Big News Out Of West Virginia

July 31, 2013

Big news today out of West Virginia. Now former Democrat State Senator Evan Jenkins announced this morning that he has joined the Republican Party and will challenge Congressman Nick Rahall in WV03. This Bush/McCain/Romney district is one of our top offensive targets this cycle.

 

Jenkins decision to switch parties stems from his frustration with Nick Rahall’s and President Obama’s War on Coal that has devastated West Virginia families. Below please find statements from Chairman Walden and Chairman Priebus as well as words of encouragement from Speaker Boehner, Leader Cantor and Whip McCarthy.

 

Chairman Walden’s Statement on West Virginia State Senator Evan Jenkins
Democrat Switches to the Republican Party and Announces Campaign Against Nick Rahall (WV-03)

WASHINGTON – National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) released the following statement today after West Virginia State Senator Evan Jenkins announced that he has joined the Republican Party and will challenge Congressman Nick Rahall in West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District:

“Evan Jenkins’ decision to join the Republican Party and run for Congress in West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District is proof positive that West Virginians are prepared to fight back against President Obama’s War on Coal and Congressman Nick Rahall’s out-of-touch support for the anti-coal, ‘Progressive Budget.’”

 

“On behalf of myself and the National Republican Congressional Committee, I welcome Evan to the Republican Party and am excited that voters in West Virginia now have a candidate for Congress who reflects their hopes and values, as well as their frustrations with how the Washington D.C. Democratic establishment is committed to leaving West Virginia behind.”

 

 

RNC Welcomes West Virginia State Senator Evan Jenkins to the Republican Party

WASHINGTON – Today Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day welcomed West Virginia State Senator Evan Jenkins to the Republican Party after today’s announcement that Jenkins would join the party and challenge Democrat Congressman Nick Rahall in West Virginia’s Third District.

“I want to welcome State Senator Jenkins to the Republican Party and applaud him for taking a stand on behalf of West Virginians,” said Chairman Priebus.

“Evan recognizes that President Obama’s Democrat Party has lost touch with the people of West Virginia. Democrats’ war on coal is a war on jobs. West Virginia knows this all too well. While Democrats give in to the liberal activists and special interests, Republicans will stand up for every American who wants a shot at a good job and a better future. Evan knows this, and the people of West Virginia can count on him to be a pro-jobs legislator who fights for their values.

“As Democrats continue to abandon American workers, more leaders like Evan will abandon the Democrat Party. Republicans welcome everyone who cherishes freedom and believes in unlimited opportunity for all.”

“Evan should be commended for his decision, and we’re glad that he now calls the Republican Party home,” said Co-Chairman Day. “West Virginians will be better served by leaders who will fight against the Democrat Party’s overreach in Washington, D.C., and will fight for constitutional principles and conservative values.”