The Issues

Here is what motivated me to stand up and be counted for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates in District #52.

There must be less government taxation and intrusion into the lives of us and our families, and here are the three major issues:

• Jobs & Prosperity,
  
• Personal Liberty & Family Values, and
  
• Returning Government Back to the People.

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Jobs & Prosperity

West Virginia is rich in natural resources and talent, but also the poorest amidst all our surrounding States. Even worse, West Virginia ranks last or close to last in the United States regarding just about every indicator of jobs and prosperity. Sadly, we also are near the top in the amount of per capita taxation and government intrusion into all of our lives. West Virginia's wrong-headed taxation of groceries and home heating fuel are just two examples of regressive and wrong tax policies. The West Virginia personal property taxes on family cars and the lower gasoline taxes by our neighbors Virginia and Maryland are two more examples of how West Virginia drives folks to "vote with their feet" and flee across our borders. For a detailed and further analysis of why West Virginia taxes should both be restructured and reduced, read "Unleashing Capitalism: Why Prosperity Stops at the West Virginia Border and How to Fix It". You can order a copy at Amazon.

Personal Liberty & Family Values

West Virginia ranks near the top among States with excessive government oversight over our personal lives. This also contributes to our rancid record on jobs and prosperity. Morality should not be dictated by the whims of government fiat. West Virginians should seek out and elect leaders who aggressively pursue the protection of both individual and family rights. By definition, that protection also must include our personal property rights. To that end, a return to more closely following the simply stated values and principles of our United States Constitution & Bill of Rights (especially our rights under the 2nd & 10th amendments) would go a long way to toward protecting ourselves and our families.

Returning Government Back to the People

Our West Virginia government leadership far too often seeks out their own self-aggrandizement and more control over the lives of us and our families.

They think they know better than we do about what's best for the rest of us.

Term Limits, the right of Recall of Elected Officials, Voter Referendum, and the right of Voter Initiative would go far to help curb West Virginia government excesses.

Another West Virginia initiative to persistently pursue is to mandate a choice of "None of the Above" in elections for every office. This would put an end to all "uncontested" elections, give voters much more of an opportunity to "throw the rascals out", and even increase voter participation at the polls.

Contributions to Larry's campaign will be used prudently in support of good governance. Please send your contributions to "Friends of Larry D. Kump", c/o Treasurer Robert B. Griffith, P.O. Box 1322, Hedgesville, WV 25427.

The Wisdom of Sullivan

Dear Editor,

I am writing to urge your readers to consider voting for Larry Kump, who is running for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates District #52.

I have known Larry for several years and find him to be refreshingly honest and unassuming.

He is able to discuss differences of opinion with people without making politics personal and I feel he would do a lot to lessen the acerbic tone of political discourse in the Eastern Panhandle and the state as a whole.

He has a broad knowledge of West Virginia history and current affairs and is careful and honest in his deliberations about the issues which face this state and the nation.

I feel he is a candidate well worth your vote.

Jane Sullivan
Hedgesville, West Virginia

From a Dear Friend and Brother

Larry,

I wish you "bon chance" in the election tomorrow.

You have labored tirelessly (from what I've read) in the cause of freedom and limited government.

You have held to your key values rather than being swept up by
the prevailing winds of politics (say whatever, do whatever, trash your opponent's character, honor and family if necessary) to run a wonderful issues oriented campaign.

I trust the people of your district will recognize your qualifications and your quality as a human being and send you to the State Legislature to represent them. It will be a wise choice.

I'm just sorry you are not running in Indiana where I could vote for you, too!

Best wishes from your friend and brother,

Jim Utterback

Maryland Senate Candidate Lauds Larry

Larry D. Kump would make a wonderful addition to the West Virginia House of Delegates, and I would like to add my voice to the chorus of individuals who have chimed in to support his candidacy.

I have known and worked with Larry for a number of years. His passion and advocacy on behalf of state employees is legendary. His history and institutional knowledge related to this subject will serve him well in the Legislature.

In recent days, I have also become more familiar with Larry's stances on the economic and budget issues.

As a fellow pro-growth conservative, Larry and I see eye to eye on
the important issue that our respective Legislatures are going to face in the coming years.

I wish him well in these pursuits. The people of West Virginia are lucky to have him.

