Manchin and Rockefeller Win

Select City

Charleston Huntington Ashland Ironton Clay Logan Ripley Spencer Sutton Wayne Williamson Paintsville Pikeville Gallipolis Pomeroy Portsmouth

City:

News Features
	Dashcam Diaries Outrageous police chases caught on tape.
	Charleston's Most Wanted Check out Kanawha Valley's fugitives.
	John Marra John Marra is WSAZ's gardening expert.
	Where Are They Now? See what former WSAZers are doing now.
	News Story Dubs Want a copy of a news story? Go here for info.
	Recipes See what's cooking in the WSAZ kitchen.
	E-Reporter Submit your pictures or video to WSAZ.

Most Popular News Stories
1.	Explosion Mystery in Northern Cabell County
2.	UPDATE: Names Released in Fatal DUI Crash
3.	Missing Mother and Son Found
4.	BREAKING NEWS: Dog Rescued in House Fire
5.	Gone Without a Trace
6.	UPDATE: Names Released in Fatal Accident
7.	103-Year-Old Woman Sends 100th Birthday Wish to Brother via Webcam
8.	Young Driver Dies In Accident
9.	Airline to End Local Flights to Fort Lauderdale
10.	BREAKING NEWS: Search For Escapee

Send us your News and Weather pictures & videos. Click on the pictures to submit

Manchin and Rockefeller Win

Save

Posted: 8:52 PM May 13, 2008
Last Updated: 10:20 AM May 14, 2008
Reporter: The Associated Press, Scott Saxton
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

44 comments

A | A | A

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Governor Manchin had an easy time fending off freshman Democratic Delegate Mel Kessler of Raleigh County in today's primary.

Running on a record of tax cuts, insurance relief and privatized workers' compensation, the Marion County Democrat also amassed more than 2.4 million dollars in contributions. Kessler had spent less than $12,000 as of late April.

Former state Senator Russ Weeks of Raleigh County was the sole gubernatorial candidate on the Republican side.

Russ Weeks will be a guest live on NewsChannel 3 Today around 6:45 Wednesday morning.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Call it the battle of the Jays, take 2.

U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller easily won today's Democratic primary in his quest for a fifth term and will face sole Republican candidate Jay Wolfe of Harrison County in November's general election.

Wolfe also challenged the former West Virginia governor in the 2002 election, which Rockefeller won by 63 percent.

Rockefeller supported Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama despite the fact that state voters overwhelmingly supported Hillary Clinton. Rockefeller says he doesn't regret his endorsement of Obama and is confident Obama will be the party's nominee for the general election.

Rockefeller's challengers in the primary were former state Republican lawmaker Sheirl Fletcher of Morgantown and state Division of Motor Vehicles employee Billy Hendricks Junior of Whitesville.

More Stories
One Person Shot in Huntington

Group Wants Stiff Sentence For Doctor

BREAKING NEWS: Search For Escapee

Young Driver Dies In Accident

BREAKING NEWS: Dog Rescued in House Fire

U.S. Senate Chaplain Travels to West Virginia

The Wounded Warrior Project

Explosion Mystery in Northern Cabell County

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Joe on May 15, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Sorry a about the slip on post 39. What I was going to say is, that if our elected senators do not vote as our state votes, then we need to get rid of them. I will never vote for any of them for the rest of my life.

Posted by: NoMoreJOE on May 15, 2008 at 03:54 PM
The sheer audacity of the Manchin family know no bounds. Joe is set to enrich his family and friends for another 4 years.

Posted by: Jennifer on May 15, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Super delegates are not required to reflect the vote of the state therefore there is no reason to be upset about how Rockefeller or Rahall voted.

Posted by: Kathy S on May 15, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Glad Jay won, not Joe. Why did people re-elect HIM? Hes going to skate away unscathed by the WVU mess while all of them are getting fired or forced to "quit". We all know that HE didn't have anything to do with this though right? Just like Arch Moore didn't back in the day but at least they finally put Arch in jail. Gov Joe should at least be slapped on the wrist for his part in this. Pretty sure WVU didnt approach HIM about this. Pretty sure he is as guilty as they are. If one of us tried this they'd sure make US pay in some way. My daughter graduated Sat from MU. She & all those students plus the ones at WVU who had to WORK for their grades/degrees will go farther in this world than Joe's daughter though. He'll have to buy her jobs or pressure people to hire her like all rich & politicos do the rest of her life. OURS are far better morally AND will add something great to this country/world THEY are not cheats & "losers" in the end unlike some rich & "special" ones

Posted by: EC on May 15, 2008 at 10:59 AM
1st time voter. Since you haven't missed out on anything, maybe you should wait another 37 years. The last 12 years and looks like the next 4 years, WV will have no one in charge. Let's look back, Underwood was brain dead! Wise was a clogger! Manchin??????????Just hope Senator Byrd lives another 4 1/2 years or more.

