Same old, or change on the way?

Ever since last month's Primary Election, a few Charleston watchers and columnists have expressed disbelief that Spike Maynard couldn't get the Democratic nomination in his reelection bid to the State Supreme Court.

But the really amazing thing is that these political pros didn't see it coming. They must be pretty out of touch to think people wouldn't be upset about a Supreme Court justice hobnobbing on the Riviera with a coal boss whose company has cases before the court.

The same type of ethical question is at the heart of the dispute over West Virginia University granting an unearned master's degree to Governor Joe Manchin's daughter.

Those who pretend that these things mean little are buying into the Good Old Boy system that has run this state too long. Let's hope they continue to be surprised by the public's response.