Hello, I am Joe Manchin, Governor of the Great State of West Virginia

Hello, I am Joe Manchin, governor of the great state of West Virginia and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. It is an honor to stand before you today. Governors work across party lines to get things done. We're held accountable each and every day for finding ways to solve our states' most pressing problems. Twenty-eight states—including both red and blue states—currently have Democrats in the governor's office. They are doing what hard-working families have to do, living within their means and keeping their budgets in balance.

Our goal is to simply keep our country strong and our economy vibrant, state by state. In West Virginia, state leadership has produced a record number of new jobs, low unemployment and fewer taxes. We've reduced the size of state government and tackled our debts. Now, the time has come for Washington to follow our example and bridge partisan divides to bring America the change it needs. The states of our union can't afford any more of the same old gridlock that currently reigns in Washington.

What we need from Washington is a realistic energy policy, as well as healthcare for every working person. We need a commitment to fixing our roads and bridges and a renewed education system that prepares our workforce to compete globally. Together, we can turn the page on November 4th by voting for the one candidate who can bring us the change we need: Barack Obama.

Now, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I like to say that I am a child of privilege. My grandparents were Italian and Czechoslovakian immigrants whose search for a better life led them to the small West Virginia coal mining towns of Farmington and Rachel. They understood that life in America was a privilege. In exchange for that privilege, they believed they had a responsibility to give something back. They taught me the importance not only of hard work, but also of having compassion for all people. The example they set, along with the unconditional love of my family and the strong support of my community, enabled me to attend college, run a successful business and launch a career in public service.

I am very proud to represent the great state of West Virginia and, most importantly, its people. West Virginians value hard work, patriotism and faith in God. They have faced adversity with courage, and they help each other in challenging times. They do the heavy lifting in the economy. They mine the coal, make the steel, and work the assembly lines that make our industries tick. Their experience and knowledge has earned each of them a Ph.D. in life. They can shake your hand, look you in the eye, and touch your heart.

And let me tell you something: They can't afford four more years like the last eight. They need, and deserve, better from Washington. They need a president who puts their best interests first. They need a president who will tackle the major issues, balance our nation's budget, and help struggling middle class families regain their footing. They need a president who will re-establish our country's reputation in the world community. They need a president who will restore the promise of economic opportunity that is every American's birthright. They need change, and they need Barack Obama as president!

Together, we can move from recession to resurgence. Together, we can stop running from our domestic problems and start sprinting toward solutions. We can raise our expectations of Washington and demand that they tackle the tough challenges, just as our nation's governors do every day.

My fellow Americans, we need a new leader for new times. Barack Obama is the only candidate in this race who has captured our nation's hopes for the kind of change we so desperately need. Let's do what's right for America and elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

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