Sincerely,

Christopher B. Shank
Maryland House of Delegates, Washington County, District 2B
Candidate for the Maryland Senate from Washington County

Shazaam! (from the son of Captain Marvil)

I don't endorse anyone easily.
My values and principles are rooted in the Founding and the Judeo/Christian principles and values that the Founders gleaned from the Scriptures and incorporated into our Constitution.
As the time narrows for West Virginians to vote, you have a critical decision to make.
You will have to decide whether you will vote for the "progressive" movement or vote to maintain and regain your liberties which the Founders established and entrusted for and to you.
The choice is yours, West Virginians.
That was part of their legacy to you.
A vote for Larry D. Kump will help insure that you maintain that legacy.
Charles H. Marvil
Postscript: My family has close ties and roots in West Virginia and is proud of ancestors who were among its' original settlers in the 1700's (my mother's side from Sistersville).

The Ed Wilson Experience

I have been amused lately by some candidates who state that the way to break the Democrat logjam in the West Virginia Legislature in Charleston is to send more Democrats to the Legislature. Somehow, the logic of this suggestion escapes me.

Fortunately for the residents of the Eastern Panhandle, we have an alternative to the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality that dominates our legislative body in the capitol.

Larry D. Kump of Falling Waters, W.Va., is a candidate for the 52nd District seat being vacated by Del. Craig Blair. I have known Larry since I first moved to Berkeley County more than 11 years ago. I know him to be a thoughtful, creative and dedicated public servant who, given the opportunity to serve, will bring a breath of fresh air to our delegation.

Larry has experience as a legislative staffer in the Pennsylvania state Senate, has assisted in drafting legislation and has lobbied in both Indiana’s and Maryland’s state capitols. During his many years of employment in the Maryland correctional system, Larry served as a trainer, mediator, facilitator, mentor and therapist. All of these skills, polished during his career of public service, will well-serve Larry and the citizens of our district in Charleston.

I am thankful that Larry is willing to make the commitment of time and talent necessary to be of further service to the community and our state. I urge my fellow citizens to support Larry’s candidacy for the West Virginia Legislature. We need his clear-thinking ideas, incorruptible ideals, and persuasive manner to tackle the many challenges facing the Eastern Panhandle in the years to come.

Edward Wilson
Falling Waters, W.Va.

Building a Better West Virginia

The Contractors Association of West Virginia (CAWV) has endorsed Larry D. Kump for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates, District #52 (portions of Morgan and Berkeley Counties).

Representing 475 members and employing over 20,000 West Virginians, CAWV's "goal is to provide an adequate infrastructure of roads, bridges, schools, airports, and water and sewer facilities that will provide for future economic development in West Virginia", according to CAWV Executive Director Mike Clowser.

No Finger Wagging, Please

The following appeared as a letter to the editor in the October 13, 2010, edition of the Martinsburg Journal.

Delegate should not wag finger and judge voters
October 13, 2010 - By Sarah Daniels:

I had the opportunity to listen to the discussion on WEPM Radio 1340 AM between delegate candidates for the 52nd District, Mike Roberts and Larry Kump. As a liberal Democrat and young professional woman, I was not only offended but insulted repeatedly and on various levels.

Mike Roberts' balance of mudslinging and patting himself on the back was quite the achievement of acrobatic skill. His description of family values as "having meals together daily, preferably in the evening and attending church every Sunday" is out of touch and archaic. Many of us do not have the luxury of making or choosing our work schedules, and that does not equate to not having family values.

It is not the role of our delegate to wag their finger at us in judgment without knowing the plight of the single or working parent. Furthermore, I am not interested in continuing the "good ol' boy" system of who knows whom and ignoring the concerns of working- class citizens. Playground tactics and juvenile verbal assaults are not the characteristics that I seek in a candidate.

I commend Mr. Kump for not participating in such off-putting behavior and maintaining the integrity one should have while addressing those of opposition. I'll be more specific ... I was impressed with Mr. Kump's determination to ignore the ongoing jabs from Mike Roberts while addressing actual issues.

A Soldier for You

To Whom It May Concern,

Having known Larry D. Kump, who is running for the West Virginia House of Delegates for portions of Morgan and Berkeley Counties in West Virginia, for many years - I offer this personal testimonial on his behalf:

Larry Kump is offering his good governance and knowledge to the people of Morgan and Berkeley Counties, West Virginia.

He is the type of man who will always stand up for what is right-a soldier for the working man who possesses honesty and integrity and who will not let you down.

I personally can attest to his perseverance for doing what is right-never bowing to pressure from anyone.

If elected, he will work to better the life of the people in these counties.

Larry Kump, no lies, no BS.

Please vote for Larry D. Kump in the next election.

Sincerely,

Lana Welch

An edited version of the above appeared as a letter to the editor in the October 20, 2010, edition of The Journal newspaper of Martinsburg, WV; and in the October 22, 2010, edition of the Hagerstown, MD, Herald-Mail.

Election News Update.

