Three months ago, we came together because we share the belief that with forward-thinking vision and leadership, West Virginia can take advantage of all of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By providing support for our small businesses, by developing a long-term energy policy, by strengthening our education system, by cutting the red tape and making state government work as hard as we West Virginians do, we can build a stronger West Virginia for generations to come.

Together, we can use innovation and accountability to make real change for the future of our great state. And now is the time to do just that. I would like to offer my congratulations to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, and my full support as we move ahead to the general election.

By working together, we will build a stronger future for our state and for all West Virginians.

-Natalie E. Tennant

Candidate for Governor Proud of Catholic and Italian Heritage

West Virginia Secretary of State and candidate for Governor Natalie Tennant today spoke with voters at the St. James Catholic Church Spaghetti Dinner in Clarksburg. Tennant has a special connection to St. James and to her Italian heritage. Her grandparents, Joseph Brunetti and Catherine DeLuca, were the first couple to be married in the North View church.

“I’m honored to be able to talk with folks here in North View today. St. James holds a special place in my heart – this was my mom’s church growing up, and many of my family members still live in the area. As Governor, I will fight to make government more accountable and transparent so we can build a stronger West Virginia together,” said Natalie E. Tennant, Democratic candidate for Governor.

Tennant was named the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival’s “Italian American Woman of the Year” in 2010. Tennant’s Italian heritage hails from San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy.  For her mother Rose Mary’s birthday a few years ago, Tennant travelled with her to San Giovanni to celebrate it and the Feast of Saint John. While growing up, Tennant sold pizza for her uncle Smitty Brunetti during the Italian Heritage Festival in Harrison County.

As Governor, Tennant will bring innovation and accountability to state government so West Virginia can focus on creating jobs and lowering taxes.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Secretary of State Natalie Tennant says she’s running for governor because she doesn’t like being on the sidelines when there’s work to be done.

“That’s the type of leadership that I bring, that we’re going to address the problem now. We’re not going to sit and wait and see what happens. That’s a new way of thinking,” she said. “That’s why I’m running for governor right now, because we need that type of approach right now.”

Tennant is one of six Democrats running for governor in the May 14 primary. This year’s special gubernatorial election is to fill the remaining term of former Gov. Joe Manchin, who was elected to the U.S. Senate last year following the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.

“I’m the type of person who cannot stand on the sidelines when I know that we all need to work together to find a new energy and a new approach to solving the problems,” said Tennant, who is halfway through her first term as West Virginia’s secretary of state.

Before being elected in 2008, the 43-year-old Marion County native worked as a reporter and television news anchor for 11 years. She is married to state Sen. Erik Wells, D-Kanawha.

As the state’s chief elections officer, Tennant said, she has implemented an online voting program for West Virginians serving in the military to ensure their votes are counted. She recently testified before a congressional panel about the project and posted a video on her office’s website. More than 100 videos are posted on the site.

“I bring the experience of open and engaging government, of transparency, at a time in a stage when we deserve to know what our government is doing,” she said, “because, if they don’t feel intimidated and they know what their government is doing and how its running, then they’re going to be more inclined to be involved in it.”

Using stimulus money already earmarked for statewide broadband is something Tennant wants to see West Virginia take advantage of. She said greater broadband access would allow state government to better serve small businesses, in addition to helping improve education.

“I listen, I talk to businesses, and then I act,” Tennant said, referring to small businesses now being able to file certain paperwork online. Tennant has worked, and says she will continue to work, with the state’s Tax Department “to make having a business and running a business in West Virginia a whole lot easier.”

Tennant said she was disappointed with the recent legislative session because it missed the opportunity to address Marcellus Shale regulations and the estimated $8 billion post-employment benefits, or OPEB, debt. She said her office is allocating money out of its budget to cover its debt.

“That’s the type of leadership that I bring, that we’re going to address the problem now,” she said. “We’re not going to sit and wait and see what happens.”

When it comes to energy, Tennant said she wants West Virginia to lead in solving energy challenges. She wants to see the state developing the technologies it will need in the future, particularly when it comes to tapping the Marcellus Shale formation.

