Photo by Joselyn King Ohio County Assessor Tiffany Hoffman, right, also co-chairperson of the County Democratic Party, speaks with Marlene Midget of the Ohio County Democratic Women at the Democrat’s new party office in Market Plaza.

WHEELING — Ohio County Democrats have opened their 2020 campaign headquarters to the relief of party faithful, who thought an office space might not be possible for them this year.

The current election season has coincided with the coronavirus pandemic, and donations are down this year, according to Teddie Grogan of the Ohio County Democratic Women. Grogan had looked at various locations for a headquarters — including the space at 1061 Market Plaza in downtown Wheeling — and found them costing more than what the party could afford.

Then Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, contacted her and said he had worked out a deal with building owner Dean Connors for the Market Plaza spot, and that he would “take care of it” when it came to the price.

“Thanks to Shawn, we have a headquarters,” Grogan said. “I didn’t think we were going to be able to have an office this year.”

The Democrats officially opened their Ohio County headquarters on Thursday, and it will be staffed as volunteers become available, according to Grogan.

Traditionally, the party headquarters serves as a spot where supporters can gather, organize door-to-door efforts for candidates, and maybe share some food and drinks. None of that will happen there this year, as food and loitering are banned in the office during the age of COVID-19.

Volunteers instead will focus this election season on a drive to send out candidate postcards to voters.

Opportunities also exist for smaller outdoor events to take place just outside the headquarters on the Market Plaza, Grogan said. Volunteers will set up outside to help people who need to register to vote or obtain an absentee ballot application. They also hope to get out information about the importance of completing the Census.

An additional bonus is the plaza offers a nice spot for small outdoor candidate rallies, she said.

Fluharty said voters this election season should focus on electing candidates who instill pride among those living in the Ohio Valley and the state of West Virginia, and that “the Democrats fare well because of that.”

“West Virginians identify with the Democratic Party. We fight for the working class, and always have and always will. That’s why Democrats are successful,” Fluharty said.

“Having pride in West Virginia knows no party, and our pride needs to be restored in politicians. It’s time to have pride in politicians again.”

Natalie Cline, the Democratic nominee for West Virginia’s 1st District U.S. House seat, said she is “very hopeful” for Democratic chances in 2020. She said preserving health care benefits for residents is the most pressing issue facing America.

“I am here to fight for every single person, not just corporate interests,” she said. “Health care needs our continuing support. In my opinion, the richest nation in the world should be able to help citizens meet their basic needs, and health care is part of that.”

Delegate Randy Swartzmiller, D-Hancock, also the Democratic nominee for the 1st District State Senate seat, is hopeful those who might vote Republican at the federal level will know Democrats are the best choice at the state and local level.

“They understand there is a difference between West Virginia Democrats and Washington Democrats,” he said. “There will be some good opportunities for Democrats because of that. Everybody knows me and that I’m a very moderate Democrat — a Kennedy Democrat. I think it should be an interesting election this year.”

Ohio County Commissioner Tim McCormick said he predicts no Democratic or Republican landslides in this election.

“There are individual decisions each person has to make, and it is up to them which way they want to go,” McCormick said. “That’s the beauty of it. You just can’t vote a one-party anymore. You vote for who you think will be best in that office. I know personally I have never voted a straight ticket in my life.”