Posted by: GOP voter on May 15, 2008 at 09:43 AM
the dems vote a straight ticket? GW Bush was a democrat? This state voted him in so your theory is already incorrect like the GOPs energy policy. The sad part is that Rockefeller is about as worthless as Joe Manchin when it comes to their concerns about the people of WV. They only care enough to get their names in the paper for opening a senior center or when it comes time to pass legislation that is gaining popularity among the people of WV. Come on Vote the Clowns out of their tents you already made the mistake of nominating them now you have the sad chore of voting for a republican or starting on heck of a write in campaign for Charlotte Pritt.

Posted by: Doug on May 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Brian, you're 100% right ! This is what it will take, it's up to us the citizens to stick up for ourselves and our state. No one else is going to do it. It takes the citizens and working taxpayers... Let's do it before things get any worse.. It don't count if you don't put it on paper at the polls. Cry babies don't count, votes do..

Posted by: Way to Go on May 14, 2008 at 11:02 PM
To No Way Jose: FACT: OBAMA submitted this bill. OBAMA is the MAIN sponsor. Even if it end up with Bipartisan support, it needs to be defeated. This is an election year and the congress will do anything to get votes. The fact that Obama even submitted this shows what he will do in the White House. Not all side are for this bill.

Posted by: Kevin on May 14, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I voted against Rockefeller too. I was alienated by his support for Obama, when "We The People" soundly voted against him. Someone as rich as Rockefeller can't relate to the ordinary citizens of our state and I'm tired of these people who "serve" in the Senate merely for the title and status that accompanies the office.

Posted by: anom on May 14, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I voted for Billy Hendricks, Jr. Run, Billy, run. Next time, get some backing and campaign harder. You'll get my vote if you run again.

Posted by: JR on May 14, 2008 at 05:08 PM
West Virginia is a socialist state. The only hope is for a boom in the southern part so people with independent minds will move there and vote independently. This is the 21st century and slates are being passed out to tell people how to vote.

Posted by: reader on May 14, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Rockefeller has lost all of my support. He will never get another vote from me and anyone else I can persuade not to vote for him. He should have NOT endorsed Obama until after our primary was held. After the results showed such a huge margin of victory for Clinton, how can he support Obama? Isn't he suppose to be our voice and go with how our state votes?

Posted by: 1st time Voter on May 14, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I'm proud to say I voted for Hilary,but being my first time voting(I'm 37 yrs old)I voted for Rockefeller but prior to knowing he was backing Obama.I am so sorry I was even part of him winning this primary. Can I have my vote back? I'm with Brian, had I known, I would have voted like he did just to keep him out. Sorry to all my democratic friends for this vote!!

Posted by: No Way Jose on May 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Way to Go, you failed to mention this dastardly act is also a bi-partisan supported piece of legislation and is also supported by Bread for the World, CARE, Oxfam America, Habitat for Humanity International, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Borgen Project, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, RESULTS, and Micah Challenge USA. Also, the information you provided can only be found on conservative propaganda websites. No legitimate news organization has discussed these fears. The conservative site also use words like "could cost," "may," and "just might." These sources are conjecture and not fact. Under a Republican President we are currently sending trillions overseas. It's called the War in Iraq.

Posted by: GOP Voter on May 14, 2008 at 02:53 PM
As a registered Republican I could not vote on these races. I can not believe after all of the moaning and groaning about these two, the Dems voted them in again. You only have one more chance to oust these players in November. Democrats will have to cross party lines to achieve this goal. This will not happen because West Virginia democrats only know how to vote a straight ticket. Just because they have familiar names, why don't you give someone new a try.

Posted by: Brian on May 14, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I voted for Sheirl Fletcher, even though I never heard of that person, just so I did not vote for Jay Rockefeller. I am know on a mission to get as many people to vote for Jay Wolfe of Harrison County in November. Let's end Rockefeller's reign on WV, let's vote him out in November.

