Stock car racing’s roots run deep in Appalachia. Our twisty roads and dark hollers were home to moonshiners — and moonshine runners, who became known for their driving skills. And they became some of NASCAR’s first stars when it formed in 1948. But NASCAR’s oldest continuous racing team had nothing to do with moonshine.
Capito Wins U.S. Senate, Helps Tip Federal Balance to GOP
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A mere seconds after the polls closed across the state, national media outlets began calling the U.S. Senate race in favor of Republican Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito.
The seat is being vacated by long-time Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller who announced his retirement last year.
For weeks, Democratic Secretary of State Natalie Tennant trailed Capito in the polls by double digits in some cases, but she remained confident Tuesday evening as she waved to potential voters on Washington Street in downtown Charleston surrounded by volunteers. That confidence, however, wasn’t enough to pull off a win.
Shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, Capito took the stage to accept her newly won seat.
“I want to be the first to share with you how optimistic I am about the future,” she said. “Around the state today West Virginia came together and made their voices heard to tell Washington that we can do better.”
Capito spoke to a packed room of supporters, saying it’s been nearly 60 years since the state sent a Republican to the Senate.
Just a few blocks away, Tennant conceded the race just after 8:30 p.m., thanking her family, staff and supporters.
“Tonight is not an end, it’s only a beginning,” Tennant said, “and I have said that West Virginia’s story all along is my story. I am proud and I look forward to writing the next chapter as your Secretary of State.”
With fears of a federal COVID-19 relief fund clawback quashed, Gov. Jim Justice urged lawmakers to restore funding to health and human services in West Virginia.
On this West Virginia Morning, domestic violence prevention advocates lined the State Capitol rotunda in February, seeking a budget increase. They said lawmakers were receptive to the idea. But no increase was passed before this year’s regular legislative session ended. Jack Walker checked in with domestic violence prevention advocates on funding needs as a potential special session approaches.