Political System

The November general election is quickly approaching. While much of the focus has been on the Obama-McCain showdown for the White House, I, for one, care more about the local balloting. The Belmont County election is one that disappoints me. Disappointing in the fact that there is only one contested race of consequence. Current county prosecutor Chris Berhalter is being challenged for the post by Ed Sustersic. Both are quality attorneys and good men. Every other Belmont County race features no bi-partisan matchups. The Democratic Party is so dominant in the county that it leads to the GOP failing to put up strong candidates against the Dems. Surrounding counties like Harrison and Jefferson are much more politically balanced. The two-party system is not alive and well in Belmont County.