A SAMPLING OF YOUR RESPONSES:
When you choose to become a politician you should realize that you have chosen a public life. If we are to make wise decsisions in our voting we need to know all of the moral standards of those running.
Joyce D Price, Ona
This is between Gov Wise and his family. I dont pat him on the back for having the affair but its not our business...has nothing to do with being Gov.
Tina, Charleston
This morning I was watching the national news in Houston TX and all of a sudden news of Gov. Wise! I was excited when I heard WV then I heard the dreadful story that went along with it. I truly believe that the governor's personal indiscretions be a public matter because he is a public figure head that represents WV. Another negative for WV. How is Gov. Wise going to clog himself out of this one?
Sandra Newman Coombs, Houston, TX
How are the families going to heal if everyone knows their business? They should be left alone to sort things out.
Melanie, Charleston
Unless what he did affects his office, who he sleeps with or what he does in his personal life is just that personal. This is a matter between him, his wife and God
Robert, Charleston
He should be setting an example for the people of WV, and he is in a leadership position. He should resign. I voted for him, but he has turned out not to be a very good governor. He never wants to face the issues.
Vicky Stevnes, Charelston
No one is perfect. No one should judge anyone for anything they decide to do in there personal life. Do we live with the man ? Do we know the things he has to go through? No we don't . So it's best to just leave it alone. I wish him the best in this hardship.
Sandy, Chapmanville
i think that this should stay at home but the public will run this in the ground just like they do with anything we will hear about this for weeks so what if he did like he is the only man to do this he is not the first and will not be the last man.
Kathy, Elkview
If it were anybody else nobody would be concerned, but everybody feels it is their business because it is the Govenor. It has no effect on how he runs the State, he does a horrible job at that anyway. People need to mind their own business. It's between he and his wife.
Jeff Martin, Winfield
Power brings out the worst in all. Very upsetting that he would jeopardize his children much less West Virginia.
Carole B. Newman, Sugar Land, TX
If we're looking to politicians to be our moral barometer, then WE are in more trouble than his marriage. It should be left to the Wise family to work out, whichever way they see fit. And many of those that want to condemn him should look first to themselves: People who live in glass houses...you know the rest.
Stephanie, Dixie
There are a lot of people across the world having affairs everyday- But because he is a political figure, this is announced world wide. While I don't agree with any married person having an affair, I don't think the world needs to know the details. This needs to be kept at home to be worked out, not in the limelight!
Jenn, Nitro
maybe govn. Bob wise wasnt gettin any nooky at home so he had to find someone else to fullfill his needs. thats his problem with his wife if he needs to have sex with everything with two legs. it concerns his job none and may even help him do it better therefor lets keep our noses out of his pants
Jason, Ravencliff
I think they should not drag this matter out in to public the should take care of this behind closed doors and make him and the women who he had an afair with lose the jobs. and do it quietly. But resine there jobs governor and that womans job.
Jeff Gilkeson, Craigsville wva
Leave Gov. Wise & his wife & kids alone on this one. It's hard enough to get through this without everyone watching, I can't imagine having to hear about it on the radio & tv every day.
Jackie, Elkview
I am a firm beliver of what happens in the family stays in the family UNTILL It effects others or for this matter the state of WV. He asked for us to let the family deal with this, and that would have been fine untill he made it our problem by cancelling his appoitments for 2 days.
Kelli Farley, Dunbar
This is for him and his family to work out. Not the public.
Anna, Richwood
When you are elected to public office you are public and your affairs are public.
K. Reed, POCA
He was unfaithful to his wife but not to our state. It should be a private matter.
Jamie E Rowsey, St. Albans
I went to high school with Bob Wise and we often participated in the same activities. He always acted with restraint and integrity then, and I suspect that the woman in question was relatively aggressive in this situation. As long as the full story is told, holding elected officials to reasonable standards of contact is justifies. If this is an isolated incident, with extenuating circumstances, it may be forgiven by the electorate. However, if this situation is but part of a Clintonesque pattern of excess and denial which flaunts the public trust, then the full process of law and Government is applicable. Though I have not seen Bob in many years, I believe that basic character remains unchanged and that this was an incidental aberration that likely will never be repeated.
