THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WV REPUBLICAN PARTY.

CHARLES TOWN — Jefferson County’s Bob Adams, who carried the majority of the Eastern Panhandle’s counties in his 2004 race for State Treasurer against John Perdue, announced today he will seek the Republican nomination for Governor in 2008.

In the ’04 race, Adams won the Eastern Panhandle counties of Berkeley, Jefferson, Grant, Hampshire, Mineral and Morgan, and also carried Doddridge and Ritchie counties.

Adams says the economic prosperity of the Eastern Panhandle offers lessons that should be applied across the entire state.

“Unfortunately, West Virginia is no more open for business today than it was four years ago,” said Adams. “We need to remove the government shackles that restrain the free market engine from running at full speed.” Adams said his platform will include eliminating the state’s most regressive taxes, fighting for locality pay for teachers and other government employees, and working for policies that reflect the state’s traditional values on issues like abortion and protecting the sanctity of marriage.

State GOP Chairman Doug McKinney welcomed Adams to the race, saying, “Bob is a rising star in the Republican Party. He’ll bring a focus to issues like taxes, education and health care, and the lack of prosperity that keeps West Virginia last in all the good categories and first in all the bad ones. Coming from the Eastern Panhandle, Bob understands the things our state needs to do to grow and prosper.”

Eastern Panhandle legislators said Adams’ campaign will help bring attention to issues outside of Charleston.

“Bob Adams is an energetic candidate who will bring a fresh perspective to the issues facing our state,” said state Sen. John Yoder. “I’m excited to have an Eastern Panhandle candidate in this race.”

Delegate Craig Blair added, “Bob is one of the hardest working Republican activists I’ve met. As a husband and father, he has a passion for making West Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family. He has seen firsthand the harm done to our residents by our high taxes and unfair policies compared to our border states.”

Delegate Walter Duke said, “As a small businessman, Bob understands that we need to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurs to invest in our state, and creates a level playing field for business and industry to thrive.”

Adams had considered a race for state Senate if Sen. Yoder had decided not to seek reelection. “But I have encouraged John to stay in the Senate, where his experience and innovative approach are desperately needed for the people of the Eastern Panhandle, especially with Sen. John Unger now focusing on a Congressional race.”

Bob and his wife, Allison, acquired Falcon Ridge Horse Farm in Charles Town (formerly known as Meadow Ridge Farm and Mountain View Farm).

Bob currently serves as a board member for Birthright of Charles Town, and is a member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, and the National Rifle Association. He was a candidate for the House of Delegates in 2006.

His professional involvement in public service began in 1994 as an aide to former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr. Throughout his career in public policy and communications he has worked in several senior positions, including the Office of Public Affairs for the American Legislative Exchange Council, the nation's largest bipartisan, individual membership group of state legislators.

Bob is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served as a deck seaman on the U.S.S. Gridley (CG-21). He is a graduate of Essex Community College (A.A. in General Studies) and Towson University (B.A. in Mass Communications).

Bob and Allison reside in Charles Town with their four children, Madison, 6, Caitlyn, 4, Albert, 2, and James Robert, who was born in October.