W.Va. Dems, GOP Offer Differing Reactions To Tim Walz

West Virginia Democrats are cheering the selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate on the Democratic ticket for the White House. 

But state Republicans say they’re baffled at a choice they say offers little in terms of balancing the ticket.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin called Walz, a 60-year-old Democrat, former high school football coach and military veteran, “the real deal,” who will “bring normality back to the most chaotic political environment that most of us have ever seen.”

Manchin added in a statement that in his view, any one of the candidates would have been great, “But I can think of no one better than Governor Walz to help bring our country closer together and bring balance back to the Democratic Party.”

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said he was happy with the entire short list of candidates, but particularly happy that Walz was selected.

“He’s a governor that actually shows up for work every day. That’s something we could use here in West Virginia, and it shows,” Pushkin said. “His work ethic has proven itself in Minnesota. They’re always at the top of every list, whether it’s business, climate, working conditions, places, a place people want to live. He’s done a great job up there, and he can do that job for the rest of the country.” 

Matt Herridge, head of the West Virginia Republican Party, said he expected someone more mainstream who could help balance the ticket and was surprised that Harris chose a running mate he sees as very liberal. 

“He is, in my mind, very similar to Vice President Harris on a lot of his positions. He doesn’t seem to help her moderate her positions. They had a chance, I think, to pick someone who was more mainstream, but I think they really caved to the very far left of their party,” Herridge said.

The Democratic National Convention begins Aug. 19. The election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.