Bob Fritz, Poway, California
It Should Not Be Anyones Business. I Wouldn't Like It And I Am Sure You Wouldn't Either.
Emily Weststeyn
It deserves to be reported, as it has, and then to be dropped. But we Americans want to hear about all the dirt on a person, especially someone of notoriety and most expecially someone in a leadership position. As outraged as we get over this type of behavior, we long to hear every sordid detail. And most people don't even question the veracity of the smut, they just want to hear more and can't wait to pass it on. Look at all the urban legend emails that get forwarded over and over by otherwise very nice and kind people. The man messed up. Although many preach this is not acceptable, the truth is, under the right circumstances, most are capable of the same mistake. Let's move on!
Keith, Point Pleasant
Yes, the public has a right to know. But, the public needs to learn how to pray and forgive, and not throw bricks at the Governor. Right now, he and his family are hurting. This is especially hard for the children, so let's have some respect and pray for the family, that God will hold them together in this situation. There's good and bad in everyone. Too much tax payer money was used to hound Bill Clinton to tear him down. We need to use this money to build people up, build their families up, stop the tearing of others down, that's against God's principles, where did the love go. I would rather have Jesus than any political vote, and, I do like politics and government, and representation of peoples rights before the Courts. But, when this power is used to tear each other down, just for a political vote, it's downright wrong! President Clinton signed the FMLA law, had he not, my mother would have died of a heart attack in ICU, she put my job before her life and did not want to go on life support, because she was afraid I would lose my job. Had it not been for Bill Clinton, my mother would have never seen her grandchildren and shared in their lives! I think we need to look for the good in people, not dig out the bad, or the created and exagerated bad! I am so glad the Clintons are together and I told them them in a letter once. I also sent former President Clinton a letter while my mother was living in ICU, and another letter and hand-crocheted American flag after her death. Again, we must look for the good in people, not continuously and badgeredly pounce with the bad. Thank you for allowing me to share my opinion on this matter! Governor Wise, as all of us, have been through incredible stress in the past few years. That doesn't condone wrong actions, if they occurred, but, please forgive him, he is only human like you and I.
Betty Janice Dooley, Charleston
I feel the only personal issue that should be of concern in anyone's occupation is if they break the law. Marraige vows are between the two people who speak them, and while this topic makes for interesting gossip, I don't feel it has any affect on a person's job performance.
Lee Ann Blevins, Kenova
What he does on his time is his business.
Mel, Kenna
He stepped into the public arena when he decided to run for governor. His personal life may well indicate his character in the professional field. Voters and residents of WV have a right to know.
Annette Fox, Beckley
If you are representing a state, county or country, you should have morals. They should have more self control. Honor the office you are holding, as the public is watching.
Laureda Collier, Logan
Every time a public official is involved in personal failure of this nature, this debate rages. That fact is the answer in and of itself -of course it's a public matter. The REAL question is: If the Governor's wife can't trust him to keep his marriage vows, how can WV voters trust him to keep his oath of office?
Preston Fitzwater, Clendenin
When a public official does something like this, many people are involved. If he lies to and cheats his family, he will lie to and cheat the public.
Carole Ertl, Charleston
this is a matter between him and his family
cliff massey, hansford
WV has another Bill Clinton in office.
Dan Brown, Buckhannon
I think that t6he Governor should hold the same public inspections as did the formor President. These people are not only running our States and Country, they are also asposed to be setting an example for our young citizens. I really wonder what kind of a message that they are getting out of this. That it's ok to cheat on your spose, That it's ok to break the comandments, as long as you are in a powerful position, well if they do it then why can't I!!! In my opinion they should start thinking with the wrong heads, and start thinking about thier MORALS that I'm sure that they were tought, before there heads got to big!!!
Rose Shafer, Cross Lanes
No, personal business is personal business, even for public officials. It's their job that is public, not their bedrooms.
