2012 West Virginia Senate Race Candidates
2012 West Virginia Senate Race - General Election Candidates
|
| Primary Date | 2012-05-08 |
| General Date | 2012-11-06 |
| Incumbent | Joe Manchin |
| Incumbent Status | Seeking Re-election |
| Election Projection | Leaning Democrat |
2012 West Virginia Senate Race - Primary Election Candidates
| Perc | Votes | Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | 119725 | Joe Manchin |
| 20% | 30470 | Sheirl Fletcher |
| Perc | Votes | Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 61289 | John Raese |
The Situation
Former Governor Joe Manchin was elected in a special election two years ago after the passing of Senator Byrd and is running is his first general election. The state has seen a swing in recent years away from the Democratic party and towards the Republicans. This was seen in a Republican victory in House District 1 in 2010 and a stronger Republican showing in Democratic held House district 3.
There hasn't been a great deal of focus on the West Virginia Senate Race due to the lack of competition in the primary elections. However, the general election will likely be very close. Senator Manchin's incumbent status gives him a slight edge meaning that the election will be listed as "leaning Democrat" until polls show a Republican advantage.
The Candidates
Senator Manchin does not have much of a record in the Senate, having served only 1/3 of a term. This could mean that the general election will be more of an overall Republican versus Democrat election than one based on the record of the incumbent Senator. Senator Manchin is not facing a primary challenger.
The Republicans are running a single candidate in the primary and general election. Mr John Raese ran against Senator Byrd in 2006 and recieved less than 30% of the vote, but ran against Governor Manchin in the 2010 special election and recieved well over 40% of the vote.