Tag: Sen. Paul Hardesty

Appointed W.Va. State Senator Says He Won't Run In 2020

West Virginia state Sen. Paul Hardesty says he’s not running to keep his Senate seat in 2020.

The Logan County Democrat on Thursday announced that he will not seek the position in the next election. He says the decision came after he consulted with his family.

In a statement, Hardesty said he hopes whoever runs for the seat is aware that his southern West Virginia district is hurting in the wake of a declining coal market and drops in property values. He says tough times are ahead for the area.

Republican Gov. Jim Justice appointed Hardesty to the Senate in January after Richard Ojeda resigned to run for president of the United States. Ojeda abandoned his presidential bid after about two months, saying he wasn’t getting enough money or attention.

West Virginia Lawmaker 'Appalled' at Trump's Use of Curse Word at North Carolina Rally

While much of the country remains focused on the ongoing controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s racist remarks targeting four Democratic congresswomen, a West Virginia state Senator is taking issue with other words from the president, which came at an event in North Carolina. 

In an open letter, Sen. Paul Hardesty of Logan County says he is “appalled” at Trump’s choice of words at a Wednesday rally in Greenville, North Carolina. 

Hardesty says Trump took the Lord’s name in vain by using a common curse word on two occasions during a speech at a campaign-style event. 

Hardesty, a Democrat who was appointed to the 7th Senatorial District in January, says he was a Trump supporter in 2016 and continues to back the Republican president because of his support for the coal industry.

However, Hardesty says the use of the curse word is “not presidential.” He asked Trump to examine himself, reflect on his comments and “never utter those words again.”

 

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