West Virginia voters face several choices

November 03, 2008|By DAVE MCMILLION

EASTERN PANHANDLE - In West Virginia, voters on Tuesday will be able to cast ballots in the U.S. presidential race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, and make choices in a large number of local and state races and on some issues.

Among the local choices is whether Berkeley County voters want to increase the size of the Berkeley County Commission from three to five seats.

Also, Berkeley County Commissioner Steven Teufel, a Republican, will attempt to defend his seat from Democrat Anthony J. "Tony" Petrucci and Mountain candidate Klaus Heitmann.

Democrat Kenny Lemaster Jr. will meet Republican Carlton "Cootsie" DeHaven in the race for Berkeley County sheriff.

In the 52nd District House of Delegates race, Del. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, will face Democrat Mike Roberts of Hedgesville, W.Va.

Also in Berkeley County, eight candidates are chasing five open county magistrate positions.

In Jefferson County, voters can choose between Democrat Patricia A. "Patsy" Noland and Republican Frank Kubic for the Kabletown district seat on the Jefferson County Commission. In the race for the Harpers Ferry district seat on the commission, the choices are Republican Melodie Williams, Independent Paul L. Ashbaugh and Democrat Lyn Widmyer.

Democrat Bobby Shirley will meet Republican Jay Watson in the race for Jefferson County sheriff and Democrat Angela L. "Angie" Banks will face Republican Gary Dungan in the race for Jefferson County assessor.

Del. John Doyle, D-Jefferson, will run against Republican Betsy Dungan in the 57th House of Delegates seat race, and in the 58th District House of Delegates race, Democrat Tiffany Lawrence will face Republican Tomas Engle in a battle of political newcomers.

Voters in Jefferson and most of Berkeley County will be able to choose between Democrat Herb Snyder and Republican Bob Adams in a 16th District state Senate seat race.

Voters in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties will be able to choose between incumbent Democrat Gina M. Groh and Republican Harry Waddell for the Division 5 circuit judge position, and can choose between Democrat Mike Lorensen and Republican John Yoder for the Division 2 circuit judge seat.

The top race in Morgan County pits longtime incumbent commission Glen Stotler against Democratic challenger Stacy Dugan.

Looking statewide, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., will face Republican Jay Wolfe and U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., will face Democrat Anne Barth.

Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Russ Weeks and Mountain Party candidate Jesse Johnson.

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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