An email sent in mid-July by a campaign staffer for Governor Patrick Morrisey teases upcoming fundraisers in Napa Valley, California, and Dallas, Texas.
“These multi-day retreats promise an unforgettable experience, featuring delicious dining, engaging activities, and the opportunity to connect with fellow supporters in truly remarkable settings,” wrote George Shalhoub, who identifies himself as “Staff to Governor Patrick Morrisey.”
The email continues, “Most importantly, they offer a unique chance to spend quality time with Governor Morrisey and play a vital role in strengthening our efforts for the important challenges ahead.”
The message outlines the Governor’s record in office, describing Morrisey as “fighting and winning to make West Virginia the national example of effective conservative policy.”
The email also notes a to-be-determined event in West Virginia in October.
Morrisey is no stranger to political fundraising. One political site lists nearly $17 million raised over five election cycles. Campaigns, after all, require cash – and the financial arms race only escalates each cycle.
To be clear, there’s nothing inherently improper about raising money outside West Virginia. It’s legal – and common among politicians nationwide. While past West Virginia governors have not typically fundraised out of state for gubernatorial campaigns — no examples turned up — others across the country have done so with success.
For example:
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a West Coast fundraising swing in 2021 – including stops in California — to boost his re-election war chest and elevate his national profile.
- In January 2012, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker traveled to New York City for a $5,000-a-couple fundraiser hosted by billionaire Maurice Greenberg. The event helped fund Walker’s recall defense.
Will many West Virginians travel to join Morrisey in Napa Valley or Dallas? Probably not.
A quick search on Expedia shows an economy roundtrip flight from Charleston (CRW) to San Francisco (SFO) via Charlotte runs about $330. A night at a typical Napa Valley hotel ranges from $250 to $300. A stay at a luxury resort like Carneros Resort and Spa? Nearly $1,800 a night. These numbers will of course change from time to time.
The invitation does not disclose event venues or lodging details, nor does it include information on parties that received the e-mail.
For context, the median household income in West Virginia in 2023 was just under $56,000.
To be fair, other West Virginia politicians have courted out-of-state donors. In July 2021, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin attended a high-dollar fundraiser in Houston hosted by major oil and gas donors, many with Republican leanings. That event supported both his then potential 2024 re-election and his leadership PAC. Contribution levels reached $5,800 per donor, with another $5,000 requested for the PAC.
In fact, both Manchin and Morrisey relied heavily on out-of-state funding during their 2018 Senate campaigns.
Search around and you’ll find no shortage of examples throughout the country.
The bottom line? West Virginians deserve to know where campaign dollars come from – and how candidates are seeking support. Is fundraising in “truly remarkable settings” good for West Virginians? Does it make their lives better? Is this practice political status quo and thus acceptable or tabu?
Ultimately, whether it matters that Morrisey is fundraising far from home is up to the voters to decide. Their collective wisdom is the final arbiter of such questions.