FAIRMONT — (Editor’s Note: The special primary election for Senate seat that opened after the death of longtime U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd is coming upon us quickly. Two months to the day after Byrd died, West Virginia voters will go to the polls Saturday, Aug. 28, and choose among the 10 Republicans, 3 Democrats and one Mountain Party candidates who will go on to run in the Nov. 2 general election.

Looking at the Republican and Democrat tickets, the Times West Virginian Editorial Board discussed each candidate and their merits, coming to a unanimous decision on endorsements.)



Democrat — Joe Manchin III

This county has watched with pride as its hometown son, Farmington native Joe Manchin II, rose within the political scene of West Virginia — representing our area in the House of Delegates and then the state Senate and then taking statewide office as secretary of state and then governor.

But the pride doesn’t just come from a “local boy makes good” mentality — Manchin has set himself apart from past leaders by not only remembering where he’s come from, but diligently working to make sure that all West Virginians are not only represented but heard.

His time in the governor’s mansion has not been the easiest. He’s had to hold the hands and pray with the wives and family members of dozens of men killed in the mines, starting with Sago in 2006 and most recently, the April explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine. At the same time, he’s had to fight an uphill battle to prove coal’s relevance and its place in the future of our nation as the leader of one of 11 coal-producing states.

He’s also been at the helm of the ship during the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. And not only have there been no layoffs in state jobs, but we’re actually in the position of putting money aside in a rainy day fund for the future. We have to credit Manchin for those achievements, as he has always had the motto that “government should be run like a business,” and he is a good businessman.

And he has taken his place on the national stage, not only in times of great tragedy, but as an advocate for West Virginia through his affiliation and leadership with national organizations. The next step to the Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a natural one, where he would have the ability to represent not only the constituents of West Virginia, but the rest of the nation, using the same style of leadership he’s displayed throughout his career in politics.

Our state’s greatest advocate, the late Robert C. Byrd, left this life on June 28. It’s time to consider putting a man on the Nov. 2 ballot who is capable of carrying on Byrd’s legacy and leadership.

And we believe Manchin is that candidate.



Republican — Mac Warner

The Warner name has become familiar to voters with both development and strong Republican leadership in North Central West Virginia and statewide. Mac Warner is just off the heels of a respectable showing in the Republican primary for the 1st Congressional race in May. He lost the bid to candidate David McKinley, but earned 27 percent of the vote district-wide, just 8 points down from the top vote-getter.

“The Warner name is synonymous with conservative politics,” Warner told the Times West Virginian last week. “Right now, that’s what this country is calling for — fiscal responsibility and personal accountability.”

“The last thing we need to do is send another senator to (U.S. Senate Majority) Leader Harry Reid’s, D-Nev., side of the aisle,” Warner said. “They have shown us what they will do — keep spending our tax dollars, pass health care and try to jam cap and trade down our throats. West Virginia needs a senator to stand up for West Virginia values and I am the guy to do it.”

It is perhaps Warner’s background that sets him apart from the crowded field of 10 GOP hopefuls.

Warner, 55, is a West Point graduate and business owner. He also has a law degree from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in military law from the Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Va., and a master’s degree in International Law from the University of Virginia. So not only does he have a small business background, but military leadership, legal and international affairs experience. It’s not only a wealth of experience that other GOP hopefuls cannot boast, but all strong qualities in a senator.

But he doesn’t consider himself a professional politician — they’ve had their shot at running Washington, D.C., he says. But he does say that he’s a statesman and wants to restore the conservative values that built our great nation. He’s already developed sound policies on health care reform, the economy, energy issues, immigration and foreign affairs.

And it is perhaps the last issue that hits closest to home for Warner. Not only is he a 23-year U.S. Army veteran, his son is currently serving in Afghanistan and his daughter is a West Point cadet.

Out of a field of 10, it’s certainly hard to stand out, but we believe Warner does just that.