Jackie, Pinch
I'm Not A Wise Fan I Voted Against Underwood Not For Wise, But People In Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones. I Would Be Willing To Bet That Most Of The People In Office At The Capitol That Are Downing The Govenor Has Had An Affair At One Time Or Another. His Wife And Family Will Make Things Hard Enough. People Lets Get Over This And Let The Man Run The State. Everybody Makes Mistakes In Life My Grandfather Use To Say, But To Make A Mistake And Not Learn From It Is A Sin.
Jeffrey Day, Dunbar
I am so tired of people using the private life of politicians to scandalize and diminish their accomplishments. No, I do not approve of infidility but I also think it's between him and his wife. We are all human beings (at least the majority of us are). If we took a good hard look at the most successful, most contributing people in our society I believe we'd see the majority are NOT puritans. What do we want in this country? A good leader who accomplishes what needs to be done or another Pope? I, for one, am sick of these witch hunts.
P J Ray, Jackson, MS
He's a public figure. Hence, his actions should e public.
L. Wilcox, Columbia, SC
When Wise decided to run for PUBLIC office, his life, including private matters, became public matters. If this man cannot be faithful to his wife and family, why should WV'ians trust him. If Wise does not care how he treats the people that supposedly mean the most to him, does he expect us to believe he cares for us? Wise is on his way out and rightly so. We need a leader with morals and once again, we don't have one.
Kelli Arnold, Wayne
He is no better than ex-president Clinton
Billy R. Buzzard, Sylvester
Yes it is a public matter. If he would lie to his own family, then what would stop him from lying to the people of West Virginia? He should resign if he really wants to do the right thing.
Lee Sanders, Madison
His personal life is just that, his. Why should we judge or speak on what he does in his personal life. What would happen if we would investigate every married person in the state. Then i bet the divorce rate would sky rocket!!!
Janet, Handley
It is already hard on his wife why keep at him he already admitted that he was unfaithful ..And you got to admit that he is a good gov. Let just hope and pray that they can work this out.
maxine sinett, man wva
That is between him and his family.
Christy, Webster Springs
If he can't keep his vow to his wife, how can we expect him to keep his oath to the people.
W. Whitman, Ripley
I don't believe what he did was right, but what right do I have to know his business. I don't see this any different then my neighbor doing the same thing. He's just in the public eye so what he does is news.
Connie McKinney, Scott Depot
It is a private matter between his wife and his God.The Lord set the example when he told his people Ye without sin cast the first stone. He then told the woman to go and sin no more. So I will leave this between Governor Wise and the Lord.
D Pauley, Hurricane
I feel what people do with their personal life even if they are a public figure is thier own business. No ONE is perfect. We all make mistakes and wrong decisions at one time or another. It's hard enough on the family without the world knowing, It will make it even harder to deal with now. That is one of the problems with us. No One knows how to keep their noses out of other peoples busniess. They thrive over things like this and it is sick. It needs to be keep out of the public. I wouldn't want everyone to know if it were my family, It hurts the whole family not just the governor or whoever else will be the next victim of a NOSY world.
Sandy, charleston
I think it is a public matter,if his own wife and family can't trust him how can we?
Gina Elschlager, Vienna
This is something that the gov wise and his family should work out. It is more important how his wife and family feel about this. They are the ones who have more at stake here. He is not the first gov to admit to being human, and he won't be the last.
Patricia Darby, Ashford
It point to character. We must be made aware of the character of our leaders in order to make more educated decisions regarding election or re-election
Cate Brown, Summersville
Any public official that has a capacity of leader should be held to the highest standard of scrutiny. Short of Jessica Lynch, this is but one more thing that has given WV another black eye.
Dm, Charleston
If Gov. Wise had not dogged Bill Clinton when he was unfaithful, I would have voted no. Now Bob can air his dirty laundry and will have to face the public if he wants to win the next election.
S. Henderson, Charleston
Just like we dont want out personal business out there, he shouldn't have to either, just because he is well known. Let him do his job, and we shouldn't worry about him personally.
Kali Erickson, Cannon Falls
As a public servant and as the supreme leader of our state government, Gov. Wise is open to public inquiries, concerns, and opinions. I respect that he is a human being with shortcomings same as anyone else, but when he assumes any position that requires asking the public for their trust and support, his personal life is no longer just a private affair.
