Anne Barth Makes Campaign Stop in Buckhannon
By Gary Mallonee, Staff Writer
POSTED: February 11, 2008
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Barth, the daughter of a minister and protege of one of the most powerful United States senators in history, assured the gathering that although she lacks recognition, she has public service skills. Barth is the former state director for Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., whom she served for 21 years.
“Having Senator Byrd as your mentor for over two decades, you develop a pretty unique set of political skills,” Barth said. “The most valuable skill I learned was how to get results for the people of West Virginia in Washington.”
Barth was required to resign as Byrd’s state director in order to run, but within hours of filing her candidacy paperwork, she had received glowing campaign endorsements from Byrd and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, D-1st District, and U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-3rd District.
“People in West Virginia are results oriented,” Barth said. “They’ll take you at your word and they’ll expect you to back it up. Don’t tell a West Virginian you are going to do something if you can’t get it done.”
Barth pointed out that through Byrd’s state offices, both of which are in the 2nd District, more than 1,000 West Virginians received help last year.
“West Virginians want accountability. We are ready for new leadership to seize control of these problems and get results,” Barth said. “I know Washington and I know West Virginia’s needs. Everything I have done in my career has led me to this moment. Running for Congress is a natural progression of my career in public service and I am ready.”
Barth’s husband, Nick, is a self-employed attorney in Charleston. They have two daughters, Sally and Claire, who are both students at West Virginia University.
Barth has held similar “meet the candidate” events in Charleston, Martinsburg and Shepherdstown.
