Maxine Corbett
Richwood Reporter

Steve Nicholas came home on July 30 to attend a political fundraiser. None of his supporters at this gathering at Dain Park will be able to case a ballot for him in the November election, but that did not stop family and friends from gathering for this event.

Nicholas, a Democrat, is running for a seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 12th District, which encompasses Jackson County. He is facing a three-term Republican. However, Nicholas has gained confidence from the support he is seeing as he campaigns.

Nicholas noted, "I have been interested in politics as long as I can remember. I turned 5 just before Jay Rockefeller's first Senate campaign. Someone gave me a button at the Cherry River Festival Parade, and I was interested from that day on."

He joined the National Guard in 2000 and his basic training was over that October. He entered West Virginia University and joined the college chapter of Young Democrats in 2001, becoming Vice President in 2002. He did a stint in Iraq, from February 2003 to April 2004, returned to WVU and became Vice President of the Young Democrats again. While at WVU, he wrote op-ed pieces for "The Daily Athenaeum." Seventeen of his columns were picked up by the college wire service during his senior year.

This 1998 graduate of Richwood High School received a B.A. degree in Religious Studies in 2005. He holds minor degrees in American Politics and Policy, and English. He was named the "Outstanding Senior in the Program for Religious Studies." he is currently working on a Master's Degree as a seminary student at Palmer Theological Seminary, West Virginia Program in Ripley.

His focus in the campaign is threefold: infrastructure, good government and planning for the future. Nicholas feels voters are looking for something new. He advocates building a statewide mass transit system. Education is high on his list of priorities as is investing in alternative energy.

Although those present for this picnic in the park could not vote for Nicholas, he gave those present a sample of his performance on the campaign trail. Steve is the son of Faye and Stephen Nicholas of Richwood. He has one brother, Josh. His mother accompanied him on a Fourth of July parade appearance where she walked two hours in the heat, passing out candy along the parade route. She felt the effort was worth it if it helps Steve at the polls.

Entertaining at the picnic were Jeff and Jeffrey Russell who played mostly classic rock tunes.

Those who remember Steve from his days at RHS who would like to give him a word of encouragement or a helping hand may reach him at his web site: http://www.oocities.org/steve4wv. Or drop him a line at Rt. 1, Box 125, Apt. 2, Ripley, WV 25271.