June 16, 2004

Manchin won although he was outspent

By Tom Searls
Staff Writer

Secretary of State Joe Manchin was outspent by more than $1 million in the Democratic gubernatorial contest, but it didn’t matter.

Manchin captured more than 50 percent of the vote May 11, easily outdistancing second place finisher Lloyd Jackson, who easily outspent him.

Manchin’s campaign finance report showed he spent $2.1 million in capturing the nomination, spending $277,919 in the closing weeks. Jackson spent more than $3.4 million for the entire contest, spending $1.3 million in the closing weeks in an effort to catch up to Manchin.

Manchin raised $2.6 million for the contest, while loaning his campaign $3,200. In the weeks prior to the election and immediately following, he raised more than $189,000, with 48 people contributing in increments under $250 and 49 who contributed more than that amount for more than $84,000.

Included in that group is Republican activist Robert Gould, a Charleston attorney and former buffalo farmer, who gave $750 to the Democrat’s effort. Joe Martin, a former state lawmaker and Gov. Bob Wise’s legislative liaison, gave the maximum $1,000 donation, as did Rep. Nick Joe Rahall, D-W.Va.

Manchin has $341,598 on-hand for the general election, while his Republican opponent, Monty Warner, reported having $22,744. Warner still owes himself more than $300,000 he loaned his campaign.

Ken Hechler, the former secretary of state who won the Democratic nomination for that post, easily outspent his opponents, records showed. Hechler spent $553,907 in his winning effort, contributing about $550,000 of his own money to the race. He reported having $47,962 on-hand.

The woman he barely beat, former television personality Natalie Tennant, spent $38,532 in her losing effort. Tennant, who received 25 percent of the vote to Hechler’s 26 percent, repaid herself $900 she loaned the campaign, but still was out $3,870 from earlier loans.

State Sen. Mike Oliverio, D-Monongalia, who ran third in the seven-person race, spent $159,542. Oliverio raised more than $160,000 for the race, but left $2,860 in unpaid bills.

Democrat George Daugherty, known as “The Earl of Elkview,” spent more than $36,000, leaving the campaign owing him $26,483 he loaned it.

Donna Acord, also a Democrat, spent more than $39,000 for her effort, ending with the campaign owing her the $11,000 she loaned it.

Republican Betty Ireland of Charleston, who was unopposed in the primary, spent $38,532, while raising $38,963. Ireland repaid $900 to herself for a loan, but was still owed $3,870 from previous loans.

She reported having only $431 on-hand to fight off Hechler’s funding.

Unsuccessful secretary of state candidate Roger Pritt’s report had not been received by Tuesday.

To contact staff writer Tom Searls, use e-mail or call 348-5192.