CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice is out with first reelection campaign commercial. It’s a 30-second ad that’s called “Jim Cares.”
The ad features former football coaches Don Nehlen and Bob Pruett along with what appear to be a few highway contractors. The ad ends with comments from Justice’s wife, first lady Cathy Justice.
MetroNews Statewide Correspondent Brad McElhinny said the ad isn’t very political.
“Even though he has Primary (election) opponents, it’s a message that ‘I’m getting things done.” It has a personal and practical touch,” McElhinny said.
Justice’s declared primary opponents, former state Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher and former state Delegate Mike Folk have both been running commercials for several weeks and those have been critical of Justice. Folk’s radio spot is critical of both Justice and Thrasher.
“‘Jim Cares’ and that’s the message on that one (released Tuesday),” said McElhinny. “You’ve had his primary opponent Woody Thrasher out for a couple of months now with commercials that essentially say, ‘Jim may care but he doesn’t work hard enough.'”
The commercial focuses on road repairs, Justice’s plan to deal with the opioid crisis and his relationship with President Donald Trump.
Justice’s commercial ends with a message from the first lady standing outside the state capitol.
“I can assure you that Jim serves for all the right reasons,” she said. “He loves West Virginia.”
Gov. Justice himself does not speak in the ad.