Former Marshall professor Hechler announces run for U.S. Congress

Ken Hechler has been elected to many political offices, including the U.S. House of Representatives.

Now, he wants another term at the U.S. Capitol.

Secretary of State Ken heckler, left, announces his bid for the U.S. Congress. members of the College Democrats stand around him. Photo by Diane Potorff

The former Marshall political science professor made his announcement Thursday in the Memorial Student Center to run for Congress.

Hechler spoke to students about some of the issues such as expanding Pell grants so more incoming freshman can attend college.

One of the goals is to eliminate tax shelters for the wealthy and corporate tax breaks that can re-capture $150 billion for the expansion.

He said he wants students to be able to move away from student loans, so that the loans will not hang over students' heads forever.

His other promises include a job diversification program with emphasis on information technology and fewer telemarketing jobs for West Virginia, expanding the Americorps program, campaign finance reform, universal health care with a single payer system and the completion of Corridor H, which will open the state from Elkins to the Virginia border.

Hechler is putting an emphasis on young people in his campaign; he picked Marshall to make his announcement be-cause he once taught here and has many supporters.

He used to tell his students to take part in the political process.

"He was a good professor," said Mary Cliff, a 1957 graduate.

His students pushed him to get involved in his first political campaign.

"I worked for him over the summer in the secretary of state's office," said Bill Walker, Charleston political science senior, and justice of the court for the Student Government Association.

"It was a great opportunity to get involved and to be out here campaigning and learn, and I can't learn from a better teacher."

Walker is Hechler's campus campaign manager

He promises to run a clean and positive campaign and not deviate from his promises if negative advertising comes out against him.

"I think its wonderful he came to Marshall," said Kasey Pelphry, Huntington public relations sophomore.

"You don't see many politicians come here and that he is trying to incorporate student issues into his campaign."

"It was nice," Michael Blatt, Huntington nursing sophomore, said. "I like how he is concerned about the students."

Gary Michels, Wayne business management freshman said, "I don't like career politicians and they should not be in the student center because this is where we relax. But, he rides around in a Jeep, and I like Jeeps."

Hechler will officially file for office and make a similar announcement today at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

More information about Hechler's campaign is available by calling Walker at 697-5905.