CHARLESTON – Don Blankenship is running for U.S. Senate.
The former CEO of Massey Energy filed papers Jan. 26 at the state Capitol. He is running as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).
Other candidates for the seat on the Democratic side include Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Princeton resident Zachary Shrewsbury. The Republicans who have filed paperwork for the position are Gov. Jim Justice, U.S. Rep. Alex X. Mooney, Beckley resident Bryan Bird, Zane Lawhorn of Princeton, Baker resident Don Lindsay, Bryan McKinney of Inwood and Janet McNulty of Martinsburg.
Pushkin | File photo
“I admit I’m not a Washington Democrat,” Blankenship said. “That’s why I expect West Virginia Democrats and Independents to vote for me and lend a hand me begin the process of returning the Democratic Party and America to sensible, moral and pro-American policies.
“We will work hard to restore the Democratic Party’s position to one that helps West Virginians and all Americans and is consistent with common sense and our core beliefs. We will stop supporting the policies pushed by West Coast maniacs and DC lunatics.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party released a statement condemning Blankenship’s candidacy.
“I don’t care what letter he has after his name this week, Don Blankenship is not a Democrat and does not represent the values of our party,” said Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party.
Blankenship was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to willfully violate mine safety standards. A jury found him not guilty of securities fraud or perjury – both felonies – after the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster in Raleigh County that killed 29 miners. He served a year in federal prison.
“Blankenship, or as we always call him, Federal Prisoner No. 12393-088, lost the previous U.S. Senate race when he ran for the Republican Party,” Pusking said. “He continued his unsuccessful race for president, running for the Constitution Party’s mandate. “He will officially join the three-time loser club when he is rejected by voters again in the 2024 West Virginia Democratic primary.”
Blankenship said he doesn’t expect support from the party.
“Here is my main message: both major political parties are corrupt organizations,” he said. “Corrupt organizations that are in the process of destroying America for their own gain. The position of the Democratic Party leaders is the complete opposite of the position of the people of West Virginia and violates the fundamental beliefs of the majority of West Virginians.
“It’s clear that West Virginia Democrats have much more in common with me than they do with the leaders of the DC Democratic Party or my opponents who continually support DC’s lunatics.”
Blankenship also expressed concern about illegal immigration, mass drug addiction and drug-related fatalities, dependence on China for prescription drugs, corruption in the U.S. Senate and Supreme Court, democracy and fair elections
He said a vote for him is “a vote against (Mitch) McConnell and his pro-China, anti-American agenda against West Virginia.”
“Corrupt politicians and the loss of democracy are causing the rapid decline of America,” Blankenship said. “Leaders of political parties are the criminals causing this collapse. Together we can stop America’s decline. But we cannot stop the decline by acquiescing and supporting the leadership of the national Democratic Party.”
He said something had to change in Washington.
“I have a history of making changes in West Virginia that all citizens have enjoyed over the last decade,” he said. “I was primarily responsible for eliminating your food tax, primarily for controlling the cost of your insurance, primarily for ensuring that the state could provide raises to teachers and fully fund their pension plan, and was almost entirely responsible for creating a fairer legal system.
“Simply put, I led the resurgence of the Republican Party in West Virginia, which led to more jobs and lower taxes.”
Now he says he wants to do it for the Democratic Party and all Americans.
“To do this, the Democratic Party must return to morality-based politics, get America back on track, fight corruption, not participate in it, and stop supporting the national demagogy of the Democratic Party,” Blankenship said. “As West Virginia Democrats, you can lead your party to its moral and rightful place in our country, and your country to its moral and rightful place in the world.”
Pushkin said Blankenship is trying to find a way to be relevant.
“This sad stunt is simply his last attempt to find political salvation,” Pushkin said. “The West Virginia Democratic Party remains committed to supporting candidates who truly represent democratic values and who will work to improve the quality of life for all West Virginians. Our party focuses on improving health care, supporting workers’ rights, strengthening mine safety and ensuring reproductive freedom.
The second vice chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party agreed.
“West Virginians know – deeply and painfully – who Don is and all he stands for regarding the historic injustices that have been done to us, the people of the Mountain State,” said Sam Petsonk. “His values are, in every way, the complete opposite of what Democrats stand for. More than anyone else, he created the monster that is today’s intensely radicalized GOP. He made this bed and he should lie in it.
He will find no friend or favor among Democrats.”
Pushkin again said that the party would not accept Blankenship.
“Our party is a big tent, but it has no place in it for those whose actions have demonstrated reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of our workers and communities,” Pushkin said. “We will continue to fight for true representation and urge West Virginia voters to see this transparent attempt at political rebirth.”
