The Young Democrats sponsored a forum for anyone who wanted to attend and ask questions.

"We wanted to bring the candidates to the students," Nate Kuratomi, president of Young Democrats, said. "This will give them the chance to see the candidates and why they should vote for them."

The goal of the forum was to increase student involvement, Kuratomi said.

Lees spoke in an informal setting of five people. He provided signs, stickers and information about himself and his strategic plans. 

"The truth is West Virginia can do better," Lees said. "The reality is West Virginia must do better for our children, for our families and for our future." 

Lees was born during the last months of the Truman Administration to a coal miner. In 1970, Lees enrolled in West Virginia University and played basketball for the Mountaineers. 

In 1974, Lees began working as a police officer to help pay his way through law school, and in 1977 he went to work as a Deputy District Attorney. 

The discussion started with economic development and how to keep the younger generations in West Virginia. 

Lees' strategy for economic growth is to target West Virginia strategic opportunities for growth, increase venture capital, provide tax relief and regulatory assistance for small business and one-stop licensing for small businesses. 

Another issue discussed was mountaintop removal. 

"I am opposed to mountaintop removal to an extent," Lees said. "I don't want to eliminate it, just have limitations." 

Lees also discussed polling. 

"This is a poll-driven society and polls are inaccurate," Lees said. "Candidates shouldn't believe they are going to win just because of the polls." 

Campaign finance reform was also mentioned. 

Candidates are permitted to take up to $1,000 in contributions. We also don't have the soft money problem in West Virginia, Lees said. 

"As a candidate, I don't like the way it is now, but I can't come up with a better system," Lees said. "I don't know if people should be able to give what they want, the candidates report it and the voters decide, or have public finance for the campaigns." 

Lees also stressed the importance of media support in campaigning. 

"In politics you are either rich or you go get money from somewhere else," Lees said. "Then they will want something in return." 

His strategic plan for education is to increase emphasis on competency, improve curriculum, instruction and facilities in middle schools, develop an independent statewide community college and technical college system and develop "seamless curriculum" between K-12 and higher education. 

Lees also shared his opinion about the next election. 

"I don't think there will be a huge anti-democratic vote this time. Odds favor the democratic nominee," Lees said. "I think Underwood will have to explain how bad the economy is after his four years in office." 

Lees' health care strategy is to emphasize patient rights in managed care, protect senior citizens from health care abuse and manage state tax dollars appropriately in Medicaid and PEIA. 

His crime strategy includes eliminating parole, enacting truth-in sentencing legislation and enacting a crime bill to protect the elderly. 

A candidate's busy life was also discussed. 

"I leave tomorrow to go home. I have to get up at 5 a.m. to meet at headquarters at 6 a.m. Then I have breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a tour of the courthouse and visitation from door to door," Lees said. "Next I have a meeting in Charleston at 1:15 p.m. Every day you are going and answering questions."

Lees concluded by talking about college students voting.

"I think at one time politics turned them off. They probably think the candidates are bought and paid for by special interests. That is why I try hard to get students involved," Lees said. "I am willing to come to Marshall anytime, whether it be to talk to one person or 50 people. I would like to change the way students think. Of course, that's all I can do. After that, it is up to the student to take a step."

Story by Courtney Ross