CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Republicans in West Virginia raised a lot of right hands Monday and took their oaths to serve the people of West Virginia. After the smoke cleared from the 2016 election, Democrat Jim Justice was at the top of the governor’s race, but the only entrenched Democrat who survived on the Board of Public works besides him was longtime state Treasurer John Perdue.
Perdue lamented the loss for his party, but theorized, in many ways, the party got away from what had always worked.
“I think we’ve lost touch with the working men and women in this state. We’ve lost touch with the middle class people who have always been with the Democrat party. They’re frustrated about jobs and what’s happening in the state of West Virginia,” said Perdue speaking on MetroNews Talkline. “The Democrats didn’t have a plan. It’s as simple as that.”
Perdue believed his personal success was a result of sticking to the things he has always done.
“I’m lucky to be here today, but I think people understood that I serve them. I work for them and I’ve always worked for the people of West Virginia. I’ve never forgotten who elected me and for what purpose I am here,” he said.
Perdue said Democrats need to reevaluate as they move forward and look at getting back to the grass roots. He cited his Smart 529 program and his aggressive work to clear out a backlog of unclaimed property as examples of where state government is working directly for the people.
The longtime treasurer was also excited about the prospects new Governor Jim Justice brings to the state.
“I think he’s a game changer like Governor Gaston Caperton was,” said Perdue. “I think he’s going to make it happen and I’m excited about that and I think the people of West Virginia will get excited about that as well.”