3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

Riley Moore in line to be majority leader if GOP maintains WV House majority

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The new Speaker of the House of Delegates says Riley Moore, a Republican from Jefferson County, is in line to be the new majority leader for the next legislative session.

There are still significant ifs: Republicans would need to keep the majority, Speaker Roger Hanshaw would need to win his race in Clay County, and Moore would need to win his.

Going ahead prior to the Nov. 6 election to announce that Moore is in line for the influential position may provide leverage with voters and with fundraising.

The move would also represent a generational shift. Hanshaw is 38 and has served two terms in the House. Moore is 38 and has served one term.

Roger Hanshaw

“Riley is a passionate fighter for bold, conservative reforms in our state, and his vision, leadership and dedication will be vital as we continue to chart the course of West Virginia’s comeback story,” Hanshaw stated in a release.

Moore is a grandson of former Gov. Arch Moore and nephew of Senator Shelley Moore Capito, both Republicans.

Moore was the most outspoken voice in favor of Hanshaw’s election to Speaker earlier this month. The final vote among Republican delegates was 32-30 for Hanshaw over House Finance Chairman Eric Nelson.

Now Hanshaw is putting his support behind Moore for majority leader, which is a significant role in leading the Republican caucus, setting the legislative agenda and managing floor sessions.

Daryl Cowles

The majority leader for the past four years has been Delegate Daryl Cowles, a Republican from Morgan County. Cowles is running for re-election in his district, but Hanshaw appears ready to make at least some changes to the current leadership team.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled by Speaker Hanshaw’s trust in me for this position,”Moore stated

“Republican leadership has accomplished a lot in the past four years, and West Virginia has tremendous potential and opportunity to continue to grow. I’m excited to get to work to continue turning around our economy, attracting young entrepreneurs to our state and building upon the successes of the past four years.”

Hanshaw, who had been the vice chairman of the House Judiciary, faces a potentially tough race in Clay County.

He again faces Democrat David Walker. Hanshaw defeated Walker by 126 votes in 2016. Hanshaw beat Walker, who was then an incumbent, by 429 votes in 2014.

Moore’s race in Jefferson County also could be tough. He faces former Delegate John Doyle, a Democrat.

In 2016, the first year he was elected, Moore defeated Democrat Rod Snyder by 96 votes.

Moore, who at one point considered aiming himself for the Speaker’s role, worked hard behind the scenes for Hanshaw.

Moore was connected to a super PAC, 1863 PAC, that took out advertisements on broadcast and social media to support Hanshaw’s bid for Speaker.

Moore acknowledged friendships with those at 1863 PAC and said he was not directly involved with its political efforts.

“I absolutely know the folks at 1863 PAC,” Moore said on August 28. “I support their efforts to get Roger’s name out there. I have no official affiliation nor am I a part of the PAC at all. I do know them and I support what they’re doing.”

Moore said a PAC weighing in on a Statehouse speaker’s race through advertisements on broadcast and social media is a natural evolution.

“It seems to be the way electoral politics goes these days,” he said. “Name any candidate who is running statewide or congressional or otherwise who has not had some sort of PAC involved.”

Moore doubted the votes of the Republican caucus would be swayed by such efforts. But he suggested the campaign could raise familiarity among West Virginia residents.

“I don’t think the PAC will influence anyone’s votes,” Moore said. “But I think it does help to raise the profile of a person who is running.”

The announcement that Moore would serve as majority leader for Hanshaw as Speaker comes as House Republicans begin setting their agenda for the 2019 legislative session.

GOP delegates will caucus several times in the coming months to set goals and discuss legislative priorities for the 2019 regular session.

“We’re going to be working with our members to hear what they would like to see accomplished in the 2019 session and beyond, and craft our vision and goals for the future of West Virginia,” Hanshaw stated.

“Delegate Moore will help me spearhead this process, that way – should voters return us to Charleston next year – we can hit the ground running on day one to accomplish those goals.”





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