NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — The two lead candidates in a hotly contested state Senate race in northern West Virginia say they plan to campaign hard to the end.
In the Senate’s Second District race, state Senator Larry Edgell, D-Wetzel, said he’s committed to meeting with voters.
“The last six or eight months we’ve been traveling all over the district. As you know, looking at my district, that’s not an easy chore. But, we’ve enjoyed it. I go from Calhoun County to Cheat Lake and everything in between.”
Both he and his opponent, Republican Kent Leonhardt, indicate negative advertising from outside sources have made the run for office a challenge they didn’t see coming.
According to Edgell, “It just seems like the negative commercials have just gotten worse and worse each year. I’ve never seen anything like this year. The mailings that they send out are just absolutely atrocious.”
Voters are telling the candidates they are concerned about unemployment, the environment, Marcellus shale and road conditions.
Leonhardt unsuccessfully ran for state Agriculture Commissioner two years ago. He thinks name recognition from that race and his experience as a joint services officer in the military gives him an advantage this time around.
“I had to negotiate between the Air Force and the Army and the Navy sometimes to get missions done with limited resources. I can bring those skills to Charleston,” Leonhardt said. “If you don’t think the Army, Navy and Air Force don’t fight among each other like democrats and republicans, I got something else to tell you. I think we can bring those sides together and do great things for the state of WV.”
Nov. 4, voters will decide if Leonhardt can provide them with the change he says they want.
“Things aren’t going in the right direction in the state of West Virginia. They look to my leadership experience from the Marine Corps and restoring a West Virginia farm from nothing as all positives. And, they believe I can help the state of West Virginia.”
Sen. Edgell said he continues to fight claims that he is an Obamacare and cap and trade supporter.
The second senatorial district includes parts of Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ritchie, Tyler and Wetzel counties.