Tennant is an advocate for technology, and has proposed using an unspecified portion of increased natural gas severance tax revenue for research and development, as well as improving math and science education, and helping development efforts in local communities and with small businesses.

“We have to have accountability when it comes to our education system,” Tennant said. “Accountability from the teacher, from administrators, from the students and from parents and our communities.”

Education is so important, she said, because when you have an educated and skilled work force, you’re able to meet the demands of new jobs that come into play.

“I’m the type of person who rolls up her sleeves and gets down to business and will take the bull by the horns,” Tennant said. “We can’t settle for the way things have always been done. We need vision and leadership, and that’s what I bring, because I’ve brought those results and a no-nonsense approach all along.”

West Virginia Secretary of State and candidate for Governor Natalie Tennant today received the endorsement of the West Virginia chapter of Vets for Freedom. The organization cited Tennant’s personal connection to the military and her recognition of the need to provide comprehensive services for West Virginia’s veterans in its endorsement.

“It is truly an honor to receive the support of West Virginia’s chapter of Vets for Freedom. My husband is a Naval reserve officer and on his way to Afghanistan this spring, so I recognize firsthand the struggles many West Virginia families face as their loved ones enter and return from military service. As Governor, I will ensure our state recognizes the invaluable contributions made by our combat veterans and provides comprehensive assistance to those returning from service,” said Natalie E. Tennant, Democratic candidate for Governor.

“As the state captain of West Virginia Vets for Freedom, I am proud to announce our endorsement of Natalie Tennant for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Our organization works tirelessly to ensure West Virginia’s veterans receive the services and assistance they so need and deserve. With Natalie Tennant as Governor, Vets for Freedom knows that no veteran in West Virginia will be left behind,” said James McCormick, Captain of the West Virginia chapter of Vets for Freedom.

West Virginia Vets for Freedom seeks to get involvement from state leaders to help ensure that veterans of all wars have access to the necessary resources and programs. It is a local chapter of Vets for Freedom, a national organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan committed to educating the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts.

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant also wants to use an unspecified portion of the severance tax revenue for improving three areas: math and science education, community and small business development, and research and development of new technologies.

“This will be the theme that you’ll see out of this coming from me, what you’ve seen in the secretary of state’s office and what you’ll see under a Tennant administration, is innovation and accountability.” –Natalie E. Tennant to the Beckley Register-Herald Editorial Board

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Earth Day Serves as Reminder of Need to Protect West Virginia’s Vast Natural Beauty

West Virginia Secretary of State and candidate for Governor Natalie Tennant today cited Earth Day as a reminder of all that the Wild and Wonderful state has to offer. As Governor, Tennant will work to responsibly develop the state’s vast natural resources, while protecting West Virginia’s water and communities and preserving the beauty that supports the state’s thriving tourism industry.

“Developing one resource at the expense of another is not a solution for West Virginia’s workers, families, or its future. West Virginia needs to benefit from the resources that come from West Virginia, and I will not let us be taken advantage of. By responsibly developing our resources and protecting our environment, we can create jobs, support our communities, and keep our state wild and wonderful,” said Natalie Tennant, Democratic candidate for Governor.

As Governor, Tennant will use innovation and accountability to develop a responsible energy policy that makes effective use of West Virginia’s extensive coal and natural gas resources, while protecting the state’s water, roads and communities. Tennant will also support and grow the state’s tourism industry, which serves as the economic lifeblood and a vital source of jobs for many areas of the state.

According to the West Virginia Department of Commerce, more than 11 million people visited the state in 2010, creating a significant economic impact. In 2008, for example, a West Virginia Division of Tourism study showed that travel spending by visitors that year totaled more than $4.38 billion, an increase of 7.3 percent from 2007. Visitor spending in the state directly supported 44,000 jobs in 2008, with earnings of $912 million.

RUNNING ON ROADS: With a special election primary less than a month away, Democratic candidates for governor of West Virginia are sparring over how to pay for road improvements. Secretary of State Natalie Tennant calls the state’s roads a “disgrace.”

In her 30-second “Here” ad, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant highlights her history of growing up on a farm and having to live within limited means.

She says that, if elected, she pledges to end political perks and wasteful travel expenses.