April 13, 2012
House speaker withdraws WVEA job application
Thompson says he does not agree with conflict-of-interest ruling by Ethics Commission
Staff writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia House Speaker Rick Thompson on Friday defended his decision to seek a state Ethics Commission opinion on whether he could legally go to work for the West Virginia Education Association, while keeping his legislative leadership post.

Thompson, who has since dropped plans to work for the teachers union, said the dual roles wouldn't have created a conflict. He said he would have put his House speaker job first.

Earlier this week, the Ethics Commission concluded that Thompson would have an "inescapable conflict," if he took the job with the teachers union and remained House speaker.

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    4 Comments
    Posted By: leroylipship
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    Wow, a high ranking WV Good Ol Boy didn't get his way? Did Mrs. Manchin vote for him? If No Show Joe doesn't get reelected will ALL of Manchin's family lose their jobs? Just curious, I am not sure how many work for the state of WV or now in DC for No Show Joe anyway! NO BOSS HOG AND NO JED CLAMPETT IN 2012!
    Posted at: April 14, 2012 7:14:38 am

    Posted By: barryeary
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    Rick Thompson is who he is, the consumate corrupt policitian who doesn't even know what corrutpion is. What is scary and upsetting is that the democratic party and its leaders are not calling him out on this. We need two parties in this state.
    Posted at: April 14, 2012 8:49:33 am

    Posted By: Joe6Pk
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    Someone else said it yesterday. "Only in West Virginia." Thompson has demonstrated that he is so ethically challenged he is unfit to hold the job as Speaker and probably shouldn't be permitted to practice law. What must a business interest outside the state think of this type of behavior. It certainly wouldn't encourage them to relocate here.
    Posted at: April 14, 2012 9:31:03 am

    Posted By: WVVET2
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    I'm of the opinion that they ALL need to go ! They have become far too comfortable. Throw all of them out ! There are many more just as guilty. We need change, "We The People", Deserve Better.
    Please REELECT NOBODY !!!
    Posted at: April 15, 2012 9:46:08 am

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