The Charleston Regional of Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee today released its endorsements for the Nov. 2 General Election.

“The Charleston Regional of Chamber of Commerce speaks out for the policies and reforms that create jobs, enhance our community and invest in people,” said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile.  “Central to our mission is endorsing candidates who share our vision for economic growth and opportunity for the citizens of the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia.”

In considering endorsements, the Chamber seeks to identify candidates who:  advocate policies that create high value jobs for West Virginia; strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens;  work with the Chamber on economic development public policy; support the responsible implementation of metro-services and metro-government; support responsible tax reduction; and work to keep young people in the state. 

As part of the endorsement process, the Chamber also considers a candidate’s effectiveness as a political, business or community leader, and whether he or she is accessible and receptive to the Chamber and the views of the local business community.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses the following candidates in the Nov. 2 General Election:

U.S. Senate
Joe Manchin III (D)

U.S. House of Representatives 
Shelley Moore Capito (R)

Kanawha County Commission
David Hardy (D)

WV Senate 8^th District 
Erik Wells (D)

WV Senate 17^th District 
Brooks McCabe (D)

WV House of Delegates 30^th District
Brian Hicks (R)
Erik Nelson (R)
Doug Skaff (D)
James Strawn (R)

WV House of Delegates 31^st District 
Meshea Poore (D)

WV House of Delegates 32^nd District 
Tim Armstead (R)
Ron Lane (R)
Ron Walters( R)

“By endorsing a candidate, the Charleston Chamber believes that he or she will be a strong and effective partner on policies to advance Kanawha County and West Virginia.  It does not mean that we agree with or endorse every position held by the candidate,” explained Chamber President Matt Ballard.  “We will pursue constructive dialogue with all candidates — those we endorsed and those who did not receive our endorsement in this particular election — on meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our region and state.

“We encourage our 600 business members and their 40,000 employees to vote for these candidates,” he added.

The last day for early voting will be Saturday, Oct. 30. Check with your local county clerk to determine the location and hours of early voting in your county.

Traditional polling locations across the state will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.