KENOVA, W.Va. — U.S. House Speaker John Boehner said during a visit to a coal loading facility in Cabell County Wednesday a Republican Congress can bring “commonsense” to the regulatory system in Washington.
Boehner, R-Ohio, was campaigning for Evan Jenkins at the facility in South Kenova.
“There are a lot of places in America I could be right now, but I’m here in West Virginia because Evan Jenkins is going to win this race and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure he wins this race,” Boehner said.
The Cabell County state senator switched parties late last year to take on longtime Third District Congressman Nick Rahall in this year’s election.
“There’s not much we can do with the President over the next couple of years, he’s going to be there,” Boehner said. “I’m going to tell you one thing, electing Evan Jenkins to the Congress will send a clear message to the people in Washington that the people of West Virginia have had enough.”
Speaker Boehner also stumped for Republican Second District candidate Alex Mooney Tuesday. He joined Mooney at a rally in Charles Town.
Boehner’s Cabell County visit focused on coal and the Obama administration’s EPA. When he was asked about coal mining jobs being lost under other administrations Boehner shot back.
“Hold on….the President himself declared a war on coal. I don’t make this stuff up. He said it,” Boehner said.
Sen. Jenkins welcomed the visit.
“He’s a pro-coal guy. He’s leading a pro-coal team and he wants me part of that team,” Jenkins said.
Boehner was accompanied at both stops by Rep. Greg Walden, R-OR.