Anger Mounts Over Alleged WV Democratic Party Misconduct
Claims of unethical behavior strike at heart of party's declining power.
The political landscape of West Virginia has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. Since 2014, the Democratic representation in the state legislature has plummeted, giving way to a Republican majority that now targets the working class, dismantles environmental protections, and assaults the rights of marginalized groups.
This decline reflects a broader decay within the West Virginia Democratic Party (WVDP) as some in power have allegedly taken advantage of the disarray to enrich themselves rather than serve constituents. At the center of these concerns is Selina Vickers, a WVDP member, and her associated political action committee, "A New Day." However, the concerns extend beyond Vickers to encompass other groups like the WVDP Women's Caucus, which is accused of improperly promoting the 501(c)(4) organization "WV Can't Wait."
Together, these questionable actions raise suspicions of ethical and legal violations that further undermine the party. Specific allegations include conflicts of interest, misuse of party resources for personal gain, and potential infringements of election and tax laws. While Vickers and others do not act alone, they are accused of contributing to the growing integrity crisis.
As the political winds shift, it is imperative that these potential violations are thoroughly investigated and rectified. Only by directly confronting these issues can trust be restored in the WVDP, enabling it to effectively serve as the opposition party in this critical moment. The future of the party and the state depends on addressing these allegations head-on with full transparency and integrity.
The Fall of a Giant
West Virginia was once a Democratic stronghold, with the party championing coal miners, union workers, and rural communities. However, in recent decades the state has undergone a dramatic political realignment.
The 2014 mid-term elections marked a major turning point when Republicans seized control of the state legislature for the first time in over 80 years. This shift in power represented a fundamental realignment of political forces, as policies undermining workers’ rights and environmental protections were soon implemented.
This decline was compounded by party switching, with several elected officials and candidates abandoning the Democratic Party in favor of the GOP before the upcoming 2024 elections. This mass exodus signals a crisis of confidence and further weakens the party’s standing.
By most accounts, the Democratic Party in West Virginia now appears adrift and disconnected from its working-class roots. This backdrop of decline sets the stage for a closer examination of the allegations surrounding Selina Vickers and the WVDP.
The Shadow Behind the Curtain
The downward spiral of the WVDP is exacerbated by a series of questionable actions and decisions made by Selina Vickers, a WVDP member and operator of the 'A New Day' PAC. This dual role presents a ripe breeding ground for conflicts of interest, misuse of official resources, and unequal distribution of opportunities, all of which threaten to further undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the WVDP.
'A New Day' PAC, though its exact purpose remains unclear, seems to function as a vehicle for Vickers to advance her own political interests and agenda. Its activities have included organizing events and trainings for WVDEC members, and potentially influencing committee leadership selections. I have obtained documentation showing A New Day PAC organized a breakfast event the morning of the 2022 Democratic Party leadership elections in Harrison County. Mike Pushkin, Selina Vickers' preferred candidate, was elected chair that same day, though no direct link can be proven between the event and election outcome.
Based on emails I have reviewed, the scholarship and training opportunities were promoted by Vickers to a selective list of WVDP county chairs rather than the full membership. For example, the chair of the Black Caucus has confirmed they were not made aware of these opportunities, showing a potential unequal distribution of resources within the party.
Furthermore, there have been allegations that Vickers misused official WVDP resources for the benefit of 'A New Day' PAC. Such misuse of resources constitutes a breach of trust, raises legal concerns, and represents a clear violation of ethics and WV law. For example, using WVDP's mailing lists and official email accounts for the benefit of 'A New Day' PAC may violate several laws and regulations, including those that prohibit the use of public office or official authority to influence nominations or elections, using office for private gain, as well as IRS and Federal Election Commision (FEC) regulations that prohibit engaging in activities resulting in private inurement or private benefit, and the use of official resources for campaign-related activities.
The interwoven relationships and actions of Selina Vickers and the entities with which she is associated paint a troubling picture. It is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted to ascertain the extent of these potential violations and to take corrective action where necessary. I have obtained emails and other documents that substantiate these allegations. While I have chosen not to publish these documents in order to protect sensitive information, I am prepared to provide them to any legitimate investigative body or legal authority upon request.
