CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Almost two years after he was elected, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is hitting the campaign trail again. This time, though, it’s on behalf of some of his fellow Republicans.
“I think it’s important to get reinforcements for some of the reforms that we’re trying in Charleston, so we are trying to help,” he said. “When people ask me to go out and campaign, if I believe that their values are appropriate, I’m happy to go and spread the word.”
Morrisey said he’s backing conservative candidates “who are looking to challenge the status quo.”
He’s especially focused on Republican candidates for the state House of Delegates where Democrats currently hold 53 seats. Republicans could potentially take control of the House if they add to their 47 House members in the November general election.
“If a voter is looking at what the House of Delegates did this year, and they just focused on the last session, that would be all the proof that you would need to say, ‘Let’s give new leadership a chance,'” said Morrisey who clashed with House leaders during the 60-day session that ended in March.
House leaders disagree with that assessment of the results of the 2014 regular legislative session.
Morrisey predicted Republicans will win control of the state House in November, build on the GOP’s numbers in the Senate, sweep all three Congressional Districts and claim a U.S. Senate seat—what would be a first for the Republicans since 1956.
“When you consistently elect the same leadership time after time and you rank near the bottom of all the economic rankings, something has to give,” said Morrisey. “Finally, there’s a chance for another party.”
The early voting period in West Virginia ends this Saturday ahead of the May 13 primary election. The nominees will move on to the general election Nov. 4.