Regardless of their allegiance to a particular college or university, citizens of West Virginia came together to celebrate the success of the extraordinary West Virginia University men’s basketball team and its coach John Beilein, as well as the post-season journey of the women’s team. Some already refer to the Regular 60-day session of the Legislature as “March Madness,” but with the continued accomplishments of these teams, a different wave of anticipation swept over the Capitol.

In order to recognize the extreme success achieved by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at WVU and to thank the players for the unification and attention they garnered in this great state, both the House of the Delegates and the Senate will be introducing resolutions and presenting them to the teams on April 9, the final day of the Regular Session.

In its battle for a national championship, the WVU men’s basketball team evoked a unified spirit that had long been subdued in this state. A collective sense of pride flowed throughout West Virginia with citizens rallying around the team as they powered their way beyond anyone’s expectations. This support had no exception within the state’s Capitol. Lawmakers expressed their team spirit by donning flashing WVU pins and giving motivational remarks on the floor pledging their faith in this seemingly unstoppable team.

The state cheered as the Mountaineers advanced quickly through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship tournament, starting among 65 other teams and advancing all the way to the Elite Eight. These players captured the state’s and the nation’s hearts with their unexpected success in a classic Cinderella story.

Their first round game against Creighton displayed the Mountaineers’ never-say-die attitude. With only seconds remaining, the WVU’s defense held strong, blocking a Creighton shot that led to the game-winning slam dunk. Many thought the team’s tournament run would end in the second round. However, the Mountaineers rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit against the region’s #2 seeded team, Wake Forest, to win in double overtime. In its Sweet 16 match-up against Texas Tech, WVU again persevered, defeating a talented team and one of the NCAA’s most accomplished coaches.

By the Elite Eight, with only one win between WVU and the coveted Final Four, all West Virginians, including state lawmakers, believed that anything was possible. However, Mountaineer fans stood in shock as the team’s lead, which had climbed to 20 points following a barrage of three-point baskets in the first half, began slipping away during overtime of its final game against Louisville. When the game was eventually lost, Final Four dreams were shattered, but no one stood displeased with the team’s efforts.

“I’m so proud of those guys and what they’ve done for us on a national basis. Finally the state is being recognized for the tremendous quality of life in WV.” -Sen. Roman W. Prezioso (D – Marion)

“Obviously it makes us a very proud state that these young athletes have put us on the map in the athletic arena. We just want to show our appreciation and our gratitude for their great display of their wonderful athletic abilities.” -Del. Scott Varner (D -Marshall)

Including their improbable run in the Big East Conference tournament, the Mountaineer men played eight phenomenal games in a mere 13 days. Their perseverance, grit and teamwork provided hope and a sense of pride to West Virginia.

Sportscasters from New York to Los Angeles dubbed the Mountaineers “America’s team” and the phrase “Pittsnogled” became a frequently used verb during the tournament to describe unexpected triumphs. Even after its defeat to Louisville, the story of WVU was highlighted by many media outlets as one of the tournament’s most inspiring.

The Mountaineer women’s basketball team also enjoyed great success in their post-season endeavors. The team is currently participating in a post-season tournament for the second consecutive year. The women are soaring through the 2005 Women’s National Invitation Tournament, having defeated Kentucky in Lexington in double overtime to advance to the championship game against perennial power Southwest Missouri State. At the time of this publication, the championship game had not yet been played.

Inside the Capitol walls, lawmakers recognized the positive impact the teams were having and even during one of the busiest months for lawmakers, they unified under the common goal of WVU success. In the midst of heated debates and approaching deadlines, lawmakers from all regions of the state set aside differences and cheered for the Mountaineers. The state came together with resounding support and delighted in the amount of national attention WVU had received.

The Cinderella story does not end here. The Mountaineers not only gave the state positive national attention, but also they highlighted the strong work ethics that are so dear to our state. These athletes may have opened the door to future students looking to attend a college or university in West Virginia. Thanks to them, institutions of higher learning in West Virginia could see an increase in enrollment. In addition, three weeks of consistent public attention to a national audience may have extreme benefits for the state’s tourism industry. The ability to showcase not only athletic talent, but also a strong will to succeed and an unwavering commitment may change any negative perceptions of West Virginia some residing outside the Mountain State might hold.

March is always a time of madness at the State Capitol. The lawmakers and staff members will be forever grateful to the 2004-2005 West Virginia University basketball teams, who produced a spirit and a success that made this the most memorable March Madness to date.

Representatives gather every January under the state’s Capitol dome in Charleston to take part in West Virginia’s democratic process; each individual earning his or her respective seat by a margin of victory through an election by the people. A glance at the members of the West Virginia Legislature returns no striking observation, but upon closer examination, that collective body is a reflection of the diverse citizenry it is sent to represent.

A vibrant picture of West Virginia’s residents is reflected through the analysis of the professions pursued by members of the Legislature. Being a legislator is more than attending legislative sessions and voting on proposed laws. State legislators spend large amounts of time assisting constituents, studying state issues during the interim and campaigning for elections, but West Virginia’s Legislature is considered a part-time citizen Legislature, since the members hold jobs outside politics throughout the year.

This type of citizen Legislature is traditionally found in more rural states with smaller populations, such as Vermont and Kansas. The legislators found most commonly in this year’s session are attorneys and businessmen and women. Eighteen members are retired, from such various fields as nursing, education, business ownership and broadcasting and 12 members are current educators. Three members claim farming as their business along with three bankers. There are members who are pharmacists, physicians, professional drivers and public relations specialists.