Recent newspaper articles:

In the Hagerstown Herald-Mail "Challengers in W.Va. 52nd District race would push for tax reform", dated October 11, 2010; appearing in the print edition of October 12, 2010, page B1, Tri-State Section.

In the Martinsburg Journal: "Candidates to face off in W.Va. House of Delegates races," dated October 12, 2010.

Counting the Votes

There's an old pun that tells us that, "In a Democracy, your vote counts, but, in Feudalism, it's the Count that votes.".

So, what about the representation (or lack of it) that we receive in our national and state capitols?

Is ours a Democratic Republic or simply modern day political feudalism?

All of which much reminds me of another entry herein, "Mouseland, a Fable for Our Times".

(The above appeared in edited form as a letter to the editor in the October 13th, 2010, edition of the Martinsburg Journal newspaper.)

Mom's the Word

As a person who probably knows Larry D. Kump best, I fully endorse his candidacy for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates.

I know that he puts the interests of the people he would represent first before his own interests.

He is hard working and highly qualified to represent the people of the Eastern Panhandle.

Respecfully,
Betty A. Kump
(Larry's Mom)

Ann, without a Doubt

I have known Larry D. Kump for 13 years, first as a co-worker and then as one who quickly became a friend.

During our years of working together, I have seen Larry persevere on issues not only important to him but to his co-workers as well.

Larry is an intelligent, dedicated, and honest individual.

I believe, without a doubt, that he will fight for what is important to the residents of West Virginia, holding his head high and proud, and not giving up until he has achieved his goal.

West Virginians will not regret voting for Mr. Larry D. Kump, West Virginia House of Delegates, 52nd District.

Ann Seyle
Hedgesville, West Virginia

Roger That!

I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Larry D. Kump for over 30 years, and in that time I have never seen him do anything that wasn't above and beyond what I consider to be Honorable.
I retired from the Department of Defense after 36 years service and also was responsible for millions of dollars of government funds.
I take my approval of any person running for office very seriously.
I think a vote for Larry is a vote for Honesty, Integrity and a New Way for dealing with today's problems.
Give West Virginia new hope.
VOTE FOR LARRY D. KUMP!
Roger Crawford

A Coworker's Confession

Letter-to-the-editor printed in the March 18, 2010, edition of the Hagerstown, MD, Herald-Mail, and in the March 28, 2010, edition of the Martinsburg, WV, The Journal.

W.Va. candidate is not about politics as usual

To the editor:

This year, West Virginia voters have a wonderful opportunity to elect a delegate who is more concerned for the citizens than politics as usual.

His name is Larry D. Kump.

Larry has been a longtime friend and a former Maryland co-worker who has lived in West Virginia since 1989. He has always been available to his friends for help and advice.

Larry's quest for workplace justice and the protection of citizen rights has always been his longtime priority.

In these trying times, the country desperately needs a representative who is directed by moral and ethical values. As a Maryland citizen, it is unfortunate that Larry refused my invitation to move across the Potomac and run for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates. Nevertheless, I continue to be thankful that Larry remains dedicated to good governance and that I can still consider him my good and faithful friend.

My hope is that West Virginia voters, concerned for their future, will take advantage of Larry's expertise with the knowledge that he will always be available for good advice and leadership.

West Virginia voters, please support and vote for Larry D. Kump for election to West Virginia House of Delegates District 52.

Roy Gilleo
Hagerstown

WV Chamber of Commerce Endorses Kump

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee has endorsed Larry D. Kump for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates District #52 (Berkeley and Morgan Counties).

According to Chamber President Steve Roberts, "Chamber members employ over half of the state's workers."

Kump Weighs in on Taxes & Economics

Larry D. Kump, candidate for election to the West Virginia House of Delegates (District #52), has signed the "Americans for Tax Reform" pledge to taxpayers that he will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes in West Virginia.

Kump pointed out that, although the current "job-less recovery" and massive deficit spending is a national problem, West Virginia has experienced an on-going problem since 1932.

Further, during the last two decades, West Virginians' average personal income has been ranked near or at the bottom in comparison to the folks in all other states. This is especially true when our personal incomes in West Virginia's border counties are compared to the personal incomes of folks in the counties just across our state line on the other side of our border.

Simply put: In these challenging times, West Virginia's bad tax laws and misdirected government regulation stifle our personal prosperity and individual freedoms.

Not only should West Virginians be protected from further tax hikes, but the current tax structure must be reformed.

Among other tax issues, the West Virginia groceries tax, home heating fuel tax, and the personal property tax on vehicles must be eliminated.

