CHARLESTON – Shortly after U.S. Representative Alex K. Mooney announced his plans to challenge U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s campaign sent a letter to supporters saying he plans to be on the ballot in 2024 as well.
But what office he’ll seek remains to be seen.
Mooney, a Republican who recently was re-elected to a second two-year term in the House, told Hoppy Kercheval on MetroNews’ “Talkline” statewide radio November 15 that he is “all in” on running against Manchin for the Senate seat he’s held since 2010.
“I do think it’s important to let folks know I’m running right away as they make their decisions for what they want to do,” Mooney told Kercheval. “I’ve heard at least five other names on the Republican side. The Democrats will have to choose. I mean, Joe Manchin will have to win his primary if he runs in 2024 also. …
“I think Republicans need to take the West Virginia seats in two years for the sake of the country.”
Mooney and Morrisey both have been critical of Manchin and his support of parts of Biden’s agenda, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. And after last week’s midterm elections, Democrats will continue to have control of the U.S. Senate.
Hours after Mooney’s announcement, Morrisey’s campaign issued a six-page document to supporters touting his accomplishments since taking office in 2012.
“I have been asked to consider running for these two positions, as well as the U.S. House in the northern part of the state or stand for re-election as Attorney General,” Morrisey’s letter states. “I want to give all of these options appropriate and due consideration.
“But rest assured, I know how important it is to be strong, especially when it comes to taking on a tough incumbent.”
Morrisey narrowly lost to Manchin in 2018.
Also Tuesday, Morrisey told supporters not to jump on a bandwagon for candidates just yet.
“What I’ve said very clearly is there are going to be a lot of names that are going to start to float around,” he said on WCHS Radio’s 580 Live. “There will be people that will announce. I’m not looking to announce for any office in 2022. I still have more work in front of me here in the AG’s office.
“But I am asking people to kind of watch and wait and maybe don’t commit to some of the folks yet until we have a chance to maybe come onto the field. I know we’re strong. I know we’d be well-positioned to win any primary against anyone in the state of West Virginia. But I want to make sure I do this the right way and give every position full consideration.”
When asked for additional comment, Morrisey essentially told The West Virginia Record the same thing.
“We are closely reviewing all of our options, including the U.S. Senate and like our chances of prevailing in any primary and general election,” Morrisey told The Record through a campaign spokesman.
Last week, Morrisey told Politico and The Hill he’s evaluating all of his options for 2024 and “looking very closely at the Senate race.”
In addition to Morrisey, Mooney could have another high-profile opponent in the 2024 GOP primary. Gov. Jim Justice, who switched parties to Republican in 2017 shortly after he was elected to his first term, also has hinted he could run for Manchin’s seat.
Morrisey’s letter to supporters today seemed to hint that’s still a very real possibility by asking supporters to hold off on supporting other candidates in key races. The letter also said his campaign war chest has more than $3 million ready to go.
“We will win any primary we enter, and more importantly, will have the enduring financial support and grassroots strength to ensure that we also prevail in November to fight for the values you and I share,” he wrote. “Today, I am asking you to Keep the Faith and hold off pledging your support to any other candidate who may be making noise about one of the key races up in 2024.
“We are coming and when we do, we will have a force that West Virginia has not seen in an election in many years. On the financial side alone, we anticipate having over $12 million in aggregate (between a campaign and allies) available for any primary campaign alone. …
“So today, hold the line. It’s early and we have too much important work! Please hold off engaging until we are ready to go. I won't disappoint you.”