Posted by: Way to Go on May 14, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Rockefeller wants Obama, who is trying right now to push through a "Global Economy Tax" that would infringe on our right to bear arms, give the UN the right to decide the borders of nations, & give the UN political control over the global economy. Yep. It is called the Global Poverty Act & will increase our taxes by close to $1 TRILLION. OBAMA is the MAIN sponsor of this bill! This is just the beginning of what will come if this man is elected President. Wake Up People!! By voting for Rockefeller you negated your vote for Hillary. Maybe when you lose all rights and the UN is on our streets policing "peace" you'll understand what a horrible mistake you made. This act will cost more than helping to defeat terrorists. So, complain about the war against terror & vote someone in who will pull us out & will allow the UN to patrol our streets. That makes a lot of sense! Yeah, OBAMA is for change, but do you REALLY want that kind of change? WSAZ, Prove you are not biased and print this.

Posted by: Old Bigin on May 14, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Hey, WV voters if you keep electing these clowns they will know in this state they can do anything and be safe. They think and act like this now. I for one will be voting for Russ Weeks this fall. For the sake of our state and future of our childern, take all of your family and freinds to vote this fall and break up this plague that has paralyzed WV for so long. Rockefeller and Manchin are nothing but parasites that think they own you and this state. It looks like they do, It's up to you..

Posted by: Sick of being 50th! on May 14, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Jay Rockefailure needs to go!

Posted by: Proud Voter on May 14, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I am very proud to say that I DID NOT VOTE for Rockefeller yesterday in the election. I am sorry he won but at least I did not vote for him and his political views. His views NO LONGER agree with the large percentage of West Virginians. We want Hillary as clearly stated. He sides with Obama. He is not on our side. PROUD TO HAVE VOTED FOR SOMEONE ELSE...GO HILLARY

Posted by: Buck on May 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Neither received any help from me.

Posted by: Arlene on May 14, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Before we the people of WV had the opportunity to voice our selection for President.......THE TRANSPLANT, Rockefeller, decided that WE WERE NOT CAPABLE and therefore, jumped "the gun" to support Obama. I think this is a terrible way to represent the folks of WV. YES!!!!by all means, we need to send him back to where he came from. We do not need him, here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Douglas on May 14, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Manchin has sold us up the river, down the river and just plain to the highest bidder. Most forget to quickly he was the one who fought lowering the food tax, and Pennsylvania run more of our government than we do. He is a public official and you really believe that he knew nothing of his daughters situation. If you think manchin and people like Don Blankenship are helping our state then insensibly you voted for Hillary clinton. Thank God for once Rockefeller did the right thing and voted for Obama. Unfortunately the votes were more about black and white than issues. Obama will help us instead of the clintons helping themselves.

Posted by: KC on May 14, 2008 at 09:12 AM
So, let's get this straight... WV is last in all the good categories and first in the bad. We cry about change, but when it comes time to actually vote for change, why is it that nothing ever changes? Manchin bullied his way to get his daughter a degree she never earned. You all were crying about how he needs to go. Why then, did you still vote for him? Let's see how much you really are tired of the way things are in the fall. If you vote for Rockefeller or Manchin in the fall, then you are part of the problem. Change will not happen until you change the people in office. Yeah, WV... almost heaven? Land of the poor, mostly uneducated (one of the highest HS drop out rates, and the lowest per capita % with a college education) and high taxes.

Posted by: M on May 14, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Some people in WV do obviously support Obama and feel that Rockefeller is representing their views. There are also many of us who will vote for the Democrat nominee before blindly voting for a Republican. And of course, not everyone loves Joe.

Posted by: Tim on May 14, 2008 at 08:57 AM
All I can say is everyone must be okay the way this state and nation are ran. Stop gripping about gas prices and dirty politics. People who voted even one incumbent back into office is as much the problem is this country and people who do not vote. I voted for NO incumbents. This state and nation is in a mess!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 07:55 AM
How can people vote for Rockefeller (WHO SUPPORTS OBAMA) and then vote for Hillary Clinton? It's time to vote Rockefeller OUT of office. I received one response from Rockefeller's office replying to a letter I had sent which was full of untrue statements...I knew the truth. We also need to keep Shelly Capito because she is keeping us up-to-date with conference calls, e-mails, and letters. The only time we hear from Senator Byrd, is when send him a letter. He sends NO up-to-date info about anything happening in the Senate!

Posted by: Fed Up with Stupid on May 14, 2008 at 07:52 AM
WV Super delecates should back the voters of WV and VOTE for Hillary

Posted by: Manchin did not on May 14, 2008 at 05:54 AM
set on the fence he was posing for the new signs to adorn our interstate. Welcome to WV - I have finally ruined it is the new slogans for the signs

Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 02:35 AM
We vote to have people in office that represent our views. Clearly this is no longer demonstrated with Rockerfeller. This fall we need to make our voices heard loud and clear and vote someone who will LISTEN to us. Our officals should ALWAYS endorse the candidate that WE choose not the DNC. Let's make a statement this fall that they are there to serve US!!