Twila J. Miller
I feel that unless his affair effected the his running of the state, that his personal life should be just that, personal.
Toni Buzzard, Leon
If he were a private individual, not being paid by state taxes . . . his private life would be his own. But, to carry on an affair with another state worker is a violation of the trust placed in him through the office he holds. When he took his oath of office, he assumed responsiblity for the state - and his actions have hurt us. We are the butt - once again - of jokes all over the nation. And, in his statement at the airport the other day, he said I make no amends. Does this mean he has no apology for his actions? Right now, the citizens of WV are paying for the Governors' home, food, travel, entertainment, etc. We should not be paying for him to behave in an immoral manner. I do feel sorry for his children, but he should have been thinking of them before he began the affair. If they are hurt, it is his fault - not the media's. Hold his feet to the flame over this one. He quotes scripture in almost every speech he makes - what a hypocrite! And, by th! e way, forgiveness can be asked for - and should be asked - contrary to his statements made the last couple of days. Yes, he needs to earn the trust of West Virginians again - but he needs to also ASK for our forgiveness. How he handles his relationship and the situation with his wife and children are up to him . . . but he should be begging the citizens of this state to forgive him for violating his promises to the people.
Anonymous for fear of reprisal,
If someone not holding a public office were to become involved in a similar situation then it would be considered a private matter; why should a public official be any different. It still happened behind closed doors and should be kept there and resolved there.
Tabatha Kayser, South Charleston
Bob Wise has served this state for many years and has done an excellent job. I think people ought to clean their own closets before judging someone else.
C Gray,
If he can lie to his wife and kids, then he can lie to the people of West Virginia. Character counts in leadership and he has lost his right to lead because of deficient character.
Charles Milne, Beaver
Well,I think that we should be able talk about it because he is here to represent West Virginia.If he represent's his home and family like that how will he uphold West Virginia.
James, Saint Albans
I'm sorry for the Governor's family but this needs to be aired in public. We need to know if the governor and his mistress were together on our time, with out hard earned tax money. He has absolutely no right to demand this be a private matter. He gave that right up when he ran for office.
Paul Smith, Milton
When anyone enters politics they enter knowing that their life is under a microscope. They must use good judgement in all matters, both state and personal. If any elected official makes a bad choice as obvious as this one is it makes us wonder about his ability to make the right choices in important government matters.
Jeff Simmons, Charleston
He no better than any other public offical
Pat Paynter, Cyclone
If the public and media can vilify former president Clinton they certainly have the right to to the same with Wise. Wise has shown what kind of person he is all during the coal truck issue. It should not come as a surprise about his personal conduct. It seems that everything he does he wants to hide from the public. He hid from us during the legislative session when he knew what was going on was wrong, what's the difference now. He has never been open in public office nor will he ever be.
Nanette Nelson, Racine
I feel that is a private matter, if he wasn't in the public eye nothing would be said or done. I am married to a Army Recruiter and I just found out recently that he's been unfaithful for over a year and I've never heard anything about it on news. I feel anyone who is unfaithful should be publicized, or Everyone should leave it as a private issue.
Hurricane
Bob should ride into the sunset. Such a disappointment for our state.
Tim Cavender, South Charleston
What a person does in their private lives has no bearing on how they perform their job. As long as he didn't misuse tax payers money, who cares what he does behind closed doors?!
Elizabeth Gibson, Hurricane
The Governor made his personal business public. He'll have to deal with all the scrutiny to come. You know, if these men could just learn to behave themselves, take those vows seriously, the poor families wouldn't have to go through such embarassment. And you wouldn't even have to be having this pole right now!
Lori S. Parsley, Lebanon, Virginia
If he wants to earn the trust and forgiveness of his family, then he has to earn mine too. He is no better than any of the others that have admitted to having affairs. The only difference between Mr. Wise and an ordinary, everyday person that commits adultrey?? He chose to be in the public eye and I feel we have been let down as a State, as a People, as voters who voted him in office. But, God is his Judge, not me... and God is the one who puts in office whom ever He chooses. He also let down the One who trusted him the most. Thank You, Norma Deaner
Norma Deaner, Logan
A public figure represents the people, the moment he or she is elected, take on the responsibility. Public Service should be role models, and above reproach. If not, it is like saying an airline pilot can get drunk before flight, after all its his own business! You live in a glass house as a public leader, you have a moral and civil duty to be responsible and accountable to.
