Falling short of petitioning for a law change, Gov. Tomblin did agree that it should be left up to the individual rider and not be mandated by the state. "This isn't a dramatic change for me, it's more of an evolution of my views. I've been wrestling with this my entire political career. Really, struggling with it, but I now have to announce I agree that motorcyclists should free to be helmet free, if they so choose."
"Chubby" Roberts is glad, "This is a bold statement for Govenor Tomblin to make! If anyone was on the fence about their support for him to be reelected, this should change their mind. He supports us, so I support him!"
Others are not convinced. "Why is this the first time he's even mentioned his 'evolution'?" says Terrance "Rubber" from Gay, WV "We've been out here fighting the fight, getting mocked, fined, even arrested - but Tomblin has remained silent all these years."
Les Bien founder of the BADASS agreed, "What's the point of making some great pronouncement that he agrees with us, if he's not going support our cause through legislation. This is just more pandering"
Earl Ray Tomblin's office refused further comment. Some believe the Governor's announcement is an attempt to cover for an earlier comment by Senate President, Jeffrey Kessler. Speaking during an private dinner, Kessler mumbled something about hating to wear his helmet when riding his motorcycle and so does the Governor. Tomblin's press photo for Motorcycle Safety Month - sans any helmet in the photo - also spawned rumors.
TheDiggerer.com believes Tomblin is a bold leader who is willing to loose political points for a righteous stand... even if he's too timid to do anything about it.
