Earlier this decade, West Virginia changed its highway welcome signs from “Wild and Wonderful” to “Open for Business.” The signs have since been changed back, but that probably tells you more about the state than the whole “hicky” actors kerfuffle from last week. And it’s a good way to introduce you to John Raese, the wealthy Republican businessman and perennial candidate trying to knock off Gov. Joe Manchin (D) for the late Robert Byrd’s Senate seat.
Raese has a variety of business interests including a major mining company and a couple of dozen radio stations. But he’s not apologetic about his privileged roots: “I made my money the old-fashioned way, I inherited it. I think that’s a great thing to do. I hope more people in this country have that opportunity as soon as we abolish inheritance tax in this country, which is a key part of my program.”
Eric Kleefeld has the down low on John Raese.
