Democrats -- by and large career politicians -- have engaged in a record amount of mud-slinging, fear-mongering and character assassination this time around.

Republicans -- by and large creatures of the private sector rather than experienced politicians -- have come in for all kinds of abuse they lack the political slickness to counter.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a square, religious man with a long record as an excellent manager, is painted as a ruthless capitalist.

The GOP's senatorial candidate, John Raese, is a blustery believer in a strong economy, a strong national defense and individual liberty and has been fighting for them for 30 years. He has been portrayed as nothing more than a fat cat.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Maloney is an industrial engineer and 30-year West Virginian. He built a multimillion-dollar business here only to see the new owners move some of it to Pennsylvania. Maloney wants businesses and families to be able to grow here. He is smeared as a New Yorker out only for himself.

A word on Republicans' behalf: Nationally, the Democratic Party has lurched to the far left, a sad development. Its leaders are about growing government, creating dependence upon themselves, and controlling every aspect of life.

The Republican Party consists of people who think Americans deserve policies that let the economy grow, keep America strong, and leave people free.

One pitch would buck a $16 trillion bill for shameless overspending to the next generation.

The other would empower coming generations to pay the bills of today's welfare state without falling into poverty themselves.

No contest, slime notwithstanding.

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LIVE and on television, President Obama cast his ballot in Chicago last month. But before he received his ballot, he had to present a photo ID.

In the bluest of blue states, the most famous person in the United States had to prove who he was to election officials before he could cast his vote.

Republicans have pushed for photo IDs for voters, only to be charged with trying to suppress votes.

Somehow people required to show photo IDs to board airplanes, rent cars, buy guns, claim contest winnings or perform numerous other daily activities must not be asked to present photo IDs to vote?

If it is good enough for the president, it is good enough for the rest of us. West Virginia should require voters to present a photo ID.

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IT would not be an election without Democrats trying to scare senior citizens. This year's shameless deception is that Republicans want to take Medicare away from today's senior citizens.

This is not true. Seniors should not fall for it.

Republican efforts to save Medicare would change nothing for today's retirees or anyone over 55.

The proposed change to a voucher system that would give tomorrow's seniors bargaining power would not affect current retirees.

Misleading seniors to get their votes reveals an unseemly low opinion of seniors' intelligence.