The Lexington Herald-Leader highlights that many folks associated with the coal industry are planning to spend big this election cycle to target anti-coal members of Congress. Those being targeted include Congressman Nick Rahall from West Virginia’s Third Congressional District.
“With the recent Supreme Court ruling, we are in a position to be able to take corporate positions that were not previously available in allowing our voices to be heard,” wrote Roger Nicholson, senior vice president and general counsel at International Coal Group of Scott Depot, W.Va., in an undated letter he sent to other coal companies.
“A number of coal industry representatives recently have been considering developing a 527 entity with the purpose of attempting to defeat anti-coal incumbents in select races, as well as elect pro-coal candidates running for certain open seats,” Nicholson wrote. “We’re requesting your consideration as to whether your company would be willing to meet to discuss a significant commitment to such an effort.”
Read the complete story on the Lexington Herald-Leader website by clicking here.
Nick Rahall’s political career is as dead as a mining permit under this administration.
Nickie Joe has got to go!!!
The coal industry just might have seen the light.
In the past it has fallen on certain individuals to try to protect the industry,
thank you Mr. B
If the entire industry gets together they just might accomplish saving the coal industry.
If the coal companies are interested in changing the WV Legislature, I could use some monetary assistance too in my run for the WV State Senate.
We Republicans don’t have to try to straddle the fence on this issue. We will not get any support from the unions, nor do we owe them any allegiance. We are interested in promoting jobs….especially good paying mining jobs.
Coal companies had better be putting up a fight while they can. The physical realities of life dictate that we must use coal and we will. Even the liberals know they won’t survive long with blackouts on the liberal coasts.
The question will be whose coal; western crap coal, South American or our own high quality Appalachian coal?. MSHA right now is in full assault mode. All mine operators are criminals and no quarter is given. MSHA weekly marching orders are being dictated by the Charleston Gazette in southern WV at the moment.
Congress is now considering even more draconian assaults on the industry. Spending several million now to elect some AMERICAN legislators or spending tens of millions to pay government fines on an ongoing basis. Their very survival is at stake.
UPDATE…Word is that Rahall confronted Nicholson at last weekend’s WV Coal Association meeting…he was very angry and animated, jabbing his finger at Nicholson.