Most religions are represented through this Legislature as well. Forty members are Methodist, 26 Catholic, 14 Protestant and 13 are Presbyterian. There are members who are also Jewish, Mennonite, Wesleyan, Serbian Orthodox and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

A 2003 U.S. Census Bureau estimate of West Virginia’s population is 1,810,354. At 134 members, the Legislature represents a tiny faction, but is very representative through the convergence of each member’s individuality. Only 3.2 percent of West Virginia’s population in 2000 consisted of African American persons and 14.8 percent of West Virginians held a Bachelor’s Degree or higher; two members of the Legislature in 2005 are African American and 121 of the 134 members hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, by comparison. Of those members, 32 received that degree from an institution outside the state.

Membership in various organizations is also represented through the members of the WV Legislature, including 24 members of the National Rifle Association and 35 members who served in the U.S. Military. Eleven members are also Masons, and many members belong to the Lions Club, Moose Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Members of the Senate often get a start by serving in the House of Delegates first. Fourteen of the current 34 Senators were Delegates first, and an interest in politics could have been cultivated even earlier for the six members of the Legislature who had a parent or grandparent in the Legislature. Eighteen members were appointed to a position in the Legislature at some time and 25 of the current membership were born outside of West Virginia.

No population would be complete without interesting quirks and the Legislative members are no different. Some member belong to the Harley Owners Association, are former WVU Football stand outs, Herndon Interns, delegates to the Peoples Republic of China, Hunter’s Safety Class instructors, Civil Air Patrol members, Knights of Columbus, horse trainers, Amateur Radio Club members, volunteer fire fighters, lay preachers and sons and daughters of the American Revolution.

Each member relocates for 60 days out of the year to participate in the very public service of serving in the Legislature. Members leave homes, families, jobs and other lives; the true definition of a citizen legislature. Each individual’s experience and perspective is brought to the bargaining table as an ensemble which wholly represents the population who have elected these citizens to make the best decisions for the state.

Although the Capitol dome is undergoing a restoration for the next two years, West Virginia’s statehouse continues to serve as an incubator for inspiration. Housing the offices of the Governor, the Supreme Court of Appeals, the Constitutional Officers and the Legislature, the architectural wonder belongs to the citizens of West Virginia. As such, the road to the Capitol is never long.

During the year, visitors come from throughout the world, nation and state to photograph and experience the work of Cass Gilbert, the Capitol’s architect who is noted for his simplicity, just proportions, beauty and refinement.

Throughout the year, residents come to the Capitol to conduct business or to seek assistance in one form or the other. During the Legislative Session, people come to be heard.

Although letters and telephone calls are taken seriously during the Interim, the volume of a collective voice of like-minded people is amplified for 60 Days of the Regular Session during the first three or four months of each year.

As voters have become more politically aware in the past few years, more citizens come to the Capitol to participate in the democratic process. For a first time visitor, the trip can be daunting, yet always exhilarating…and maybe frustrating.

To further encourage citizen participation, a few tips on taking the road to Charleston may be helpful to interested parties.

First and foremost, plan an arrival date. Because some days are set aside for specific legislative actions, it may be difficult to contact a lawmaker. For instance, Mar. 21st is the last day for the Senate to introduce bills in the State Senate and Mar. 25th is the deadline for the House of Delegates. Members of both bodies will more than likely be holding day-long sessions to ensure bills they are sponsoring make it to the hopper. In addition, Mar. 27th is the last day for bills to move from committees and Mar. 30th is the last day for bills to be addressed in their house of origin. Again, long sessions are expected.

Also, let representatives know when you are planning to travel to the Capitol. This will allow them to set aside time or to let you know they may be carrying out their legislative responsibilities and time may not be an option.

Plan an agenda and know your bearings. An information packet may be downloaded from the Legislative Web site which details a Capitol map with legislative office locations. The identification of Senate and House district representatives can be made easier by obtaining a Directory of the 77th Legislature from the Public Information Office or by reviewing district maps on the legislative Web site. The information packet also provides locations of handicapped entrances and restroom facilities.

If observing a floor session is on the itinerary, a pattern has emerged in recent years whereas the membership may be required in their Chambers at 11 a.m. There is no set length of time for floor proceedings so full debate may be conducted. Committee meetings generally occur in the afternoon or in the late evenings.

Because of the volume of people coming to the Capitol during the Legislative Session parking is always an obstacle. While parking spots are readily available throughout the year, the amount of traffic arriving during session, too, is amplified. Sharing a ride takes on a whole new meaning during this deliberative time.

Free parking is available at Laidley Field, located West of the Capitol Complex and shuttle buses travel to and from the Capitol every 15 minutes. Many organizations charter buses while school children are brought by their familiar ride, the school bus.

The Capitol Cafeteria also sees its capacity stretched to its limit. Expect lines and plan accordingly. Some visitors take advantage of the time spent in Charleston to experience local restaurants while others grab a bite at nearby fast food establishments.

Oftentimes people ask what clothes are appropriate. Citizens have the luxury to come as they are within reason but coat racks are not available. It is recommended to lighten purses and wear comfortable walking shoes since marble flooring is not forgiving.

The Legislature is in its remaining 23 days of session as of March 17th. For those citizens who do not make it to Charleston in 2005, each is encouraged to visit during 2006.

The citizens of the State maintain the State Capitol. Voters select who will serve as their representative voices. With this authority, people are welcome to come home at any time, since the road is never long.