The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce today released its endorsements for the May 8 Primary 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 responsible tax reduction; and work to keep and attract young people to West Virginia.

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.

Statewide and legislative races that are non-competitive in this primary will be reviewed by the Chamber in the general election for endorsement.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses the following candidates in the May 8 Primary Election:

U.S. Senate
Joe Manchin (D)

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

Kanawha County Commission
Kent Carper (D)

WV Senate 8th District
Jennifer Scragg Karr (D)

WV House of Delegates 35th District
Chris Morris (D)
Doug Skaff (D)
Ann Calvert (R)
John McCuskey (R)
Eric Nelson (R)
Suzette Raines (R)

WV House of Delegates 36th District
Sharon Spencer (D)
Robin Holstein (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.”