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‘Non-Politician’ Willis Seeking U.S. Senate Seat

Former Green Beret not satisfied with the those in Washington

WHEELING –As a graduate of Georgetown University’s law school, a U.S. Army Green Beret and the owner of a historic hotel, Tom Willis hopes his wide range of experiences will convince West Virginia voters to choose him as their next U.S. senator.

Beyond his resume, however, Willis said the main reason Mountain State voters should elect him is that he is a “non-politician.”

“I am not satisfied with what these career politicians are doing in Washington, D.C.,” the 45-year-old resident of Hedgesville, W.Va. said. “If we want any kind of real change to occur in our country, we can’t keep electing career politicians to represent us.”

Willis will compete in the May 8 West Virginia Republican primary for the seat now held by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. Manchin has held the post since 2010, assuming the seat shortly after the death of the legendary Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

Willis named two of his Republican competitors, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, as some of the “career politicians” he is facing. Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship also is seeking the GOP nomination.

“I have been told this is going to be a difficult race. As a Green Beret, all of our missions are difficult,” Willis said.

Willis said he is a Republican because he sees the GOP as the party that comes closest to reflecting his values.

“The Republican Party is the party of (President Abraham) Lincoln,” he said. “It makes the most sense, to me, in terms of generating jobs and economic growth. I am also a man of faith.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in hydrogeology from the University of Virginia, Willis moved on to Georgetown University’s law school. He then worked for several years as a tax attorney.

Willis said he maintains a law license, but does not presently practice. Instead, he has his hands full running the Glen Ferris Inn, located along the Kanawha River in Fayette County. That, of course, is when he is not on part-time duty as a major with the West Virginia National Guard.

“I joined the West Virginia National Guard in 2000,” he said. “My first trip to Wheeling came in 2004 when I was here after a flood on Wheeling Island. I have 18 years serving our nation, and West Virginia, in uniform. Now, I feel called to serve as a statesman.”

In terms of specific goals, Willis said West Virginia’s delegation to Congress must present a united front in defense of fossil fuel industries, such as coal and natural gas.

“We’ve got to protect and promote coal and natural gas. However, we also have to grow our economy by promoting tourism with the tremendous natural beauty that our state has to offer,” he said.

Along with his wife, Sara, Willis lives in Hedgesville with his three children: Hunter, Penielle and Tommy.

“I am in this race to win,” Willis added. “I look forward to traveling around the state to meet a lot of new people. Running for U.S. Senate is certainly not going to be a part-time gig.”

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