THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CAMPAIGN OF WV GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE RUSS WEEKS.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks on Tuesday congratulated Gov. Joe Manchin on his victory in the Democratic Primary, and challenged the governor to a series of seven regional debates across West Virginia.

“There are important issues in this campaign, and voters have the right to hear and consider for themselves the differences between the two candidates,” said Weeks.

Weeks said among the issues he and Manchin should debate are:

The cronyism and corruption in state government that has led to the scandal at West Virginia University involving an unearned degree being awarded to the governor’s daughter.
The importance of giving immediate tax relief to the people and businesses of West Virginia, rather than the slow and ineffective approach exhibited by the governor, which precludes bringing about the growth and prosperity West Virginia needs.
The need for a independent accounting of the budgets of all state agencies, especially the Department of Health and Human Resources, to avoid the wasting of millions of tax dollars each year.
Making real progress toward ending abortion by introducing legislation eliminating all tax funded abortions, rather than just paying lip service to the issue.
Why the governor, early in his term, tried to eliminate safeguards in the state’s purchasing procedures, despite ongoing rigged bidding scandals.
Why, after more than three years of Manchin Administration policies, the state continues to come in last or next to last in national economic rankings.

“These and other issues deserve a full hearing before the voters of this state,” said Weeks. “We shouldn’t settle for two or three debates at the end of the campaign. Let’s get started now, and allow West Virginians from every region to attend and participate in the discussion of these important issues, and the clear differences between the candidates.”