Blankenship Holds Third Place in GOP Primary Race; Manchin Fights to Keep Seat

On this West Virginia Morning, we’ll hear the latest from the Democratic Primary Race for U.S. Senate, and we’ll hear a report on Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship – who’s holding third place in the Republican six-way race.

Polls show former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship hovering in third place in the six-way Republican U.S Senate primary race. Molly Born reports that in his native Mingo County, Blankenship’s donations to the community, and a belief that he will help bring back jobs, have led some to support him.

As we’ve heard over the past few days, the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in West Virginia has drawn increased attention in recent weeks. However, Democrat incumbent Joe Manchin faces a primary challenger of his own in political newcomer — activist-turned-Senate candidate, Paula Jean Swearengin. Dave Mistich takes a look at Manchin’s bid to keep his seat.

For this week’s Mountain Stage Song of the Week, we hear John Gorka performing “Tattoed.” For this and more, tune in to Mountain Stage on Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. – right here on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.

West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Molly Born, Jessica Lilly, Kara Lofton, Liz McCormick, Dave Mistich, Brittany Patterson and Roxy Todd.

Our news director is Jesse Wright. Our producer is Glynis Board.