Greear
CHARLESTON – Dan Greear has raked in more key endorsements.
In the past few days, the Republican candidate for state Attorney General has been endorsed by the Charleston Daily Mail, The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, the West Virginia Business Industry Council and the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Greear and Hiram Lewis are seeking the Republican nomination in the May 13 primary. The winner of that race will face incumbent Democrat Darrell McGraw in the general election.
In its editorial endorsement of Greear, the Daily Mail wrote that Greear "most clearly articulates how McGraw has misused the office, is the strongest candidate, and who would take the office in a direction that better serves West Virginia."
"Greear is an effective candidate, and would have the backing necessary to tackle the durable McGraw, who has shamelessly used the assets of his office to enhance his name recognition among voters," the Daily Mail wrote.
The Herald-Dispatch agreed.
"Dan Greear of South Charleston knows how many West Virginians feel about the state attorney general's office in the hands of incumbent Darrell McGraw," the paper wrote. "Greear says he will end McGraw's practice of filing lawsuits in hopes of landing millions of dollars that he can dole out for his own promotion. He will not hire private lawyers to file lawsuits on behalf of the state and collect large fees for doing so. And he will stop using state money for trinkets that serve no purpose other than promoting McGraw. Greear offers the changes the attorney general's office desperately needs."
Lewis nearly defeated McGraw in 2004, but the Daily Mail said its editorial board thinks Greear is a better candidate at this time.
"After 16 years of McGraw, it's time for a change," the Daily Mail wrote. "Greear, who has plenty of trial experience, would run a responsible attorney general's office -- and is the candidate most likely to win that chance."
Greear said he is pleased with the support his campaign is receiving.
"Our large number of endorsements acknowledges I clearly present the best opportunity to defeat Darrell McGraw in the fall," Greear said in a statement. "I am excited and humbled that so many people and groups are supporting my campaign to change the office of Attorney General."
The Farm Bureau, the Medical Association and the West Virginia Health Care Association also recently endorsed Greear.
"Our first hurdle is to win the primary," he said. "With the support of Republicans across the state and with the backing of our elected officials, we feel strongly we can carry this momentum into the primary election on May 13."