BOSTON — Sen. John Kerry is facing his first primary opponent since he first took office 23 years ago, and his challenger has one issue in mind: The senator’s 2003 vote authorizing President Bush to launch military action against Iraq.
Ed O’Reilly said he was so incensed by Kerry’s vote that he gave up his law practice to devote himself full-time to ousting the Democratic 2004 presidential nominee from office.
“I looked at that and said ’What kind of person would vote for a war knowing it’s wrong?”’ said O’Reilly, who supported Kerry’s 2004 presidential bid after initially backing Howard Dean. “John Kerry knew the vote was wrong but to increase his chances to become president he voted for it anyway. It was a calculated vote based on his own political ambition.”
Kerry has defended his vote, saying it was intended to give Bush a strong hand in seeking international sanctions — an option he says the White House did not pursue effectively.
Although few give O’Reilly anything more than long shot odds at defeating Kerry, the 55-year-old lawyer and former firefighter from the fishing village of Gloucester has already scored one victory.
Earlier this month, O’Reilly received the backing of about 23 percent of delegates at the annual state Democratic convention — despite an effort by Kerry supporters to deny him the 15 percent needed to get a spot on the ballot.
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UPDATE — Sen. Kerry facing first Democratic foe in decades
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Pepperoni roll prize
To someone from out of state, the pepperoni roll might seem like a mystery.
“Is it like a calzone?” they might ask, “or a stromboli?”
Unique to the state of West Virginia, the pepperoni roll represents the Italian heritage of many of the miners in the early 20th century mixed with hardworking Mountaineer common sense. -
BOE seeks land for new middle schools
The Marion County Board of Education is looking at land to build new middle schools in Mannington and Monongah.
If all goes as planned, county voters will see a bond on the November ballot. -
Former WVU coach takes final journey home
Bill Stewart has made his way back home.
The former West Virginia University football coach, who died suddenly earlier this week of a heart attack at 59, was laid to rest Friday in his hometown of New Martinsville. -
Bickerstaff ready to make mark as Woman’s Club president
One look at a facility can show Nancy Bickerstaff a lot.
Attention to detail has always been her strong point, and when she first walked into the Woman’s Club mansion more than four years ago, she immediately knew what the priorities should be. -
Funeral today for former WVU football coach Bill Stewart
Former West Virginia University football coach Bill Stewart is heading home to New Martinsville for the last time.
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Tears and memories: VIDEO
It was mid-Thursday afternoon at the Morgantown Event Center and the crowd stood mostly silently in line that wound out of the Events Hall and into the hallway toward the staircase.
A young lady was there holding a singular golden rose
“I wish,” Rebecca Durst said, “it could be gold and blue.” -
‘Dangerous fugitive’ is apprehended
Two more targets of “Operation Blue Haze” were apprehended by U.S. Marshals and local police Thursday.
Bryan Keith Egress, 28, described by United States Marshals as a “dangerous fugitive,” was arrested around midnight Thursday at 1410 Miller St., Fairmont, the residence of his girlfriend. -
Excitement marks Three Rivers Festival
It was 5:55 p.m. Thursday on Merchant Street. Kids ran up and down the sidewalks, as their older siblings strolled along the side of the street. Waiting.
There was a certain energy in the air. An expectation. -
Spring paving under way
Some folks in the Friendly City are seeing a fresh coat of asphalt go down on the street in front of their homes.
City Manager Jay Rogers said Fairmont’s spring paving project will resurface two blocks of Gaston, Virginia and Minor avenues, as well as Moore Place from 12th Street to 14th Street. -
Fairmont Catholic’s Arts Festival popular event
Students at Fairmont Catholic were not lined up in their respective rows or seats on Thursday morning.
Some were dancing in a classroom, attempting to follow the lead of Shawna Gerau-Santee, owner of the Fifth Street Dance Co. - More Local News Headlines
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