William Ridenour

William Ridenour was born in Springfield, Ohio. Ridenour's professional experience includes working as a defense intelligence officer in the Defense Intelligence Agency and chief of strategic policy with the Pentagon. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1980 to 2000. Ridenour earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1980, a graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2000, and a graduate degree from the Marine Corps War College in 2017.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Constitutional Conservative and first-time candidate. I am a retired a Marine and a retired defense intelligence officer have over 40 years’ service.

As a Marine officer, I principally served in combat units. I survived the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and other terrorist attacks. As a defense intelligence officer, I conducted strategic counterterrorism/counterintelligence missions against our most dangerous enemies, including deploying to Iraq. I’m a Marine Corps War College Distinguished Graduate, and retired in 2021 as the Joint Staff J2 Chief of Strategic Policy, as I saw the utter futility of advising the feckless Biden regime.

I am focused on protecting and securing our freedoms and rights under the Constitution. I believe families are the cornerstone of a free society. I’m Pro-Life, and a strong advocate for protecting our Constitutional rights. I believe religious freedom is critical for a free society. I’m for LEGAL immigration and countering crime. I’m for reducing both our federal and state government sizes, lowering taxes, and against government restrictions and mandates. I believe we need to improve our free market economy, infrastructure, and our failing educational system. I believe we must Keep West Virginia Free and Open!

As Delegate and a retired Marine, I’ll fight for our American Freedoms, and to preserve West Virginia as an Oasis of Liberty.

See my positions and proposals at https://billridenour.com/.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

American Liberty is enduring its most dangerous period in our history; we are at a crossroads – we either regain our Freedoms or descend into tyranny. The People must secure their Liberty – government is not Freedom’s guarantor. Government must be restricted as much as possible to ensure Liberty, while avoiding anarchy. Our Rights are God-given and not derived from any government. State legislatures must resume their role as the principal bulwark against the federal government, and must zealously guard against overreach by the federal government and bureaucracy. To resolve excesses by the federal government and threats to Liberty, a Convention of States to amend the Constitution to strengthen Liberty and restrict government is critical.West Virginia is an Oasis of Liberty – we can’t sit by as proponents of tyranny attack our Freedoms. Our society & economy must be open – individual responsibility should be our standard; oppressive mandates should not be imposed on a free society. I am proudly pro-Life & pro-Family. The 1st & 2nd Amendments are critical to a functioning Republic and must be defended by every means – the People must oppose corporations & groups that seek to undermine the Constitution and our Liberty. Free Enterprise, particularly small business, is the best economic system for a free society – government must avoid interfering with Free Enterprise. Racism, of any stripe, is an attack on Liberty that should never be encouraged or tolerated.A society founded on law and order is critical for a functional government – equal justice and effective law enforcement are pillars of an effective society. Security of the People is government’s critical function – our police must be supported. Illegal immigration is a threat to our Liberty–state governments must do more to counter this threat. Corruption in government is a betrayal of Liberty, and should be eradicated. Professional politicians must be regularly turned out to ensure the People are their own representatives. As the Constitution stipulates, state legislatures have authority over elections – the states must re-assert their primacy over elections to ensure they are free, fair and isolated from political partisan manipulation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Reducing federal & state government bureaucracies. Cutting taxes. Eliminating federal government overreach and political repression. Term limits. Government accountability. Ending government corruption. Ensuring free, fair and honest elections. Education: Refocusing on core subjects, including history; Classroom teaching, instead of federal, state & school bureaucracies; School choice; Opposing anti-American, anti-Liberty, anti-Free Enterprise & racist indoctrination; Preventing the sexualization and grooming of our children. Jobs and Local Economy: Attracting more businesses and high-skills public servants. Preserving our farmland. Criminal Justice: Requiring prosecution of certain crimes. Stopping illegal immigration and drugs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, U. S. Grant, Calvin Coolidge, and Ronald Reagan. These were great men, great leaders and great innovators. If I were to pick any one, it would be George Washington, not only because he was president and the key figure in the Revolution, but because he understood the People would have been made him a king. But Washington believed, with all his heart, that Liberty was the destiny for our country and the world.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend the paper my son and I wrote “Prophesying Tyranny - The Anti-Federalists and the Fate of Our World.” The paper is on my campaign website. I also recommend Mark Levin’s political philosophy books, particularly Liberty and Tyranny.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I've studied the U.S. Constitution, and read and know the West Virginia Constitution. I know the Constitutional role of our Legislature. I also know how government works at both the federal and state levels, and what roles were intended under federalism for our House of Delegates. I believe my role as a Delegate is to represent the will of the people who elect me.

