GOLD CAPITOL DOME IS OUT - 12,000 Vote On Net

(02/15/2005)
Over 12,000 "voted" from inernet sites that they don't want their Capitol dome covered in gold, instead opting for a lead-gray background with gilded highlights.

It is the original design used by architect Cass Gilbert.

Gov. Joe Manchin said "The original design is my choice as well. Now that the voting has concluded, I am pleased to report that it is also the least expensive of the two restoration options, by approximately $214,500."

Actually Gilbert originally had envisioned a dome made of marble, said Fred Armstrong, director of state archives.