Hoppy Kercheval

I have talked with several people in the last few days who worry about a “wasted vote.” The argument is that voting for a candidate who has little chance of winning has no value. It is better, the argument goes, to vote for an individual who can win.

During a contentious campaign cycle—like the one we are in now in West Virginia—there are an overwhelming number of advertisements, campaign appearances, news reports and punditry. Anyone paying the slightest bit of attention knows there is an election.

The testimony by former porn actress Stormy Daniels in the Donald Trump hush money trial got me thinking for the umpteenth time about Evangelical Christians and Trump, given Trump’s behavior.

I am proudly wearing the “I voted early” sticker handed to me by a friendly poll worker. My wife and I always early vote at the same location in Monongalia County, and all went smoothly Wednesday. We were in and out in just a few minutes.

The Martinsburg North Middle School website gives the impression of a successful academic environment where the 750 students can excel. It describes “a safe and positive atmosphere of high expectations, professionalism, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.”

Maybe I am naïve, but I still believe the people we choose to represent us, from county surveyor all the way up to President of the United States, matter.

–Patrick Morrisey stayed steady. Various polling indicated the Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate had the support of around 30 to 35 percent of likely voters and none of the other candidates was able to cut into that base. Morrisey, who lives in Jefferson County, was particularly strong in the Eastern Panhandle, where his vote total was greater than the other five candidates combined.

Some Primary Election observations:

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott may feel a breeze lifting them up following Tuesday’s Primary Election. Both Democrats won their races: Williams was unopposed in the race for his party’s gubernatorial nomination and Elliott received 45 percent of the vote in a three-person race to win the U.S. Senate nomination.

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott may feel a breeze lifting them up following Tuesday's primary election. Both Democrats won their races: Williams was unopposed in the race for his party's gubernatorial nomination and Elliott received 45% of the vote in a three-person race to win the U.S. Senate nomination.