Democrat Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin beat Republican challenger Bill Maloney in a
battle to be the state's next governor.
The Associated Press called the race for Tomblin at 10:45 p.m. With 78 percent of precincts reporting, Tomblin
had 51 percent of the vote to Maloney's 45 percent. Mountain Party candidate
Jesse Johnson accumulated 3 percent of the vote, and Libertarian David Moran
had 1 percent of the vote.
This isn't the first time Tomblin and Maloney faced off for the governor's office.
The two competed last year in a special election for governor. Tomblin won that
match with 149,202 votes to Maloney's 142,156.
Tomblin served as president of the West Virginia Senate from 1995 through
2011. After Sen. Robert C. Byrd passed away and then-Gov. Joe Manchin was
elected to fill his seat, Tomblin became acting governor under the state
constitution. The West Virginia Supreme Court then ruled a special election
must be held and a governor elected to fill out Manchin's term. Tomblin beat out
five Democrats, including Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, in a May 2011
special primary. He then faced off against Maloney in the October 2011 special
general election. Tomblin was inaugurated as the state's 35th governor Nov. 14, 2011.
Tomblin made light of his continuous campaigning, saying he's seen many
areas of the state over the past 24 months.
"I truly have enjoyed traveling and talking to so many residents," Tomblin
said in his acceptance speech. "I've certainly been from Martinsburg to
Matewan, from Weirton to Welch, and
back again. And again. And again."
Tomblin said despite geographic differences, he has worked to do what is
best for all West Virginians and the state has seen
significant progress.
"I truly believe our state is poised for greatness," Tomblin said, "and I am
proud to have played a part in getting us to this point."
Since taking the helm as governor, Tomblin has overseen the passage of
several pieces of legislation, including a mine safety bill, a bill banning
texting while driving and a plan to pay down the state's retirement debt. In
addition, the state has operated in the black and put a substantial amount of
money into the rainy day fund.
Before running for governor in 2011, Maloney had never run for political
office. The Morgantown businessman
has said throughout the two campaigns that industry finds the state's business
and climates too harsh, and his administration would cut taxes that could harm
businesses and put in place legal reform that could attract new businesses to
the state.
During his concession speech, Maloney said he and his wife, Sharon, ran
the campaign for their grandson's generation.
"So many children have left West Virginia,"
he said. "We're going to continue the fight, to speak out, to be involved
in your communities. We owe it to our young people."
He asked his supporters to come together now and work with Tomblin.
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