West Virginia’s candidates for governor are reporting how much money is available to their campaigns as they try to spread their messages.
Campaign finance reports were due this week for campaigns for state offices. Fundraising is one measurement of where races stand in the early going because campaigns that bring in the most then have the most resources for communication. Fundraising is also an imperfect measure of support.
The most activity was in a competitive race among Republican candidates for governor. Incumbent Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, is up against a term limit — so several candidates are vying to take over that role.
Patrick Morrisey, a three-term Attorney General, raised $560,512 during the quarter and has $1.5 million available overall.
“I’m grateful for the overwhelming support from fellow West Virginians, and I will continue fighting for you so that West Virginia is the best place to work, live and raise a family when I’m governor,” Morrisey said in a statement released by his campaign.
Moore Capito, House Judiciary chairman and son of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, brought in $282,516 during the quarter and has $1,103,742 on hand.
“In the race for governor, Moore is thrilled to have the most donors from West Virginia. He appreciates their support which has put him on a clear path toward victory,” stated Kent Gates, spokesman for Capito’s campaign.
Morrisey’s campaign knocked that amount, calling the candidate “Kid Capito.”
Gates shot back, “Morrisey’s recent rant about fundraising is meant to distract from the elephant in his room: the infamous anti-Trump SuperPAC, ‘The Club,’ is currently spending a fortune to attack President Trump while propping-up Patrick Morrisey. The $10 million dollar question West Virginia voters will be asking: Why is Morrisey silent on being bankrolled by a flagship of Never Trump Inc.?”
Chris Miller, businessman and son of Congresswoman Carol Miller, raised $267,015 in the quarter and has $3.65 million to spend. Of Miller’s full amount, personal loans to his own campaign comprise $2.9 million.
““It’s clear that our message of making our state great again resonates with West Virginia’s hardworking families, and I am grateful for the growing support we’ve received,” Miller stated.
Mac Warner, a two-term Secretary of State, brought in $69,446 during the most recent quarter and has $209,511 on hand.
“Our campaign had always planned to use July, August, and September to strengthen our grassroots campaign in all 55 counties. Today, we have more than 700 campaign volunteers throughout the state,” Warner stated. “While we will continue to seek donations, we have the money we need for the upcoming quarter to reach out to voters to compare my record and platform with that of my opponents.”
Rashida Yost, a Republican gubernatorial candidate from Martinsburg, didn’t report bringing in anything this quarter but Yost’s campaign does have $3,099 on hand.
No Democrats are officially in the race yet.
Chase Linko-Looper, a candidate for the Mountain Party, reported raising $2,186 in the quarter and has $2,111 available to spend on the campaign.