At the Annual Media Appreciation Breakfast of the Bluefield Coal Show, West Virginia Coal Association Chairman Gary White today announced the Association’s endorsement of acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in the Oct. 4 special election for governor.
White said the decision by the Association’s Executive Committee is in recognition of Tomblin’s lifetime of service to the people of West Virginia and his proven record of fiscal responsibility and leadership while serving as president of the Senate.
“Our state is fortunate to have the choice between two capable candidates as Gov. Tomblin and Republican candidate Bill Maloney, who has worked in and has many friends in the industry,” White said. “We want to thank each of them for their dedication, but we believe it is critical for the state to have a seasoned, demonstrated leader like Earl Ray Tomblin to guide us through the stormy seas of overly stringent federal intervention and regulation.
“Gov. Tomblin is a leader. He has been the ‘steady hand at the wheel’ who has been instrumental in restoring our state’s fiscal stability. His effective, far-sighted leadership has made it possible for West Virginia to weather the storm in these tough times. West Virginia needs a governor who has a demonstrated record of accomplishment. West Virginia needs Earl Ray Tomblin.
“He has never wavered. He has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of West Virginia’s coal industry and its people. From the privatization of our workers’ compensation system to the creation of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Board, Gov. Tomblin has been there. He has led the fight against intrusive, job-killing and federal regulation, and made sure we continue to mine our West Virginia coal with West Virginians. He’s always been there, in the good times and the bad. He is the most qualified candidate we’ve ever had for our Governor.”
In accepting the endorsement, Gov. Tomblin thanked the members of the Association for their support and said, “I pledge to you that as your Governor, I will have three priorities: to bring more jobs and lower taxes to our great state of West Virginia, … and to end the EPA’s assault against our state’s working coal miners.
“West Virginia coal mining families truly are the backbone of our state and our country. I’m proud to have the support of people who contribute so much to our economy and quality of life.”
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