CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Democratic Party chairman Larry Puccio said he looks forward to clearing the air with state Supreme Court Justice Robin Davis, who criticized the party’s leadership for lacking vision.
Puccio, during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” Thursday, pledged to seek clarification regarding the comments Davis made on Hoppy Kercheval’s news program the previous day.
“Is she unhappy with our governor or unhappy with our two U.S. Senators?” Puccio asked. “Maybe she’s unhappy with me and my background in small business.”
Davis predicted Republicans would continue to chip away at longtime Democratic advantages unless something is done. Puccio said Democrats won 67 percent of all races in last year’s election. He said a much of the credit goes to an active “Get out the Vote” effort—something Justice Davis wasn’t a part of.
“Tomblin and Manchin and even Rockefeller, who wasn’t running, and Rahall and Perdue, Gainer and Tish Chafin—they all raised money and helped this effort to help Democrats, whether you’re running for county commissioner or House,” Puccio said. “She did not participate.”
The party chairman said he doesn’t understand Davis’ “old guard” comment. He said the Democrats in West Virginia have spoken out strongly against some of President Barack Obama’s policies.
Puccio said he aims to discuss the situation with Davis soon.
“I say, ‘Don’t criticize doggone, get on board.’ Let’s work together and help Democrats,” Puccio said.