While WV is still a producer of coal, and there are counties in which
> unemployment is at very high levels, West Virginia has a lot more
> going for it. West Virginia is the home of a large IRS processing
> center. It is the home of a large FBI facility. Even NASA does
> significant business in the state. I should also mention that WV was
> one of the first states to provide a computer network statewide
> connecting all of its state educational institutions. The eastern
It never hurts to have a senator with seniority.