I also believe that the focus on accomplishing the mission that both my parents and the Marine Corps instilled in me makes me a better person and elected representative, as I am determined to do the best for the people who elect me.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

From the time I was 14 until I was 19, I was a part-time sawyer at my father's sawmill, building pallets and working many other tasks. My brothers and I worked full 8-10 hour weekday shifts and often Saturdays during the summers. During the school year, my and I worked during weekdays when we didn’t have football, swimming, wrestling or track practice, and during most Saturdays. During college, I often worked when I was back from school, particularly during the summer. It was physically very difficult, and often dangerous, work. I was paid $1 an hour, however, we often didn’t get paid, since times were very tough. My parents had to decide whether to pay us or eat. My first fully paid job was as a Marine officer. I was a Marine until my retirement after 20 years, but I will always be a Marine.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor’s role is to execute the direction of the People via their representatives in the state legislature. Unfortunately, too many governors exercise their authorities beyond what was ever intended by both the nation’s and most states’ founders. In certain cases, such as California, New Jersey, Michigan, New York, and even recently, until Glenn Youngkin’s victory, in Virginia, they have became dwarf tyrants. The state legislature should provide direction to the executive branch, and the executive branch, under the guidance of the governor, should EXECUTE the legislature’s direction, not develop often contrary policies and direction. The state legislature should provide active oversight of the executive branch’s execution of the legislature’s direction. If the legislature does not believe the executive branch is accurately following its direction or is actively deviating from the direction, then the legislature should have the authority, not just via impeachment, to dismiss executive branch members.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don’t believe it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics, as state legislators should not be professional politicians. I believe we need a mix of legislators with varied backgrounds, who can bring their experiences of the real world to government. Professional politicians and bureaucrats are major problems in our country, and we should be doing our best to prevent both professional politicians and bureaucrats being office to long via term limits. Lobbyists are also a blight on our country. The last thing we need to do is elect more lobbyists who then use their position to advance their group’s and their own agenda, vice the People’s agenda.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should oversee all use of emergency powers. The members of the legislature are the most direct representatives of the People. The People need to exercise their power over their own government, particularly including any use of emergency powers, as these powers can and have been abused by many governments in the past. Any use of emergency powers should result in immediate notification to the legislature. If actions resulting from the emergency powers will have any significant impact on the People or will last for more than a short period, the legislature should be called into a special session to discuss and vote on the extent and use of designated emergency powers.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Candidate for West Virginia Governor

West Virginia State Senator Patricia Rucker

West Virginia Republican Assembly

West Virginia Freedom Caucus

West Virginia Farm Bureau

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

National Rifle Association A rating

West Virginia Nurses PAC

West Virginia Health Freedom PAC

Eastern Panhandle Business Association

West Virginia State Senator Mike Stuart

Jefferson County Sheriff Tom Hansen

West Virginians for Life

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Constitutional Conservative and first-time candidate. I have over 40 years’ service as a Marine and a defense intelligence officer. Now I want to serve the People of West Virginia.

My campaign focuses on protecting and securing our freedoms and rights under the Constitution. I believe families are the corner stone of a free society. I’m Pro-Life, and First and Second Amendments. I believe religious freedom is critical for a free society. I’m for LEGAL immigration. I’m for reducing both our federal and state government sizes, lowering taxes, and against government restrictions and mandates. I believe we must Keep West Virginia Free and Open!

As a retired Marine officer, I operated mainly in combat units. I survived the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. As a recently retired DoD intelligence officer I conducted strategic counterterrorism/counterintelligence missions against our most dangerous enemies, including deploying to Iraq. I’m a Marine Corps War College Distinguished Graduate, and retired in 2021 as the Joint Staff J2 Chief of Strategic Policy, as I saw the utter futility of advising the feckless Biden regime.

As Delegate and a retired Marine, I’ll fight for American Liberty, and to preserve West Virginia as an Oasis of Liberty.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

