Oliverio was first elected to public office representing the 44th House District in 1992. In 1994, he was elected to the 13th Senatorial District of the West Virginia. Reelected in 1998, 2002, and 2006, Oliverio served as the chairman of the Labor Committee and vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee. One of Oliverio's legislative accomplishments was a law which allows West Virginia's state government to invest in stocks rather than just fixed-income securities as before. Oliverio did not seek reelection in 2010 due to his candidacy for Congress. His term ended in January 2011.
Political positions
Oliverio is considered to be a conservative Democrat and has espoused issues such as reducing the national debt. He is pro-life on the issue of abortion. He also supports an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution to ban gay marriage. Along with Delegate Jonathan Miller, a Republican, he served as the state co-chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council. Oliverio was also thanked in a 2006 speech by President George W. Bush for his assistance in securing the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court. In October 2009, Oliverio and House of Delegatesmajority leaderBrent Boggs attended a "Pastor's Briefing" sponsored by the Family Policy Council of West Virginia. The Family Policy Council has recently opposed attempts to enact employment non-discrimination laws and regulations as well as anti-bullying legislation. It was criticized for its production of a video advertisement which depicted the gay and lesbian community as "snipers targeting families," a video which Oliverio said "crossed the line". On March 20, 2010, West Virginia Republican Party chair Doug McKinney referred to Oliverio's conservative political leanings by saying, "Sen. Oliverio has always been a conservative guy. He votes with the Republican on committees. We've joked for years he needs to come over to the party who thinks like he does."
2010 U.S. Congressional campaign
On February 1, 2010, Oliverio announced his candidacy for West Virginia's 1st congressional district seat. He defeated 14-term incumbent Alan Mollohan in the Democratic primary on May 11, 2010. Oliverio lost to David McKinley by an extremely narrow margin. He indicated his concerns about the national debt served as the primary impetus for his campaign. Olivero announced his interest in entering the 2012 Congressional race to face David McKinley, but ultimately decided not to run.
Personal life
Oliverio resides in Morgantown, West Virginia with his wife and two children. His father, Michael Angelo Oliverio was a former Monongalia County clerk. A Roman Catholic, Oliverio says that it is God's will whether or not he wins election. He told the Times West Virginian: "We start every campaign by putting it in God’s hands. And we know that his will shall be done. And if it is his will for us to win, we will win. And if not, he has a higher and better purpose for me somewhere else."
