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Updated: 9:34 PM Oct 14, 2008
UPDATE: W.Va. Gubernatorial Debate Frequently Heated
The race for the governor's office in West Virginia became heated Monday night when two of the candidates faced off for the first time in a live debate.
Posted: 11:05 PM Oct 13, 2008Reporter: Kallie Cart; Will Jones Email Address: kallie.cart@wsaz.com; will.jones@wsaz.com |
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19 Comments 
Update from 6 p.m. Tuesday newscast
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin and Republican challenger Russ Weeks faced off Monday night to talk about the most important issues facing West Virginians.
But they also found time for some mud slinging. We took a closer look at some of those biting accusations and other claims made by the candidates to separate facts from fiction.
Weeks said he would not have anyone in his administration that shares his last name, making a reference to Manchin whose wife and son serve on state boards in unpaid positions, as well to the governor's cousin Mark Manchin. He earns more than $100,000 as head of the School Building Authority.
"These are all qualifying people," Manchin said. "The bottom line is that they have to perform."
Throughout the debate, Weeks put Manchin on the defensive.
"The money going out in good ol' boy contracts is ridiculous," Weeks said, making claims that a worker with the Department of Highways is using his position to benefit his private company.
We checked into that, and a DOH spokesperson denied it but said the department will investigate.
One of the few issues that the candidates seemed to find agreement during the debate was reducing the $9,000 cap on permits for video lottery in the state. Manchin pointed out the decline of those permits during his administration.
"When i became governor, all 9,000 were out," he said. "As they are coming back now for whatever reason, we're not putting them back out."
But the West Virginia Lottery said one of the main reasons behind that move is an approaching date -- 2011, the year the Legislature could decide to reduce the permits issued.
During the debate, the moderator pressed Weeks for proof of the accusations about the DOH. Manchin also asked for names, and Weeks refused to provide any. On Tuesday, he stood by that stance but promised to take care of the problem as governor.
The candidates will have three more chances to make their case to voters. Monday's debate was the first of four scheduled debates.
Original story
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The race for the governor's office in West Virginia became heated Monday night when two of the candidates faced off for the first time in a live debate.
Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin is considered the heavy favorite, with his Republican challenger Russ Weeks facing an uphill battle with less money and less name recognition.
The two candidates made it clear Monday night that there is not much they agree on. And during the debate, Weeks threw in a curve ball -- making a very serious allegation that he says he's willing to back up with facts, but not until Election Day.
And that wasn't the only controversial issue during the debate. The two candidates also talked about the degree scandal surrounding Manchin's daughter, which has been a centerpiece of Weeks' campaign.
On the serious state of the economy, Manchin touted the state's ranking as one of the top states for growth during this financial crisis. Weeks, however, said the state food, business franchise and inventory taxes need to be cut faster, although he didn't lay out a timeline.
One issue the two candidates did see eye-to-eye on was merit pay for teachers -- both Manchin and Weeks said they're against the idea.
There are three more debates planned, with the remaining ones set in various parts of the state.
Latest Comments
ONE PAY INCREASE IN FOUR YEARS. JOE HAS GOT TO GO. HE ONLY TAKES CARE OF HIS FAMILY AND BUDDIES. AFTER I PAID MY RENT AND UTILITIES AND PUT GAS IN THE CAR SO I COULD GO TO WORK, I HAD $17 TO BUY GROCERIES FOR TWO WEEKS. STATE WORKERS ARE HURTING AND HE DOES NOT CARE.
hey calhoun we dont have much in common the Panthers vs the reddevils in football but my kin are all democrats too and they can't stand this obsama fellar. i wonder if Saddaam Husein insaine would think he got the last laugh on the bushes if his nephew Junior Husein gets in there.
i'm a democrat my daddys a democrat and my dead grand daddy was a democrat, heck my coon dog russ is a democrat(the most honest one of the bunch) but gosh dog it i can't vote for a racist muslim folks, just can't do it this year. where is bill clinton and gaston caperton when you need them.
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