Also, West Virginia's destructively partisan legal system adds to our stagnation in productivity and wages. The American Tort Reform Association describes West Virginia as a "Legal Hellhole". Medical Malpractice, Tort, Venue Shopping, and Eminent Domain reform in West Virginia is necessary to help all West Virginians have a better tomorrow.

West Virginia might have a balanced budget and even a transitory budget surplus, but the citizens of West Virginia need major tax and policy reform to provide for meaningful jobs growth and the preservation of our personal liberties.

Visit www.atr.org for more about the pledge to vote against all tax increases.

Would You? David Woods!

To all West Virginia voters fortunate enough to be able to vote for Larry D. Kump for state delegate:

Just do it!

Voting for Larry is neither illegal, immoral, nor fattening!

Yet Larry offers a rather rare opportunity to support a candidate who is far more interested in the rights & welfare of his fellow citizens than in serving as a professional politician.

Larry knows and understands government at the state level from a lifetime of being a working part of it.

He notes "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" as one of his favorite films. It is a fine choice; also one of mine!

I can see Larry starring in a re-make we could call "Mr. Kump Goes to Charleston."

Unlike Mr. Smith (whom you may have forgotten was appointed, not elected), Larry, like Smith, also believes in all principles he advocates, and like Mr. Smith -- Mr. Kump lives by these self-same principles!

I'm convinced Larry will do a similar job for all of us as the fictional youth leader, Mr. Smith, did for his constituents.

But Larry also has two critical strengths Mr. Smith lacked: Larry is not naive about politics nor about politicians, and Larry listens to his fellow citizens!

There can be no clearer guide to Larry's aims than his stand on the Martinsburg City Library.

A bill was proposed to re-name this fine site as the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Library, and also broaden its directorial board to include the entire base it serves. More importantly, this large base pays for most of what keeps this library going.

All Larry asked was that ALL county citizens (not just city residents) be credited, & given an opportunity to help direct this vital county-wide institution!

A review of Larry's stands on past & current issues makes clear this is a typical stance from an atypical guy.

For Larry D. Kump is not only a great individual, but a man who all his life has made good things happen!

And the Lord only knows, we out here in West (by God) Virginia need all the good things to happen to us that are possible.

So let's elect a man who can help us live better lives in the future, a man with open-minded judgement on all public issues, and a man who can make this happen!

A vote for Larry D. Kump appears to this Navy Department retiree, retired USN captain, & holder of both an MBA & Phd plus serving as an adjunct university professor more than 40 years (Marshall the last 16) as a vote for progress, prosperity, & progress!

Some folks watch what happens, others wonder what is happening -- but Larry D. Kump makes it happen!

David L. Woods, of "The Woods"
A proud supporter of Kump for West Virginia Delegate

An edited version of the above appeared as a letter-to-the-editor in the October 6, 2010 edition of The Journal newspaper of Martinsburg WV.

Footnote: Campaign contributions will be put to prudent use, and should be sent to "Friends of Larry D. Kump", c/o Treasurer Robert B. Griffith, P.O. Box 1322, Hedgesville, WV 25427.

Sick & Tired, but Now Elated

I'd like to voice my opinion to encourage the people in the West Virginia House of Delegates 52nd district to vote for Mr. Larry D. Kump.

I'm sick and tired of all the politicians. I'm fed up with over-taxation, lies, and a blatant over-bearing of the government in general.

Anyways, when I heard that Mr. Kump was running, I was elated.

I've known Larry for many years as a friend and neighbor. He's a man of good moral values. He's not rich nor does he seek after riches as most. He only is out to make a difference.

But don 't take my word only, visit his website (www.LarryKump.us), and do your own homework.

Finally, someone worth voting for!

- Greg

A True Patriot

Don't let this guy get away!
I have discovered a nugget in the raw in Falling Waters, West Virginia.
Thanks to my niece Dorothy (Flagg) Keys of Martinsburg, West Virginia, I have watched the 2010 campaign of Larry D. Kump for District #52 Delegate to the West Virginia Legislature, and I am encouraged and overawed by his honesty and dogged determination.
While I can't vote in West Virginia (I am a former Martinsburg, WV resident and current US Army retiree living in Texas), I am impressed by the positions Larry has taken in his campaign for Delegate to the West Virginia Legislature.
His promise to reduce taxes, legislate for smaller government, and the steadfast efforts he has espoused to represent his future constituents is highly unusual.
I think he is a dedicated and superbly qualified candidate to represent the electorate of Berkeley and Morgan Counties, District #52.
Finding an unselfish and well qualified person willing to serve the voters is a rare occurrence.
I offer my encouragement to qualified voters in District #52 and extend my best wishes to Larry for a successful term in office.

James H. Flagg
San Antonio, Texas
Lt. Col. US Army Retired