This week the Republican Gubernatorial primary race got a little more interesting. Thursday, Governor Justice, in a pivotal moment, endorsed Moore Capito for the next governor of West Virginia.
Governor Justice is quite popular in the state, and this endorsement carries weight with the people who have continued to rank him in the top ten for popular governors in recent years. The Governor himself is polling at 54 percent over Congressman Alex Mooney’s 17 percent in his own bid for United States Senate.
Governor Justice’s endorsement brings considerable weight and influence to Capito’s candidacy. The Governor’s seal of approval signals to the voters Capito has the support of a key player in West Virginia politics. This endorsement signals to the party establishment and grassroots supporters that Capito is the candidate best positioned to carry forward a similar agenda for progress in the state. Both men align closely on key issues such as economic development, infrastructure investment, and protecting rights Republicans hold in high esteem.
As recently as Wednesday, during the governor’s briefing, Governor Justice remarked he was still considering endorsing a candidate to follow him in the Governor’s office. Perhaps all the negative ads just got to be too much, as the Governor made remarks about the mudslinging to emphasize that point. He further said it’s a major reason he is supporting Capito.
“We have good candidates, and I admire each for their individual accomplishments. As I have watched this campaign mature, however, I am saddened by the ridiculous mudslinging,” Governor Justice said.
“Today I am honored to announce my wholehearted endorsement for Moore Capito for Governor and that I will support him in every way. He is from a family of thoroughbreds: from his three-time-elected Governor-grandfather Arch Moore to his current United States Senator-mother Shelley Moore Capito. Moore has shown he has the vision and knowledge to elevate West Virginia, and I am proud to wish him success.”
He continued, “I have realized only one candidate is laser-focused on continuing to keep us on the path of goodness for all of us. I think only one truly understands that we got here by pulling the rope together. Our great turnaround story still has chapters to be written, and I believe one candidate is prepared to keep the course.”
Also included in his remarks, “We have a great opportunity to put President Trump back in the White House and have a unanimous Republican team from West Virginia working together in Washington,” Justice’s endorsement said. “That’s why it’s so important to have a ‘get it done’ Governor who will connect the pieces to help our Great State.”
During the past few weeks, especially, those who has not turned on their television to see endless political ads. It seems so many of them are focused on name-calling and mudslinging between two of the state’s gubernatorial candidates.
Residents from Ohio have been known to say they are anxious for May 15 because the West Virginia primary will be over.
One candidate has focused on what he hopes to accomplish as the next governor. One candidate has remained focused on a message that is positive, while building support throughout the state. That candidate has been rewarded with the notice and recognition of Governor Justice with his endorsement.
It’s to bad that Gov. Justice is a political moron who is aligned with such inept and vile person such as former President Trump… I am so saddened for our amazing state that “we” are so easily manipulated by stupid people. To think that this is going to have such an impact on the upcoming election is beyond comprehension. Please stop for a minute to do your own research and due diligence before making any decisions about your vote. I’m not original from WV, but I graduated college here, got married, joined the Army after graduating, and lived all over the world. When I was done with my service we knew that we wanted to raise our family here. So no I am not a by birth mountaineer, but I’m a Mountaineer through and through and that’s by choice! Please do the homework first.