2012 West Virginia Senate Race - Candidates, Debates and Primary Results
This page displays the information for the West Virginia senate race. This includes candidates, dates, and political views. The tables below show the candidates for the general election with an option to compare those candidates after the primary. This is followed by the primary candidates and the number of political views we have for each representative. Selecting one of these representatives takes you to the profile for this candidate and a full list of their political positions, speeches, and controversies.
2012 West Virginia Senate Race - General Election Candidates
|
| Primary Date | May 08, 2012 |
| General Date | November 06, 2012 |
| Incumbent | Joe Manchin |
| Incumbent Status | Seeking Re-election |
| Election Projection | Solid Democrat |
| Presidential Election | 2012 Election |
2012 West Virginia Senate Race - Primary Election Candidates
| Perc | Votes | Candidate | Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% | 119725 | Joe Manchin | 18 |
| 20% | 30470 | Sheirl Fletcher | 0 |
| Perc | Votes | Candidate | Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 61289 | John Raese | 15 |
Description of Election
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.