CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said Thursday he has raised nearly $550,000 in campaign funds during the last two months, with a possible run for governor in 2016.
More than $300,000 was donated by individuals statewide and out-of-state. Morrisey loaned $250,000 of his own money to the campaign.
“We’ve been fighting for West Virginia jobs. We’ve been leading these national litigation efforts against President Obama’s overreach, reforming the Office of Attorney General, and improving the state’s business climate,” said Morrisey on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Most of Morrisey’s money has come from contributions from those in other states, but West Virginians have also donated.
“There may be more out-of-state money than in-state money, but there are more West Virginia donors and that matters to me a lot,” he said.
Senate President Bill Cole, West Virginia 1st District Congressman David McKinley (R-W.Va.), and Morrisey are all up for re-election in 2016. If all three decide to run for governor, it would open up three seats in the Republican Party, putting a weight on the GOP.
Morrisey said he is not concerned with the other candidates, but he’s “seriously considering” all his options for 2016. He said he has not decided whether to run for re-election or governor in 2016.
“If I think there is a candidate out there that has a good plan for revitalizing our state and helping reach our potential, then I may have no reason to run for higher office,” said Morrisey.
He said the most important thing is to ensure that West Virginia is advancing on all fronts to grow economically, regardless of which offices he decides to run.