CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The leader of the West Virginia Democratic Party says he’s hoping longtime state Auditor Glen Gainer is on the verge of launching a campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in the First Congressional District.
It’s a decision Gainer, who has been auditor for more than 20 years, has weighed for months.
“I think he realizes that the people want to see someone, with the responsible track record that Glen Gainer has, get involved in the process,” said Larry Puccio on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Several sources have told MetroNews Gainer, a Parkersburg resident, will make an announcement about his decision soon, possibly within the week. If he runs and secures the Democratic nomination, Gainer could challenge Republican Congressman David McKinley who currently represents the First District.
Puccio said Gainer is one of many good Democrats who are ready to serve in any number of roles.
“We think we have outstanding individuals that are not individuals that are just coming out today. They’re people who have served and have done an outstanding job at what they’ve done, and they’re well liked and they’re true West Virginia public servants,” he said.
Puccio pointed to Secretary of State Natalie Tennant who is running for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in 2014. She picked up the endorsement of outgoing U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller during Saturday’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Charleston.
“We have some folks with proven track records, let me say that to you, proven track records that have been very good public servants and it’s pretty exciting that they’ll step up and fill some pretty big shoes,” said Puccio.
The 2014 Primary Election in West Virginia is Tuesday, May 13, which is just more than six months from now.