American Liberty is enduring its most dangerous period in our history; we are at a crossroads – either regain our Freedoms or descend into tyranny. The People must secure their Liberty – government is not our guarantor. Government must be as restricted as possible to ensure Liberty, while avoiding anarchy. Our Rights are God given and not derived from any government. State legislatures must resume their role as the principal bulwark against the federal government, and must zealously guard against overreach by the federal government and bureaucracy. To resolve excesses by the federal government and threats to Liberty, a Convention of States to amend the Constitution to strengthen Liberty and restrict government is critical.West Virginia is an Oasis of Liberty – we can’t sit by as proponents of tyranny attack our Freedoms. Our society & economy should be open – individual responsibility should be the standard for all; oppressive mandates should not be imposed on a free society. I am proudly pro-Life & pro-Family. The 1st & 2nd Amendments are critical to a functioning Republic and must be defended by every means – the People must punish corporations & groups that seek to undermine the Constitution and our Liberty. Free Enterprise, particularly small business, is the best economic system for a free society – government must avoid interfering with Free Enterprise. Racism, of any stripe, is an attack on Liberty that should never be encouraged or tolerated.An ordered society is critical to a functional government – equal justice and effective law enforcement are pillars of an ordered society. Security of the People is government’s most critical function – our police must be supported. Illegal immigration is a threat to our Liberty–state governments must do more to counter this threat. Corruption in government is a betrayal of Liberty, and should be eradicated. Professional politicians must be regularly turned out to ensure the People are their own representatives. As the Constitution stipulates, state legislatures have authority over elections – the states must re-assert their primacy over elections to ensure they are free, fair and isolated from political partisan manipulation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Reducing federal & state government bureaucracies. Eliminating federal government overreach. Fighting Federal political repression. Term limits. Government accountability. Ending corruption in government. Ensuring free, fair & honest elections. Education: Refocusing on core subjects, including history; Focusing on classroom teaching, instead of federal, state & school bureaucracies; School choice; Opposing anti-American, anti-Liberty, anti-Free Enterprise & racist propaganda; More in-person classroom instruction by teachers, instead of dubious computer systems. Jobs and Local Economy: Attracting businesses and high-skills public servants. Criminal Justice: Requiring prosecution of certain crimes. Stopping illegal immigration & drugs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, U. S. Grant, Calvin Coolidge, and Ronald Reagan. These were great men, great leaders and great innovators. If I were to pick any one, it would be George Washington, not only because he was president and the key figure in the Revolution, but because he understood the People would have been made him a king. But Washington believed with all his heart that Liberty was the destiny for our country and the world.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend the paper my son and I wrote “Prophesying Tyranny - The Anti-Federalists and the Fate of Our World.” The paper is on my campaign website. I would also recommend Mark Levin’s political philosophy books, particularly Liberty and Tyranny.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I've studied the U.S. Constitution, and read and know the West Virginia Constitution. I know the Constitutional role of our Legislature. I also know how government works at both the federal and state levels, and what roles were intended under federalism for our House of Delegates. I believe my role as a Delegate is to represent the will of the people who elect me.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The war in Vietnam. I began to understand the war when I was eight years old, as I watched the beginning of the daily casualty counts on the news. I watched as the media began to deliberately manipulate information, particularly Walter Cronkite’s betrayal on the 1968 Tet Offensive, to undermine our troops and our allies largely because the country elected a Republican president, Nixon, rather than the media’s preferred Democrat as president.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

From the time I was 14, I was a sawyer at my father's sawmill, building pallets and many other jobs. It was physically very difficult, and often dangerous, work. However, my first fully paid job was as a Marine officer. I was a Marine until my retirement after 20 years, but I will always be a Marine.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. Because it is the word of God.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor’s role is to execute the direction of the People via their representatives in the state legislature. Unfortunately, too many governors in the country are exercising their authorities beyond what was ever intended by both the nation’s and most states’ founders. In certain cases, such as California, New Jersey, Michigan, New York, and even recently, until Glenn Youngkin’s victory, in Virginia with Governor Blackface, they have become mini-tyrants. The state legislature should be providing direction to the executive branch, and the executive branch, under the guidance of the governor, should EXECUTE the legislature’s direction, not develop often contrary policies and direction. The state legislature should provide active oversight of the executive branch’s execution of the legislature’s direction. If the legislature does not believe the executive branch is accurately following its direction or is actively deviating from the direction, then the legislature should have the authority, not just via impeachment, to dismiss executive branch members.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should oversee all use of emergency powers. The members of the legislature are the most direct representatives of the People. The People need to exercise their power of their own government, particularly including any use of emergency powers, as these powers can and have been abused by many governments in the past. Any use of emergency powers should result in immediate notification to the legislature. If actions resulting from the emergency powers will have any significant impact on the People or will last for more than a short period, the legislature should be called into a special session to discuss and vote on the use of emergency powers.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I do not believe that compromise of morals or values is necessary to develop good policymaking. I believe that practical compromise to achieve a pragmatic solution may be necessary for certain issues, but any compromise involving changing morals or values is a betrayal of the trust the voters put into their representatives.