I WILL be the first to admit, I am not well steeped in West Virginia politics. Eastern Ohio is more of my comfort zone.

But you would have had to been holed up in a cave this past week — much like Bin Laden — not to understand the impact Robert Byrd had on his beloved Mountain State, if not the nation. Byrd passed away Monday, leaving in his wake the longest tour of duty in U.S. Senate history, spanning more than half a century.

His longevity is remarkable, but how he continued to make life better for West Virginians is legendary. His death triggered a tidal wave of praise and tribute.

It is staggering how much money he secured for projects in his home state. The City of Wheeling and Wheeling Jesuit University feature Byrd’s moneyprints. His pork expertise will likely never be seen again in U.S. politics.

Byrd’s memorial service was quite riveting Friday in Charleston. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were upstaged by former President Bill Clinton, who continues to possess post-Oval Office rock star status.

All three, however, expressed a common theme: The nation — West Virginia in particular — lost a rare Byrd, indeed.

Byrd’s passing leaves a major void in the West Virginia political scene. I see Gov. Joe Manchin as a great choice for senator after he completes his second term as governor, a role he has flourished in.

BUBBA’S BITS

THE SHADYSIDE Board of Education made a good choice in naming Dom DeFelice to fill a school board vacancy.

The St. John Central product brings character, common sense and business savvy to his new post. His hiring also likely paves the way for John Haswell to become the district’s new high school principal.

SOME THINGS never change. The Cincinnati Bengals are well known for harboring players who are no strangers to criminal activity. Add running back Cedric Benson to the list. Benson was charged with assault after an alleged bar incident Tuesday.

WHEN IT comes to cancer research, Wheeling Hospital’s Dr. Gregory Merrick is at the forefront. The Philadelphia native also possesses some of the most comprehensive basketball knowledge we have encountered. Dr. Merrick and Wheeling Jesuit University men’s head coach Danny Sancomb held a news conference Tuesday to unveil plans for the annual Cancer Research Classic. Dr. Merrick wowed those in attendance with his hoop info expertise, both Philadelphia-wise and nationally. The Cancer Classic will be held Jan. 8 at WJU and features a superb lineup.

I REALLY like the OVAC’s new twin doubleheader format to open the prep football season. I have always been a proponent of kicking off the campaign on Thursday nights, as it proves the ideal showcase, drawing much larger crowds than the traditional Friday or Saturday lidlifters. Also, one day earlier is no hindrance to practice time as teams have all summer to get ready for their foe. This year’s matchups also are attractive as well as the respective venues of Wheeling Island and Harding Stadium.

JUST A reminder that the Belmont County Relay For Life Auction/Mini-Relay will be held this Friday at the St. C. Recreation Center.

The event, which runs from 5-10 p.m., will help make up some of the money lost when the Relay for Life at Bellaire’s Nelson Field was wiped out last month due to torrential rain.

OUR?THOUGHTS and prayers go out to co-worker Patricia Graham.

The Times Leader Lifestyles Editor underwent emergency surgery at?Allegheny Hospital in?Pittsburgh late Friday night, carrying into Saturday morning.

As of Saturday afternoon, Trish was still in the recovery room. Trish is a superb journalist and even better person.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleader online.com