CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Senate President Bill Cole said he’s a couple of months away from deciding on whether to run for governor next year.
“I won’t drag my feet on it,” Cole (R-Mercer) said. “I truly want to do what’s best for my state, but I also have family and business interests that I need to make sure….I have commitments there.”
Appearing Monday on MetroNews “Talkline,” Cole said he must evaluate personal and business commitments. He owns a number of automobile dealerships and he still has two teenage girls at home.
“I need to reconcile those first and then I’ll be into serious consideration of where I can best serve and how I can best serve. It is important to me,” the Republican said.
Two other prominent Republicans, 1st District Congressman David McKinley and state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, also are considering a run for governor. Cole hopes the three can discuss their potential candidacies before jumping into the fray.
“I’d certainly want to talk about it beforehand. All three of us would be putting our seats up for grabs. It would be an all-in move,” Cole said.
Cole just completed his first legislative session as Senate president. He said although much was accomplished there’s still more to do with things like tax reform, education and transportation.