Update from 6 p.m. Newscast

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- With Election Day just 61 days away, one of the hottest races in our region is the Huntington mayoral contest.

On Wednesday morning, city firefighters and police officers endorsed their candidate – Republican Kim Wolfe. The endorsement came after Huntington Mayor David Felinton changed city employees' health insurance, which has become more expensive. Felinton, a Democrat and two-term Huntington mayor, is running for a third consecutive term.

Alan Rohrig, a political action committee member, said the health insurance issue was not the reason for endorsing Wolfe.

"We just feel he's the candidate to move Huntington forward," Rohrig said.

Felinton said the insurance hike is an economic reality in Huntington; he said Wolfe's endorsement comes as no surprise.

"Back in the primary, a representative from the I.A.F.F. called and asked if I still stand firm on the insurance decision," Felinton said. "I said 'Yes' and he said they would have to endorse my opponent."

Wolfe said his endorsement is not about solving the insurance problem.

"There's no promises made," he said. "I'm not playing politics for the safety of citizens."

Wolfe said changes he'd like to see include ridding Huntington of drugs and tearing down dilapidated houses. He also would like to increase staffing of the police and fire departments.

Felinton said he also has plans in place to make Huntington a cleaner, safer and better place to live.

Wolfe said Wednesday's announcement marks the beginning of a tough campaign. Election Day is Nov. 4.

Original Story

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Huntington police officers with Goldstar Lodge 65 and firefighters with I.A.F.F. 289 endorsed Republican Mayoral Candidate Kim Wolfe. Wolfe is currently the Cabell County Sheriff and is trying to unseat incumbent David Felinton.

The firefighters and police officers endorsed Wolfe this morning at the YWCA. John Angle with I.A.F.F. 289 says Kim Wolfe will bring the change needed to get Huntington on the right track. Angle says Wolfe will also help increase the number of firefighters and police officers.

Mayor David Felinton says the only reason the firefighters and police officers endorsed Wolfe is because of the insurance dilemma. Felinton recently chose an insurance plan that increased the rates for city workers. Felinton says he's being endorsed by U.S. Congressman Nick Joe Rahall and the labor council.