CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For the first time in decades, there are no names like Byrd, Rockefeller, Manchin or even Clinton at the top of Democratic ticket in West Virginia for the Nov. general election.
On the Republican side, though, Mark Blankenship, a Republican political consultant, said there is a strong lead candidate in Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) who is running for U.S. Senate.
“She is polling very well. Her favorability ratings are through the roof,” and Blankenship said that could help other Republicans, much like popular Democrats in West Virginia have given other Democrats down-ballot lifts in the past.
“It will have significance,” said Blankenship of Capito’s potential coattail effects. “I think that anyone who underestimates the strength and the effects that Congresswoman Capito, in her race for U.S. Senate, will have in this election is making a grave mistake.”
Mike Plante, a Democratic political consultant, dismissed that notion.
“I think that the Obama factor is a bigger factor than the Capito factor,” he said during a discussion about next Tuesday’s election on Wednesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Plante said President Barack Obama’s low approval ratings in West Virginia have had a negative effect on Democrats statewide and could inspire protest votes.
“Democrats have to demonstrate that they’re independent West Virginia Democrats who will oppose the President when he’s wrong and will stand up for West Virginia issues and West Virginia values,” he said.
Early voting across West Virginia ends Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s Election Day.
Coverage of MetroNews Decision 2014 begins at 7:06 p.m. Tuesday on the MetroNews Radio Network and online at www.wvmetronews.com.