Steve P. Evernham, Birch River
No they should not. What he does behind closed doors should be kept between him and his family. It does not affect the way he runs the state, or his ability to be the Governor. People should look at all he has done for the state instead of looking at how he leads his personal life.
Sara Parsons, South Charleston
When a person is in public office he needs to behave as a professional -- Gov. Wise has not done so. He must resign.
J. C. Modkoff, So. Charleston
Let the news come out about his affair and let him look at his wife and childrens faces and see the hurt and embarrassment that he has given to them and let it be
Darrell Baker, Chapmanville
Because he lied to his family and if he lied to him he could of lied to the state of wv.
Jt Pritt, Winfield
No one is perfect look back at president JFK. SO he made a mistake thats for him and his wife to work out not for the whole state and besides let he who has not sinned cast the first stone. I really beleive that people should sweep around their doors instead of every one elses. Kelly Lanham
Kelly Lanham, Elkview
Only so far as to be known by the public that such an event has occurred. The graphic details of the act and who the other party was is of no consequence to anyone but the Wise family. If it comes to light at a later date that the act is ongoing and is at the expense of the taxpayers of this state, legal action should follow. Otherwise, the details are of litte use to the average joe on the street.
Mike Jeffries, Poca
What happens is noones business. If George W. Bush can't get hard should the world know everytime he takes viagra? I THINK NOT! We have to many problems as it is. Why should we worry about someone's sex life cause i am sure noone wants their sexlife on the public news. If you think his should be on the news then you should put yours on their also.
James Wright, Charleston
I am sick of the immorality of our leadership
B.Venker, Baltimore, Maryland
People who are in a position to set examples, should do just that. How can we respect or look up to someone who is so disrespectful to his own family? If he tried to deceive his own wife, who was probably closer to him than anyone else, then what keeps him from being dishonest to the people of West Virginia who he knows even less? I think his political future is over in this state. He will have to pay for his indiscretion.
David A. Tanner, Nebo
It should only be made public if he used government money in the process!!!
Michelle Woods, Craigsville
Really, anyone with a brain should know he did not betray his family. Hewas unfaithful to his wife. He married HER not the kids. Furthermore, he made a vow. These days a man's word is worth nothing, especially the men/women in our most public official jobs. These people are those we choose to represent us. How low are we? we are as low as our tolerance of our leaders are. And yes, Clinton was a jerk too.
Nancy Tabit, South Charleston
If the governor would cheat on those people that he loves most in all the world, what is to stop him from cheating thousands of strangers? I believe it is a question of moral honesty. Yes, everyone makes mistakes and is only human, but everyone is not in control of making decisions that affect the lives of all West Virginians.
Lora Lipscomb, Elkview
His personal life is his own business. If everyone would mind their own business this world would be a happier place.
Ea Hardman, Charleston
I feel if his wife can't trust him then how could he be trustworthy to anyone else. He supposedly loves his wife and he did her that way. The man eventually has no morals and can not be trusted.
Alan Swiger, London
People make their decisions on a persons character and their choices for elected office. While I feel Governor Wise should be forgiven because he is human, and I have forgiven him, this mistake may cost him public opportunities to come. I also respect him and his family and their personal business and I think he has given a clear statement to the public regarding his opinion of this matter. This has to be awfully hard for his wife and his children, let's pray for them, showing that we truly care for them!
Betty Janice Dooley, Charleston
I feel this is a very personal matter between Gov. Wise and his wife. Everyone is entitled to privacy no matter who they are, even elected officials. My prayers are with them to find healing.
Karen Barkley, Montrose
Leave the poor man alone.... He isn't the only one, just the only one caught, so far!
Sharon, Charleston
If he was on today's ballot for election his honesty would certainly come in question.
M Wheeler, St. Albans
It doesn't matter what he does in his private life as long as he does his job just like everyone else including ex-president Clinton
Ronda, Huntington
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