Mike Oliverio
Michael Angelo Oliverio, II | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia Senate from the 13th district | |
| Assumed office 1995 | |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 44th district | |
| In office 1993–1994 | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Melissa Kirk |
| Residence | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| Alma mater | West Virginia University |
| Occupation | Financial Planner |
Michael Angelo "Mike" Oliverio, II (born August 6, 1963 in Fairmont, West Virginia) is a Democratic politician in the U.S. state of West Virginia.[1] He is currently a member of the West Virginia Senate and previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates.[1]
He is the nominee for the Democratic Party in the 2010 race in West Virginia's 1st congressional district.
Career
Oliverio was first elected to public office representing the 44th House District (portions of Monongalia County) in 1992. In 1994, he was elected to the 13th Senatorial District of the West Virginia. Reelected in 1998, 2002, and 2006, Oliverio currently serves as the chairman of the Labor Committee and vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee.[1] One of Oliverio's legislative accomplishments is a law which allows West Virginia's state government to invest in stocks rather than just fixed-income securities as before.[2]
Oliverio is considered to be a conservative Democrat and has espoused issues such as reducing the national debt.[2][3] He identifies as pro-life and is opposed to abortion rights.[4] He also supports an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution to ban gay marriage.[5]
Along with Delegate Jonathan Miller, a Republican,[6] he serves as the state co-chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, a group which that seeks "to advance the Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism, and individual liberty".[7][8] Oliverio was also thanked in a 2006 speech by President George W. Bush for his assistance in securing the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court. Bush said, "I appreciate Senator Michael Oliverio, he's here. Mike I think did the country a great service when he worked on behalf of Judge Sam Alito to get him confirmed by the United States Senate. I appreciate your -- I want to thank you for that, Mike."[9]
On March 20, 2010, West Virginia Republican Party chair Doug McKinney referred to Oliverio's conservative political leanings by saying, "Sen. Oliverio has always been a conservative guy. He votes with the Republican on committees. We've joked for years he needs to come over to the party who thinks like he does."[10]
In October 2009, Oliverio and House of Delegates majority leader Brent Boggs attended a "Pastor's Briefing" sponsored by the Family Policy Council of West Virginia.[5] The Family Policy Council has recently opposed attempts to enact employment non-discrimination laws and regulations as well as anti-bullying legislation.[11] It was criticized for its production of a video advertisement which depicted the gay and lesbian community as "snipers targeting families," a video which Oliverio said "crossed the line."[5][12]
2010 election
On February 1, 2010, Oliverio announced his candidacy for West Virginia's 1st congressional district seat. He defeated 14-term incumbent Alan Mollohan in the Democratic primary on May 11, 2010.[13] Oliverio indicated his concerns about the national debt served as the primary impetus for his campaign.[2]
Personal life
Oliverio resides in Morgantown, West Virginia with his wife and two children.[14] His father, Mike Oliverio Sr., is a former Monongalia County clerk.[15] He himself is currently employed as a financial planner for Northwestern Mutual and [16] previously served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Captain.[1][17]
A Catholic,[1] Oliverio says that it is God's will whether or not he wins election.[17][15] He told the Times West Virginian: "We start every campaign by putting it in God’s hands. And we know that his will shall be done. And if it is his will for us to win, we will win. And if not, he has a higher and better purpose for me somewhere else." [15]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Michael Oliverio II". West Virginia Legislature. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ a b c King, Joselyn (February 2, 2010). "Oliverio Makes His Run Official". The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register. Wheeling, West Virginia. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ Giroux, Greg (March 30, 2010). "A Right-Leaning Primary Challenger for Mollohan". CQ Politics. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ Cross, Karen (March 20, 2009). "Pro-Lifers Gather in West Virginia to Rally Support for Bill". National Right to Life Committee. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ a b c Knezevich, Alison (October 21, 2009). "Democrats attend 'pastor's briefing'" (PDF). Charleston Gazette. Charleston, West Virginia. Archived from the original on October 22, 2009. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
- ^ "Biography". Jonathan Miller. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ "About". American Legislative Exchange Council. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ "State Chairman". American Legislative Exchange Council. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ "President Bush Delivers Remarks on Terrorism". Washington Post. March 22, 2006. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ King, Joselyn (March 20, 2010). "McKinney Talks 1st District Race". Wheeling News-Register. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
- ^ [1] Family Policy Council press release
- ^ Messina, Lawrence (February 19, 2009). "State marriage campaign chided for 'gay sniper' ad". The Times West Virginian. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
- ^ Washington Post (2010). Alan Mollohan loses primary fight. Retrieved May 11, 2010.
- ^ "Biography". Michael Oliverio for Congress. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ a b c Layton, J. Miles (April 4, 2010). "Oliverio again places campaign 'in God's hands'". Times West Virginian. Fairmont, West Virginia. Archived from the original on April 4, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
- ^ "Michael Oliverio". Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
- ^ a b Beard, David (February 2, 2010). "Oliverio to vie for 1st District: State senator seeks Mollohan's seat in Congress". The Dominion Post. Morgantown, West Virginia. Archived from the original on February 14, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2010.