeger while she was a "Working in this role is challenging, but it is a delight to be legislative intern in the public communications office. She was not an able to be in such a key position to do something vital to the future unfamiliar person to those in the Legislature or West Virginia, because of southwestern West Virginia," Mrs. Tomblin states. "Both Earl she was employed as an on-camera television journalist for WSAZ­ Ray and I believe that education, traditional and non-traditional, is TV in Huntington. She also served there as an evening news anchor. the way to break with the one-industry past of Logan County and 114 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE other coal-producing counties. By providing technical training, always will inquire of his guests in a positive way, "Hope you had even liberal arts education, we are in the business of creating fun and enjoyed yourself." He takes a great deal of pride in being opportunities through learning, so necessary in the competitive a good host. nature of today's global economies. He believes and I believe that One of Senator Tomblin's guests at his home in the summer education does not cost, it pays. of 1986 was a member of the British Parliament and the Labour "A great many of our graduates go on to colleges and Party. Not many people in the United States had ever heard of universities, in particular Marshall, so we feel that continued state Tony Blair, a rising English political star, but that can't be said of support of Southern is important to Marshall University in him today. He is Prime Minister of Great Britain-America's continuing to produce the graduates our state will need today and staunchest political and military ally. tomorrow. I guess one really doesn't know what awaits them in "He was one of the friendliest and most charismatic persons the twists and turns of life. I thought a career in journalism, armed I ever met. He came for dinner and almost stayed for breakfast," with my degree from Marshall, would be just fine for a young lady Tomblin said. "We talked politics and the differences and from Long Island, New York ... that is, until I met this up-and­ similarities of our two legislative systems into the wee hours of the coming young legislator from Logan County. morning. It was almost as if we had been friends all our lives. Who "Coming to live and work in · the southern part of the state knows what might have been said at that cookout to help change was not something I expected to do, but it is something I genuinely the course of history or help to mold the bond Great Britain and love. West Virginia and the people who live here are the nicest the United States have enjoyed for centuries? I am not one bit people anywhere ... friendly, helpful, and loyal to the core. I just surprised that Tony Blair rose to the top. He understands the nature could not think of my life being any different than it is and wouldn't of grassroots politics and he has the desire to govern." consider changing a thing. I have no regrets and look forward to Notably, it is a philosophy similar to Senator Tomblin's, a each day as another opportunity to do what I can to help others get fact not lost on those others who know both men. Earl Ray was the education they need to get a good start on their own lives." Senate Finance Chairman at the time, nearly a decade before Visitors to the Tomblins' country home estate in the hills, becoming Senate President. In the intervening years, he has made where Logan and Boone County come together along the contact with political leaders from practically every state. He has meanderings of Trace Fork of Big Creek, will experience one of served a number of national political and legislative organizations the qualities that marks the gentleman who occupies the top Senate as officer and board member and once chaired the Southern seat and the lady who guides higher education in his political Legislative Conference. It is from these organizations that ideas district-honest-to-goodness southern hospitality. Even first-time and friendships are fostered. At a dinner you never know if the guests quickly discover there are no strangers at the Tomblin home. man or woman you are seated next to might be, or become, a Guests for dinners, suppers, or the occasional cookout for friends governor, senator or later even president. and colleagues will always find Earl Ray at the barbeque pit preparing "These organizations provide the state with opportunities to learn a steak or keeping a glass filled. He has turned entertaining guests into about innovative ideas and programs going on within them," Tomblin an art, and obviously goes out of his way to make certain every guest says. "They also provide us with a showcase of our own progress and in his home and at his table gets the royal treatment. It also is innovations." typical of a visit to his Senate office in Charleston. All visitors are West Virginia's motor vehicle law requiring drivers under the greeted cordially and always with a sincere personal touch. He age of 18 to be in school was a hot topic at one meeting. Another was 116 PROFILES IN PROMINENCE PROFILES IN PROMINENCE 117 the incorporation of the "Rainy Day Fund" which receives a to public service, because he always wanted to make a difference and percentage of any surplus funds from fiscal years that end with improve the conditions of the people who live in these hills. No mother positive balances. Even the oft-maligned Budget Digest has attracted could have asked for a better son and no place could have a better more than one legislator from another state with questions about senator than Earl Ray." how it works and what makes it so unique. What's in the future for the Senate President? The "Advances in public education, such as new building governorship, one day, perhaps, or even further? construction, expansion of computer technologies, and curriculum On any political list of potential gubernatorial candidates, you development have been able to turn West Virginia's educational will always find the name of Earl Ray Tomblin. While he often program into a national model," Tomblin said. "Our growth in dismisses the notion that one day he might head the executive branch education always attracts interest in these forums and it really helps of state government, no one, not even Earl Ray Tomblin himself, to change the image some may have of West Virginia." can ignore the fact that his experience and knowledge of state While he has valuable contacts and friends in every state of the government along with his desire to help others and bring union, providing an outstanding model of West Virginia economic growth to West Virginia make him a strong contender. ambassadorship, and is a valuable state tool in interstate "I really don't know what the future holds for me. No one knows relationships in behalf of West Virginia, Senator Tomblin is one the answer to that question either for themselves or others," he says. "I who always turns to his Logan County home as a place of solace am grateful for the opportunities the people of the seventh district and and reflection. my colleagues in the Senate have given me, and I hope to be able to He is first and foremost a family man, who manages his public continue to serve for as long as I am called upon." and private time to achieve the right kind of balance public servants Whatever happens to Earl Ray Tomblin politically, there is everywhere envy. In everything public that he does, he remembers to no denying he has already made his mark on West Virginia's history promote the advantages of life and investment in southwestern West in a way to which few could lay equal claim. His fingerprints are Virginia. on every piece of major legislation over the past quarter century At public meetings, his ear is always available to hear the and his ability to resurrect needed legislation over the objections comments and needs of constituents, not just because it is good politics, of special interests is simply a well-known fact, establishing this but because these are his friends and neighbors. They sometimes need Son of Marshall as a prominent West Virginian, an outstanding his help to cut a bit of government red tape or need him to listen to legislator, and a leader of today ... and tomorrow. their concerns over public issues. Maybe it could be a request as simple as wanting a West Virginia Blue Book (the government "yearbook" of West Virginia, published biannually) or as serious as someone Raamie Barker is administrative assistant to in need of medical attention who cannot afford the cost of an President Earl Ray Tomblin. operation. Whatever the need, he listens. His mother, Freda, sums it up best: "He's always been a caring and loving person and there's really no difference in the Earl Ray his daddy and I raised than the man who runs the West Virginia Senate every day. He cares about the people he serves, is proud to be from Logan County and southern West Virginia and he has devoted his life