As we peel back the layers of this intricate web of deceit, we uncover a series of potential legal and ethical violations that extend beyond the actions of a single individual. A particularly glaring example is the promotion of 'WV Can't Wait' through official party channels by the Women's Caucus and the WVDP. Not only did this action place the Women's Caucus and the WVDP on the wrong side of the law, but it also endangered the status of the 501(c)(4) organization 'WV Can’t Wait' by potentially engaging in illegal activities.
The Tangled Threads
The actions of Selina Vickers, the Women's Caucus, the WVDP, and 'WV Can’t Wait' appear to be enmeshed in a tangle of potential violations that could seriously compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the WVDP. These involve the West Virginia Code, IRS regulations, and FEC regulations, each prescribing specific legal requirements for political entities.
Furthermore, I have obtained documents showing the WVDP Women's Caucus explicitly encouraged members to utilize trainings provided by Stephen Smith’s non-profit, WV Can't Wait. This indicates potentially prohibited coordination between the official WVDP organization and the 501(c)(4) group WV Can't Wait. The apparent promotion of 'WV Can’t Wait' through official party channels and the alleged misuse of WVDP resources for 'A New Day' PAC could represent clear violations of the West Virginia Code. While a comprehensive legal analysis is needed, it is evident that, if these allegations are proven true, such actions would undermine the legal standing of the involved parties and the credibility of the WVDP.
Moreover, IRS regulations stipulate that 501(c)(4) organizations, such as 'WV Can’t Wait,' must not engage in partisan politics or operate primarily for the benefit of a political party. The promotion of 'WV Can’t Wait' by official party entities, such as the Women's Caucus and the WVDP, raises questions about its independence and impartiality, potentially infringing IRS regulations.
Additionally, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees the enforcement of federal election laws. The allegations against Selina Vickers and 'A New Day' PAC suggest potential violations of FEC regulations. For instance, the misuse of WVDP's mailing lists and official email accounts for the benefit of 'A New Day' PAC could potentially constitute a violation of campaign finance laws. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the full extent of these potential violations.
A New Day PAC has previously conducted training for WVDP officials and members, raising legal and ethical concerns. As a WVDP member and owner of 'A New Day', Vickers holds a powerful position within the party. By promoting and conducting training through her own PAC, she could potentially violate conflict of interest rules prohibiting using one's position for personal gain or the gain of an associated entity.
The potential violations outlined, if proven true, can have far-reaching consequences for the WVDP and its associated entities. These actions do not merely represent legal and ethical transgressions; they compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the WVDP. At a time when the WVDP should be uniting to oppose policies that undermine the rights and well-being of West Virginians, these alleged actions only serve to weaken the party and undermine its mission.
As the web of deceit unravels, it exposes a series of potential legal and ethical violations that threaten to eviscerate the credibility and effectiveness of the West Virginia Democratic Party. The actions of Selina Vickers within the WVDP raise critical ethical and legal questions that cannot be ignored. Specifically, promoting her own PAC, 'A New Day', and the non-partisan organization 'WV Can't Wait' using official WVDP resources potentially violates state and federal laws and party regulations. It is imperative that a comprehensive investigation is conducted to ascertain the full extent of these potential violations and to take corrective action where necessary.
The allegations laid out herein, if proven true, reveal more than just legal and ethical transgressions; they expose a crisis of integrity that could fundamentally undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the WVDP, with far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of West Virginia. It is imperative that a comprehensive investigation is conducted to ascertain the full extent of these potential violations. The findings of such an investigation will not only shape the future of the WVDP but will also reflect on the broader challenges facing democratic institutions in these trying times. As the political fabric of West Virginia stands at a critical juncture, the onus is on all stakeholders - from party officials to ordinary citizens - to demand accountability and transparency in the face of these serious allegations. Ultimately, the people of West Virginia will decide whether this type of behavior is to be rewarded or shunned. The future of the party, and indeed the state, hangs in the balance.
I reached out to Ms. Vickers, Chair Pushkin, and Mr. Smith for their comments on the allegations mentioned in this piece. As of the publication of this article, none have responded to the request for comment.
About the Author
Seth Sturm is the owner of Political Victory Alliance, a new startup political consulting firm. He serves on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization dedicated to a brighter future for West Virginia. Seth is the former chair of the now-defunct WVDP Indigenous Caucus. Seth was also part of the team that made history in 2016 when Mary Ann Claytor became the first African American to win a statewide contested primary race in West Virginia, securing the Democratic nomination for State Auditor.