CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Republicans will be gathering at The Greenbrier this weekend for their annual summer meeting.
The meeting is meant to pump up the party’s most active members in advance of the coming election while also getting organized and hearing from state Republican officeholders.
“I am so excited about this coming weekend and the opportunity to hear from so many Republican officials about the work they are doing to improve West Virginia,” stated West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Melody Potter.
“I look forward to learning about the great work my fellow Republicans are doing to help President Trump and Republicans across the Mountain State.”
Potter noted the expected presence of senior members of President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee.
The venue, The Greenbrier Resort, is owned by the family of incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Justice. Justice faces primary election competition in former Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher and former Delegate Michael Folk.
A panel discussion of Republican elected leaders is to include Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, state Auditor J.B. McCuskey and Secretary of State Mac Warner.
“Every day these Republican leaders are working to make West Virginia the best place to live and raise a family,” Potter stated.
Another focus for those who gather will be on women from the Republican Party serving in office.
A panel discussion on Saturday is set to include Congresswoman Carol Miller, R-W.Va.; House Majority Leader Amy Summers, R-Taylor; Senator Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson; and Jill Upson, director of the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs.
Other issues will be discussed too. One has to do with how delegates to the National Republican Convention are selected.
There may also be some dissent.
This week, Rob Cornelius, who had been the Wood County GOP Chairman, filed a lawsuit against Potter and the Secretary of State over his removal from office. He contends Potter didn’t follow due process.
The Putnam County GOP Executive Committee a few weeks ago passed a resolution asking for Potter to reverse course or resign over the action.
Speaking Friday on MetroNews’ “Talkline,” state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said he won’t be at the GOP summer meeting but that he does support Potter.
“I have a good working relationship with Melody Potter, and I’m actually engaged right now trying to help make the party stronger and stronger,” Morrisey said.
“I think it’s important for everyone to ultimately come together and support the whole ticket, including our president.”