Let’s take high road to justiceThe Herald-Dispatch of HuntingtonSept. 14, 2004By BERT KETCHUM - guest columnist

A major issue in this election year is whether West Virginians are capable of choosing a Supreme Court justice who will make decisions based on what is best for our citizens under the law. With Nov. 2 close at hand, the election is no longer about choosing a candidate from the left or the right: The choice is one about taking the high road or the low road.

If West Virginians choose to take the high road, we will select a Supreme Court justice whose job is to review, when requested, the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, to construe the contested meaning of statutory law and to interpret and apply our case law to the facts of the case.

Since 1998, Justice Warren McGraw has understood the importance of this job and has consistently interpreted our state laws and constitution without prejudice.

Justice McGraw’s work on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has helped ensure that legislative actions in line with our state constitution are upheld.

He has also worked to ensure that when an employer calls someone its employee and treats them as its employee, it has to follow the laws regarding employees; that West Virginians are entitled to the insurance coverage they actually pay for; that a workers’ compensation claimant will not be denied a fair hearing because of delays not caused by the claimant; and that valid reasons for firing an employee under an employment contract will be upheld.

Given his undying respect and admiration for the people of West Virginia, Justice McGraw will not take the low road. He will not become beholden to special interest groups or use smear tactics that misrepresent and distort the truth for political gain.

McGraw knows the low road is only traveled by candidates without a message and without the qualifications to hold the office they seek.

Justice McGraw’s message is one of justice and fairness for all of West Virginia’s working families.

His qualifications are unmatched: elected to the House of Delegates 1968 and 1970; elected to the state Senate 1972, 1976 and 1980; elected 44th president of the state Senate in 1980 and re-elected unanimously by both parties in 1982; elected to the Wyoming County Board of Education 1986; elected Prosecuting Attorney of Wyoming County 1996; and elected Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals 2001.

Take the high road and seek equality for all under our laws. Take the high road and elect a candidate with integrity and principles. Take the high road and keep Justice Warren McGraw on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

Bert Ketchum is with the law firm of Greene, Ketchum, Bailey and Tweel Attorneys and Counselors at Law in Huntington.