Posted by: Took Noticed on May 14, 2008 at 02:18 AM
At least Rockefeller was not afraid to make a decesion by supporting Senator Obama. Gov. Manchin sat on the fence- "B Ee yea hot or be yea cold"= "Lukewarm" he was.

Posted by: Embarrassed in WV on May 14, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Webster defines a traitor as one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty. How are West Virginians so blind as to re-elect a man that refuses to follow the people's wishes? Is there that much apathy among voters? Jay Rockefeller is so arrogant in his blatant disregard for the opinions of the very people for which he is elected to serve. His brush off of our opinions with a reference to WV’s not liking “anyone new” was just disrespectful. "When I came to West Virginia, it took people a while to accept me,'' Rockefeller said. "Barack is new to West Virginia, and the Clintons are not new to West Virginia.'' Is this suppose to mean that the people in our state are not capable of voting based on a person’s platform....only if we “know” them. Well, let’s hear it for “Good Ole Boy politics” once again. (Oh, is it politically correct to use the word boy?)

Posted by: dont understand on May 13, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Who in their right mind voted for Jay.... I'm sure he will not cast a vote for Hillary. The candidate that we...vote for.

Posted by: Ann on May 13, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Yes, Jay Rockefeller does what he wants, it doesn't matter what the people of our State want. He is just a transplant and does nothing to help us, but brag about eating brown beans and corn bread with the coal miners. Doesn't even matter that he let them down too. Where is your coal mining job? Why doesn't he stand behind what we want? We really need to send him back to wherever he came from. He should take Rahill with him.

Posted by: Jeff on May 13, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Rockefeller is so out of touch with the people he is elected to represent. I will be voting Rep.

Posted by: Doug on May 13, 2008 at 11:10 PM
WV will never amount to anything until people realize that Rockefeller and scum like the Manchins are the biggest problems here in this state..

Posted by: Sherry on May 13, 2008 at 11:06 PM
It is sad Jay Rockefeller and Nick Rahall are ignoring the will of the people of WV. Let's kick em out in November.

Posted by: Chris on May 13, 2008 at 11:00 PM
With all hopes in November, Rockefeller, Rahall, and others will get voted out regardless of parties. It's obvious that these officials are in office for themselves and not the good people of West Virginia. These officials are elected by the people, and supposed to be "for the people"...and supporting one candidate prior to hearing the voice of the people, isn't representing the good people of West Virginia....Jay and Nick, "hit the bricks"!

Posted by: laney on May 13, 2008 at 10:38 PM
I have supported the Senator his entire career, he is suppose to represent the people of West Virginia, yet he has chosen to support Obama. This is a slap in the face of the people who have stood behind him. I strongly urge you, Senator Rockefeller, not to turn your back on the people who have been there for you.We have spoken in large volumes that Senator Clinton is our choice, please represent our state as we have voted.

Posted by: Ken on May 13, 2008 at 10:03 PM
How about some polling estimates on the Governor's race WSAZ? It shouldn't matter how much more money Mojoe raised. Give us some numbers instead of annointing Manchin.

Posted by: Allen on May 13, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Way to go Jay Rockefeller!You got it right.It takes guts to stand up and make a decision,especially when it is an unpopular decision.Yes West Virginia,Hillary has won the battle but lost the war.Obama is the nominee.If you don't believe this then you live in a parallel universe.I challenge all clinton supporters to support Obama in November.This is about keeping McBush out of office.If you voted for Clinton there is no way you can vote for McBush.Be smart if ending Iraq is important to you,if affordable health care is important to you,if you care about your childrens future then vote for the Democratic nominee in November.I would vote for Hillary.I would vote for Barack.No way will I vote for anyone who remotely resembles George W, Bush.Our country can't take anymore.

Posted by: Manchin has done on May 13, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Absolutely nothing for West Virginia other than change the signs on the interstates several time or every time he got a hair cut so it would show his new picture. Rockefeller on the other hand in a position to due something about fuel prices sets in a family who started Exxon who refuses to research to provide for research into alternative fuels for America and reaping the profits off the hard working West Virginian's back. So this is horrible news. BTW the insurance companies love Manchin as well my rates have skyrocketed since his Insurance overhaul took effect and I am accident free on both policies for over 30 year since I first was required to get insurance.

Posted by: Jim on May 13, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Now that Hillary has won in West Virginia, are our "super" delegates going to back the people of West Virginia or take our voting rights away from us and continue to back obama

How often do you attend church?

	Never
	A few times a year
	Once a week
	Two or more times a week