CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For the past four years, Patrick Morrisey has been the only Republican on West Virginia’s Board of Public Works.
“When I came in I tried to extend the hand out,” Morrisey said today. “That wasn’t always reciprocated by certain people.”
At noon today, the Attorney General gathered on the state Capitol steps with three newly-elected Republicans who will be joining him in state government: J.B. McCuskey, who was elected state Auditor, Mac Warner, who was elected Secretary of State, and Kent Leonhardt, who was elected Agriculture Commissioner.
“There’s a chance now to build these bridges and to get a lot more done,” Morrisey said.
The Board of Works is comprised of those four elected offices, plus the state Treasurer and the governor. The state Superintendent of Schools also serves as a member, although that position is appointed by the state school board. The board’s main function when it meets as a whole is approving state property transfers and assessing the property of public utilities.
Morrisey said he already had called Treasurer John Perdue, a Democrat, this morning as a bipartisan gesture.
“I’m also pleased to report that I called Treasurer Perdue and he is eager to collaborate as well,” Morrisey said.
The Republicans also said they hope to reach out to Governor-elect Jim Justice, who has emphasized his ability to work across the aisle.
Morrisey, McCuskey, Warner and Leonhardt often worked as a campaigning unit during election season, along with gubernatorial candidate Bill Cole and Treasurer candidate Ann Urling, who both fell short in their races.
“We crisscrossed the state and got to know each other quite a bit,” Warner said.
Leonhardt said his fellow Republicans were often able to speak on each other’s behalf.
“Over time as the campaign built, there were times we could speak for each other. We got to know each other better; we trusted each other,” he said.
McCuskey said he looks forward to relying on the expertise of the other Republicans.
“We all are very very different and have a different set of skills,” he said.
Morrisey emphasized that kind of cross-office collaboration. For instance, he said the Attorney General’s office and the Agriculture Commissioner’s office could work together on issues surrounding the ‘Waters of the United States’ rule. He said his office could work with the Secretary of State on small business issues or election law issues.
He said all the offices could work together to root out waste, fraud and abuse. He suggested one target is likely Medicaid fraud.
“I think you see staunch fiscal conservatives,” Morrisey said.
LIVE on #Periscope: WVGOP winners on Board of Public Works discuss Election Night victories #WVpol https://t.co/Go9ZDoFaco
— Brad McElhinny (@BradMcElhinny) November 9, 2016