Dec. 27, 2010
Who Do the Republicans Have for Governor?
State Political Analysis
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
The election of Joe Manchin to the U.S. Senate left a vacancy for the remainder of his second term as Governor. This has prompted a lawsuit to be decided by the State Supreme Court, which will determine whether the West Virginia Constitution requires a special election sooner than the 2012 general election cycle.
Several Democrats are already chomping at the bit in anticipation of that possible 2011 special election. In addition to interim Governor, State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan), other Democrats have shown an interest in running. They include Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, House Speaker Rick Thompson, State Treasurer John Perdue, and possibly State Supreme Court Justice Robin Davis.
"It's a cavalcade of stars," said Jack Ellis, Chief Political Analyst for HNN. "Everyone and their brother or sister is running on the Democratic side, and that could mean a great opportunity for the right Republican."
"You're looking at a crowded Democratic field, with at least two factions fighting it out for the top contenders," said Ellis. "A split Democratic Party always helps the Republicans. Take Cecil Underwood, for example."
But who is that Republican this time for Governor?
Perhaps the top prospect for the Republicans, former U.S. Senate candidate John Raese, has signalled in interviews that he will stay out of this contest as a candidate. Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito could also be a top-tier candidate for the WV GOP.
"Something tells me that Capito is very happy where she is," said Ellis. "You're looking at a woman who has served long enough to finally get into a leadership position in the new GOP majority in the House of Representatives. I would think it would take a lot to pry her out of D.C. about now."
With Raese and Capito out of the picture, lesser-knowns with fundraising capacity remain, and two candidates have shown some interest in running. Former Secretary of State Betty Ireland and current State Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph) have been putting out feelers.
"A lot of conservatives like Senator Barnes," said Ellis. "He's got military experience, which is a plus these days, plus he's a favorite of the NRA. While he's not tremendously well-known outside of his Senate district, he's making the rounds to Lincoln and Eisenhower Dinners in counties outside his district, which is important to do at this stage."
Stay tuned. As both sides gear up for a possible special election for Governor, the party that sticks together through the tough weeks of a primary is likely to produce the state's next Governor.
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Who Do the Republicans Have for Governor?
State Political Analysis
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
The election of Joe Manchin to the U.S. Senate left a vacancy for the remainder of his second term as Governor. This has prompted a lawsuit to be decided by the State Supreme Court, which will determine whether the West Virginia Constitution requires a special election sooner than the 2012 general election cycle.
Several Democrats are already chomping at the bit in anticipation of that possible 2011 special election. In addition to interim Governor, State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan), other Democrats have shown an interest in running. They include Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, House Speaker Rick Thompson, State Treasurer John Perdue, and possibly State Supreme Court Justice Robin Davis.
"It's a cavalcade of stars," said Jack Ellis, Chief Political Analyst for HNN. "Everyone and their brother or sister is running on the Democratic side, and that could mean a great opportunity for the right Republican."
"You're looking at a crowded Democratic field, with at least two factions fighting it out for the top contenders," said Ellis. "A split Democratic Party always helps the Republicans. Take Cecil Underwood, for example."
But who is that Republican this time for Governor?
Perhaps the top prospect for the Republicans, former U.S. Senate candidate John Raese, has signalled in interviews that he will stay out of this contest as a candidate. Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito could also be a top-tier candidate for the WV GOP.
"Something tells me that Capito is very happy where she is," said Ellis. "You're looking at a woman who has served long enough to finally get into a leadership position in the new GOP majority in the House of Representatives. I would think it would take a lot to pry her out of D.C. about now."
With Raese and Capito out of the picture, lesser-knowns with fundraising capacity remain, and two candidates have shown some interest in running. Former Secretary of State Betty Ireland and current State Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph) have been putting out feelers.
"A lot of conservatives like Senator Barnes," said Ellis. "He's got military experience, which is a plus these days, plus he's a favorite of the NRA. While he's not tremendously well-known outside of his Senate district, he's making the rounds to Lincoln and Eisenhower Dinners in counties outside his district, which is important to do at this stage."
Stay tuned. As both sides gear up for a possible special election for Governor, the party that sticks together through the tough weeks of a primary is likely to produce the state's next Governor.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
