West Virginia Democratic governor calls for bipartisanship. - "We are not a party of divisiveness; we are a party of inclusion."

The quality of Americans' lives is improving in states with Democratic governors, and congressional leaders should follow that example to cut through partisan gridlock, West Virginia's governor said Saturday.

"When America is facing challenges like the deployment of our family members overseas; record, mounting gas prices; and skyrocketing health care costs, it is not a time for rhetoric or fighting. It is a time for leadership and action," Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin said in his party's weekly radio address.

As some state legislative sessions end, Democratic governors have successfully worked with their lawmakers to enact historic laws with bipartisan support, Manchin said, taking a swipe at Republican leaders in Congress.

"The basic difference in this is — everyone is welcome in the Democratic Party. We are not a party of divisiveness; we are a party of inclusion," Manchin said. "And our core beliefs revolve around our dedication to helping every American improve the quality of their lives."

"[W]hen you are willing to work across the aisle, when you are driven by the concerns and needs of working families, you can accomplish great things for Americans," Manchin said.

(4-16-06, AP.)

And all God's children said . . . Amen.