U.S. Sen Joe Manchin has endorsed businessman Jim Justice for governor, as the three-way Democratic race approaches the May primary.
"There are three extremely capable candidates in the Democratic race for Governor, but I believe that Jim Justice is uniquely qualified to handle the major challenges that West Virginia is facing," Manchin, D-W.Va., said in a prepared statement. "I saw first-hand the ability, experience and vision Jim has when he stepped up and saved thousands of jobs in West Virginia. I believe this is the type of leadership we need to lead our state through the next four years."
Manchin first endorsed Justice at a town meeting in Parkersburg on Tuesday, the Parkersburg News and Sentinel reported. Manchin did not respond to an interview request Wednesday.
The endorsement is perhaps unsurprising as Manchin's longtime aide, Larry Puccio, has been a consultant to Justice's campaign since its inception. Puccio was Manchin's chief of staff while he was governor, then resigned to become a lobbyist and was the state Democratic Party chairman until last year when he resigned to run Manchin's political action committee.
Manchin, a Democrat, endorsed Justice over the two other Democratic candidates, Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler and former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
"It's truly an honor to have Senator Manchin on my team for this rocket ride to create jobs and transform West Virginia," Justice said in a prepared statement.
Manchin also has history with the Goodwin family.
While serving as governor, Manchin had appointed Goodwin's cousin, Carte Goodwin, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd in 2010.
Carte Goodwin chose not to run in the special election to fill Byrd's seat, allowing Manchin to run in, and win, the Senate seat and vacate the governor's office.
Reach David Gutman at
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