[Hoot Gibson]

I used to live and work in Logan County and I can assure everybody that the UMWA is not a stronghold of Republican voters. Bob hit the nail on the head with a big hammer. RV is working hard to make a case where none can be made. If there are 50 open positions being advertised while thousands of miners are being laid off, what does that prove?

Most mining companies do not accept applications for most positions at their mining operations. They advertise and usually work through the state employment offices to fill vacancies. As long as a handful of mines are operating, there will be a few positions advertised and the companies will exaggerate how many jobs they have to ensure that they have a large pool of applications from which to pick the best candidates.

The coal industry is suffering a painful, slow death at the hands of Obama and the political hacks who dominate the EPA and other agencies that regulate the coal mining industry. Don't worry, as long as RV has a job, all is well in Obamaland.