A SAMPLING OF YOUR RESPONSES:
Every person should have a right when it comes down to politics. By simply saying because of thier job that they should not is unfair to them. They should have the right as an indivdual to voice thier opinion.
J.T., Gallipolis Ferry
These guys are no different than any ordinary voting citizen and should be able to express their opinions if they so choose.
Harold, Charleston
Who they endorse is their business. It doesn't effect how they do their job.
Mary, Kenna
I have no issues with this, so long as the coaches indicate in their speeches that their opinions are not necessarily the opinions of their respective universities. I agree with the schools' positions, that the coaches are free as individuals to support political candidates.
Richard Bailey, St. Albans
As stated, they are doing this as friends. It can't hurt if there is underlining goal. They will have to live with it, to bad it can't work for the average hardworking people of WV.
Lee, Morgantown
As long as they are not representing , or speaking on behalf of their universities. Or wearing the school logos, etc. They have the same rights as the rest of the public to have their own opinion. And to support their candidates.
Don Hancock, Nitro
They are citizens of this state and what they do on their own time (when they aren't coaching), is their business. And as long as they are doing this as friends of Joe Manchin and are not being compensated for it...then it is okay.
James Kiser, Evans
Pro athletes and coaches are allowed to show their support for candidates, why not college coaches
Sean Wright, Hurricane
No. It's easy to see that the coaches sould be aloud to go. It soulds like Llioyd is complaining about something that sould be left alone. It could be the other way around and Lloyed wouldn't turn help like that away if he was on Manchins side. Popular canidates such as Bush came in for the republicans he wanted in office. It seems fare and he sould fight for votes another way without complaining in that mannor.
Mike Zion, Charleston
I think is inappropriate for the coaches to appear on the behalf of any candidate. While they have to right to their opinions; their positions as employees of the State of West Virginia should eliminate them from politcal ads or appearances. In this state, law enforcement officers are prohibited by state law from doing just that even in another city or county from which they are employed. Why should these two men be any different? If one group's rights are limited by their positions why not the other?
Mark Fulks, Charleston
Why is it different for them to show suport and be open with it as compared to the people hiding behind the special interest groups that wine and dine all the time. at least their out in the open with it. What these men do on their off time is up to them.
Larry, Cabin Creek
Regardless of Profession. The last time I looked, we still have the freedom to speak and express our opinion. I do not think they are acting as representatives of the University in this arena. If they wish to make their political views public, they are protected by the Constitution.
M. Cazin, Mount Dora, Florida
It's a free country
Michael Estep, Alum Creek
There is nothing special about these two gentlemen. They simply work for the State. Of course they can appear at a political rally if they so choose.
John Harrison, Exchange
They shouldn't do for their own sakes , they should stay in the closet for their on good when it comes to politoics.
Brian Willard, Bancroft
I know it is legal, but appropriate? I don't think so. When in the public view, it is often appropriate to stay back rather than speak up and get yourself in line for criticism - - even when all is on the up-and-up. It does matter what others think!
Wanda Collins, Nitro
I have no problem with it. As long as they are campaigning against Bush/Cheney.
Randall Franklin, Scott Depot
As it is with military people, they should keep their political affiliations to themselves. Otherwise, they would appear as rallying for a political pundit,punk or person as though the institution they work for also does. Common sence (the stuff that is not so common anymore).
Nancy Tabit, S. Charleston
Why not? Everything anymore is becoming more political now. Why not have school officals speak on behalf of a political team? Everyone's debating on putting the Ten Comandments back in the school system--might as well let them campaign for Sen. Jackson.
April, Seth
As long as they are not speaking on behalf of their respective schools I see no problem with it. They are entitled to back and support whom ever they see fit. Remember this is a free country we live in.
Rob Henry, Danville
Corey Palumbo had high-profile friend Jennifer Garner in his campaign ads and nobody saw anything wrong with that. So I don't think that having friends Coach Rod and Pruett speaking at a Manchin event is a problem.
Scott, Charleston
State employees are limited in their allowable political involvement. I would think employees of government-run schools would have the same guidelines as other state civil servants.
Bill Stephens, Charleston
Personal friends or not, these two gentlemen don't have the same opportunity for freedom of speech that a private citizen has. Their opinions have the ability to sway other people's opinion due to their status as football heros to some. I feel the same way about TV and movie people campaigning for their candidate. While most thinking voters vote their own minds, there is always some voters that think because Bob is voting for this one, he must be the best one. Just my opinion.
Clair, Charleston
Being a coach employed by a university or others should not limit that coaches ability to free speech.
Mike Stalnaker, Charleston
As head coaches at an institution of higher learning, it may be prudent to shy away or distance themselves from a poliical campaign of this magnitude. As individuals, they have the right of free speech just every one else and should be able to exercise it or enjoy it at their discretion.
James F. Aucremanne, South Charleston
Being a coach at a division one university does not deny one the right to freedom of speech. As long as the respective schools are not endorsing any specific candidate, then there's no problem.
Will Turner, Montgomery
The fact of the matter is the coaches represent the schools and the teams. The message is misinterpreted to mean that WVU, Marshall, and LSU supports Manchin. Manchin can rally all he wants but his record does not back him up. His attempt to win this race on name recognition or the cool candidate instead of running on issues will eventually backfire and he will get what he got the last election and most likely what he deserves, nothing. Manchin will more than likely capitalize on this rally but a victory for Manchin in this race would mean serious problems for the state of WV. As Hoppy Kercheval said, this state needs a stern leader, not a cheerleader. Put Manchin up against the other candidates in a debate on the true issues and then see who's more qualified. I guarantee you he cannot compete.
Joe Frazier, St. Albans
I went to WVU and I'm not planning to vote for Joe Manchin. As a WVU alum, I'm disappointed that a coach would be so insensitive to their schools' fans, alumni, and athletes.
Nan Martindale, Ripley
I think they should be able to speak at political events as long as they do not get paid for it.
Marcel Pate, St. Albans
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